Director of Employee Relations

Director of Employee Relations
Salt Lake City Public Library
210 East 400 South

Salary:  $91,500 -$120,000 Depending on Experience    

FLSA Status:    Full-time/Non-Exempt
Reports to:    Chief People Officer

About the Library

The City Library builds foundations for equity, connection and limitless possibility. We are active in our community and collaborate to address needs and realize aspirations. We connect people to information, resources, experiences, and each other. Our work sustains a vibrant Salt Lake City. Guided by a deep understanding of the aspirations, needs, and motivations of our customers, The City Library takes a human-centered approach to designing and delivering meaningful services, collections, resources, spaces, programs and events to all members of the community. 

Library staff are highly engaged, purpose-driven, people-centered, and express a high level of satisfaction with their work. The City Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

Click here to learn more about what makes The City Library a great place to work and why Salt Lake City is a great place to call home.

About the Position

The Director of Employee Relations at the Salt Lake City Public Library serves as a pivotal strategic leader dedicated to fostering exceptional workplace culture and maximizing organizational potential through comprehensive employee relations management. This position encompasses a broad scope of responsibilities centered on creating an environment where library staff thrive, engage meaningfully with their work, and contribute to the library's mission of serving the Salt Lake City community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to and maintain positive organizational culture, proactively staying informed of updates across the system.

• Actively integrates equity practices into daily work. 

• Pursue individual growth and development.

• Accepts and completes assignments from supervisor or other Library staff in a professional and timely manner.
  
  

• Labor Relations & Employee Relations:

  • Develop and implement labor relations strategies that promote positive employee relations and a productive work environment. 

  • Interpret and administer labor agreements, ensuring compliance with contract terms and provisions.

  • Assist with grievance procedures, arbitration processes, and dispute resolution in accordance with established protocols.

  • Develop and maintain positive working relationships with union leadership and members to foster collaborative problem-solving.

  • Handle workplace issues, grievances, and disciplinary actions in collaboration with union representatives.

  • Provide guidance and support to management on labor relations matters, contract interpretation, and employee relations issues.

  • Monitor labor relations trends and best practices to inform decision-making.
    
    

• Compliance Management:
  
  

  • Ensure compliance with labor laws, regulations, and company policies related to unionized employees.

  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and collective bargaining agreements.

  • Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify and mitigate compliance risks.  

  • Manage relationships with external auditors and regulatory agencies.

  • Stay abreast of changes in legislation and regulations and provide guidance to leadership and staff.

  • Provide guidance to managers in disciplinary processes.
    
    

• Team Leadership & Collaboration:
  
  

  • Lead and mentor a team of Human Resources professionals.

  • Collaborate with other members of the People & Culture team to support overall initiatives.

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

  • Foster a culture of belonging within the team and throughout the organization.
    
    

• Supervision of Staff
  
  

  • Team Leadership and Development:

• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and coaching to direct reports, fostering their professional growth and development.

• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and identify opportunities for skill enhancement.

• Establish clear performance expectations, goals, and objectives for the team, ensuring alignment with organizational learning and development strategies.
  
  

  • Workload Management and Delegation:

• Effectively delegate tasks and responsibilities to direct reports, ensuring efficient workflow and optimal utilization of team resources.

• Monitor team workload, prioritize projects, and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
  
  

  • Strategic Alignment and Guidance:

• Provide strategic guidance and direction to team members, ensuring their work aligns with the organization's overall learning and development vision.

• Collaborate with team members to develop and implement innovative People & Culture initiatives that support organizational goals.

• Ensure the team maintains consistent and high quality output.
  
  

  • Policy and Procedure Oversight:

• Ensure that the People and Culture team members are following all company policies and procedures, and that they are up to date on any changes.

• Help to develop and refine policies and procedures that relate to organizational learning.

Flex Responsibilities: 

• Committee work. Takes on a leadership role when participating in committees or workgroups on activities that align with strategic goals. 

• Project management. May perform a leadership role in the creation and execution of projects. Works with teams on various Library projects. 

• Other duties. Performs other duties as assigned or required.
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Seven years of related experience in benefits, compliance, and labor relations.

• Demonstrated experience in labor relations, including collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance handling, and union relations.

• Knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining processes, and dispute resolution procedures.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills and the ability to tailor learning to diverse individuals and groups.

• Required to maintain professional knowledge and skills through reading professional journals, viewing related webinars, attending training or professional conferences.

• Ability to work days, and occasionally nights or weekends as scheduled.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish language and/or other non-English language skills.

• Master’s degree in Human Resources or other related post-secondary degree.

• Experience with library operations, programs and services.

• Advanced knowledge of the Google Apps for Work.

Working Environment

• Work is performed in a busy urban library environment.

• Subject to repetitive movement; standing, walking, bending, reaching and lifting of objects. May be subject to standing or sitting for extended periods of time.

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week. Typically business hours Monday - Friday. Evenings and weekends may be required. 

Other Information

• Completion of criminal background check will be required if the candidate is over eighteen (18) years of age.

• The City Library participates in the federal Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). Employment is contingent upon confirmation of your employment eligibility through the E-verify system.

• The City Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

How to Apply

Apply on our recruitment page: Director of Employee Relations

Preference will be given to candidates who apply by July 28, 2025