Director, Labor Relations, Nationwide
Lumen

Job Summary

The Labor Relations Director, reporting to the Senior Director, Human Resources, will serve as a critical subject matter expert primarily in the area of labor arbitrations, advice and counseling, and grievance process management, and will possess strong knowledge of issues arising under the NLRA.  Effective strategic planning and execution are critical to the success of this frontline facing role.  The Labor Relations Director works closely with the Labor Relations team, other HR partners, as well as a wide range of operations leaders covering over 9,000 union-represented employees and 40 collective bargaining agreements.

Job Description

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty.  Other projects may be assigned.

• Independently handle and manage all arbitration files, from selection of arbitrator, through case preparation, presentation at hearing, and brief writing (and/or drafting and execution of settlement agreements), through conclusion of the file.
• Provide advice and counsel on issues and disputes arising under the grievance and dispute resolution processes of collectively bargained agreements.
  • In collaboration with Labor Counsel, Labor Relations, and other Human Resources teams, anticipate and assess legal and other risks to the Company, and devises appropriate measures to avoid or reduce those risks while furthering the successful execution of the Company’s strategies and goals.
  • Assist with the development and management of policies and procedures regarding labor issues.
  • Develop forward-looking strategies for the efficient administration of the grievance and arbitration process.
  • Must work independently but excel at collaborating in a team environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience conducting labor arbitrations and/or matters proceeding before the NLRB as a first chair/lead counsel.
• Demonstrated ability to provide concise, accurate, user-friendly, and timely advice to non-lawyers
  • Superior interpersonal, influencing, and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to identify, influence, and lead dispute resolution opportunities.
  • Maintain productive working relationships with union leadership and advocates.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and demonstrate flexibility.
  • Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
  • Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing in a clear, concise, organized manner.
  • Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in one or more        jurisdiction in which Lumen operates strongly preferred
  • 8-10 years of substantive traditional labor experience
• Travel requirement – Potentially up to 50% when work in place resumes (Currently and for the foreseeable future, nearly all hearings are being conducted remotely via Zoom or a similar technology)

Education

• Preferred Master’s Degree with 8+ years’ experience