Academic Labor Relations Specialist

Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.

More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

Academic Affairs is the central administrative office, with responsibility for the institutional academic mission, programming and policy implementation, support programs for academic personnel and students, strategic enrollment management, academic fiscal management, and collective bargaining with theAmerican Association of University Professors (AAUP-PSU Chapter), the Portland State University Faculty Association (PSUFA), and the Graduate Employee Union (GEU).

Academic Affairs is guided by the Provost who serves as chief academic officer of the university. Working with deans and other administrators, the Provost collaborates with the campus and external communities to achieve the academic mission and vision of the University.

This position serves as a high-level, professional, and confidential Labor Relations Specialist supporting the work of the Vice Provost for Faculty Success (VPFS) and the Director of Academic Labor Relations (DALR). Additionally, this position works in collaboration with the Director of Faculty Affairs & Academic Personnel (DFAAP).

As a member of the Academic Employee and Labor Relations (AELR) team in the Office of Academic Affairs, the Academic Labor Relations Specialist uses professional methodologies and best practices to provide direct support to campus in handling employee & labor relations matters that may include coaching, educating, and guiding managers through informal and formal processes involving performance management, progressive discipline, dispute resolution, grievance processing, effective communication, policy compliance, and workplace interventions.

The Academic Labor Relations Specialist is a 12-month, unclassified, unrepresented position. Responsibilities are performed in both a diverse team environment, as well as independently and require excellent communication skills, independent initiative, judgment, and discretion.

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.

The starting annual salary for this position will be between $61,620 and $65,500, but may be negotiated above this range, dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.

Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.