Director Employee and Labor Relations Tufts Medical Center (Boston)

Tufts Medical Center is a world-renowned academic medical center that has been providing exceptional care across New England for over two centuries. Our clinicians are dedicated to delivering innovative, patient-centered care every day, from our primary care to our Level I Trauma Center to our leading heart transplant program and over 100 specialties and services. We are also the principal teaching hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine and a leading research institution that conducts game-changing medical and health policy research.

Location: Onsite at Tufts Medical Center Boston, MA

Schedule: Hybrid

Job Overview

This position is responsible for the management of the organizations Employee & Labor Relations functions as well as, HR Compliance and Policy Development and Management. The role is charged with jointly developing the strategic direction of both Employee and Labor relations with input from other HR leadership and stakeholders, and carrying out goals and directives throughout the Organization. The position will supervise both exempt and nonexempt staff. The role also works closely with the Tufts’ Physician Organization and medical residents. This position is responsible for continuous organization and process improvement for assigned functions and processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

2. Eight (8) or more years of related experience in Labor Relations and Human Resources.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in a related field, such as Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

2. Ten (10) or more years of related experience in Labor Relations and Human Resources.

3. Previous experience with collective bargaining agreements- negotiations and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Leads the planning, organizing and directing the Employee and Labor Relations functions in the development, coordination and implementation of Human Resources policies and programs.

2. Collaborates with system employee and labor relations on the standardization of policies, procedures, forms, documentation, and workflow, to improve services and maximize the utilization of all staff.

3. Provides project management oversight and direction on several Human Resources initiatives.

4. Participates with other key HR leadership and HR Business Partners in developing the strategic direction of the HR Department in supporting the Organization and represents HR on enterprise-wide initiatives as they relate to defined functional areas that contribute to long range operational excellence.

5. Develops, recommends, and manages budgets for the areas managed.

6. Coordinates the assignment of tasks for the efficient utilization of available resources.

7. This role must demonstrate strong commitment and drive to achieve results; provide leadership in dealing with obstacles and opposition and have strong analytical skills to measure the impact and benefits of improvements in overall HR service delivery and operations.

8. Directs and supervises Employee Relations and Compliance staff including performance evaluations, scheduling, orientation, and training.

9. Make recommendations on employee hires, transfers, promotions, salary changes, discipline, terminations, and similar actions.

10. Resolves grievances and other personnel problems within position responsibilities.

11. Plan and organize a program of employee and labor union relations to prevent and mediate employee disputes and grievances.

12. Develops and recommends policies to address attendance, conduct and performance issues.

13. Develops and oversees polices developed for the mediation and grievance process.

14. Assists HR Business Partners and other leadership with the interpretation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and Human Resources policies.

15. Participates and facilitates meditation with employees and union representatives, identifying legal issues for referral to legal counsel.

16. Participates as a member of negotiating team for MNA contract negotiations. Drives needed operational changes to support operational changes necessary to implement changes to the collective bargaining agreement.

17. Ensures hospital-wide compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and accrediting standards, which impact the broad range of human resources programs.

18. Serve as liaison to legal counsel in addressing legal issues e.g. employment, labor relations, mitigation & avoidance.

19. Accountable for the development of an HR Compliance strategy framework and ensuring that onboarding and licensure of our staff is correct and complete. Oversee audits of employee records and appropriate training of staff is ongoing.

20. Identifies legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting human resources functions and ensure policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance. This includes, but is not limited to, providing and implementing best practices; audit processes, and staying current with industry changes to ensure Tufts Medical Center remains compliant; creating and leading teams to improve and streamline compliance systems as needed.

21. Represents Human Resources on compliance issues to Work Place Violence and Joint Commission committees; this includes, but is not limited to, making committee members aware of HR compliance issues, recommending best practices and providing solutions to solving HR-related compliance issues.

Physical Requirements:

1. Normal office setting.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

2. Proven track record in facilitation, public speaking, training, presentation and communication.

3. Solid knowledge and understanding of Employment and Labor Law.

4. High level of proficiency and demonstrated effectiveness in problem solving and implementing new programs related to increased department and organization operating efficiency.

5. Ability to work independently, handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-pace environment

6. Moderate to advanced computer skills needed including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets presentation software, and database design.

7. Interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with all levels of personnel in discussions and explanations of complex information and to gain cooperation with individuals and groups while effecting timely progress and change, and motivating staff.

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on supporting the design, development, and implementation of human resource programs and policies, including recruitment, training and development, compensation and benefits, mobility, talent acquisition, diversity, talent management & organization development and employee/labor relations. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Employee/Labor Relations duties: Manages interactions and relationships with employees and labor unions, implements measures to increase employee morale, motivation and satisfaction, investigates and resolves complaints, grievances, and disputes, represents management in union/labor relations including the negotiation, interpretation, and administration of collective bargaining agreements, diversity/equal employment opportunity programs, training, and compliance, and advises management on strategies that ensure a productive and harmonious workplace. A management role that supervises employees focusing on tactical, operational activities within a specified area, with the majority of time spent overseeing area of responsibility, planning, prioritizing and/or directing the responsibilities of employees. Goal achievement is typically accomplished through performance of direct and/or indirect reports. A role that manages experienced professionals who exercise latitude and independence in assignments. Responsibilities typically include: policy and strategy implementation for short-term results (1 year or less), problems faced are difficult to moderately complex, and influences others outside of own job area regarding policies, practices and procedures.

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any