Employee and Labor Relations Senior Manager

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

September 4, 2025

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

113,360.00 - 170,040.00

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30+ Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

The Employee and Labor Relations Senior Manager oversees and coordinates the City's overall employee and labor relations activities, processes, and programs. The individual provides leadership, professional direction, support, and education to Human Resources management and staff, department leadership, and the employee community on a broad range of both routine and complex issues. The Senior Manager serves on the city’s negotiation teams for the Boulder Municipal Employees Association (BMEA), Boulder Police Officers Association (BPOA), and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). The person also partners with internal stakeholders to develop employee and labor relations programs and initiatives and is responsible for preparing reports, summaries, policies, and recommendations.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES* Coordinates and participates in labor negotiations during the collective bargaining process; guides collection and development of required data for well-advised decision-making; develops and implements guidelines and procedures; supports the Negotiation Team, Negotiation Strategy Team, and Labor Executive Team.

• Provides individual and/or group advice, guidance, and professional support to Human Resources staff and others with respect to interpretation, application, and compliance of all collective bargaining agreements and associated practices as well as personnel policies and related procedures.
  
• Directs Senior HR Generalists on their support to claim investigations, due process hearings, employee disciplinary actions, performance management, and involuntary terminations.
  
• Reviews labor-related employee grievances, discipline, suspensions, demotions, layoffs, and discharges to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, collective bargaining agreements, policies, procedures, and acceptable management practices; provides input to Deputy Director and may coordinate with legal advisors, when required.
  
• Guide development or improvement and implementation of programs, projects, and processes that support the core functions of the HR team. Ensure the HR team builds supportive resources and tools.
  
• Handles complex and high-profile operational issues and strategic initiatives.
  
• Leads formal and informal working groups of city staff and labor union representatives to analyze and evaluate issues and develop creative, responsive solutions.
  
• Identifies training needs; plans, develops, and/or participates in delivery of formal training to city management and/or employees on employee and labor relations topics.
  
• Researches, identifies, and interprets current and emerging employee or labor relations issues, trends, and opportunities; develops and implements responsive programs, initiatives, and communications.
  
• Develops employee and labor relations issue/activity databases and tracking systems; oversees collection of employee and labor relations data; reviews, monitors, and analyzes separations and separation trends; and prepares periodic and ad-hoc reports.
  
• Assist the Deputy Director in determining communication-related needs, including routine and ongoing messaging, cyclical and special HR campaigns, and intranet/internet content.
  
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS* Ability to design and implement systems necessary to collect, maintain, and analyze data.

• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
  
• Knowledge of best practices, platforms, and formats for communications.
  
• Knowledge of formal and informal dispute resolution methodology, procedures, and techniques.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of public sector labor relations principles and collective bargaining agreements, as well as current and emerging trends.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of federal and state employment and labor laws, regulations, procedures, and standards.
  
• Skill in strong written and verbal communications.
  
• Skill in investigating and problem-solving.
  
• Skill in program planning and implementation.
  
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
  
• Skill in strong analytical and critical-thinking application, with the ability to analyze, summarize, and effectively present data.
  
• Skill in developing strong working relationships and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS* Master’s degree in job-related field.

• Prior local government experience.
  

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE* Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Labor Relations, Public Administration, or related field.

• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
  
• At least seven (7) years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Human Resources Deputy Director

Supervision Exercised: HR Generalist III

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS* Physical and Mental Effort: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials. Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to work in an office setting. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor and/ or operating a keyboard. Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, leadership contact, and changing priorities and conditions.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated: July 2025

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.