Assistant Director, COWINS and State of Colorado Liaison

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.  

By joining our team, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado’s system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU’s campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you’re passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey.  Learn more about CU System Administration.

Position Summary:

Provides leadership and systemwide oversight for labor and employee relations programs across multiple campuses and administrative units. Serves as senior advisor regarding collective bargaining, grievance administration, labor law compliance, workplace investigations, and labor-management relations.

This position plays a critical role in shaping institutional strategy related to unionization, classified staff employment, and compliance with Colorado public-sector labor frameworks. The Director serves as the primary liaison between the university system, the State of Colorado, and organized labor entities, ensuring alignment with statewide policies and evolving regulatory requirements.

The Director works in close partnership with System Human Resources, campus HR, University Counsel, and executive leadership to ensure consistent, legally sound, and strategically aligned labor relations practices across all campuses.

This position reports to Associate Vice President of Employee Services and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classification system.

Where You Will Work:

Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working some days from home and some days in the office at 1800 Grant St, Denver, CO.

Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Lead labor negotiations and contract administration, including strategy development, bargaining preparation, and participation in negotiations where applicable 
• Interpret collective bargaining agreements and advise leadership on application, risk, and compliance 
• Advise executive leadership on labor strategy, workforce risk, and union-related developments 
• Manage grievance and arbitration processes, including case assessment, documentation, and coordination with legal counsel 
• Coordinate closely with the Office of University Counsel on labor strategy, legal risk, arbitration, and regulatory compliance 
• Develop and implement systemwide labor relations policies, procedures, and guidance 
• Advise Human Resources leadership across campuses on employee and labor relations matters 
• Conduct supervisor and manager training on labor relations, contract compliance, and employee relations best practices 
• Monitor labor law developments at the federal and state level and assess institutional impact 
• Support positive labor-management relationships through proactive engagement, communication strategies, and partnership initiatives

Collective Bargaining & Union Strategy

• Develop and implement systemwide strategies related to collective bargaining and union engagement 
• Monitor and respond to unionization efforts, including compliance with Colorado labor laws and emerging legislation (e.g., PRO Act–related developments or state equivalents such as PROPWA) 
• Provide strategic guidance regarding side agreements, partnership agreements, and labor-management initiatives 
• Advise on institutional approach to union engagement, including when agreements are governed at the Board of Regents level versus campus level 
• Maintain awareness of and engagement with unions such as COWINS and other relevant labor organizations

State Liaison & External Coordination

• Serve as primary liaison to the Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration – Human Resources (DPA-HR) 
• Attend and represent the university system at state HR and labor relations meetings 
• Interpret and communicate state guidance and requirements to campuses, particularly as they apply to classified staff 
• Ensure compliance with statewide policies, procedures, and reporting requirements 
• Coordinate with Payroll and other administrative units on union-related processes such as dues collection, data feeds, and reporting

Campus Consulting / System Coordination

• Serve as a systemwide resource to campus HR and leadership teams on complex labor and employee relations issues 
• Coordinate consistent interpretation and application of policies, CBAs, and state requirements across campuses 
• Lead communities of practice for employee and labor relations professionals 
• Provide guidance on what communications and actions should be managed centrally versus at the campus level, particularly for classified staff matters 
• Ensure alignment across campuses regarding classified staff communications, labor strategies, and compliance requirements
• Represent the university system in state-level HR and labor discussions and meetings 
• Assess political, regulatory, and reputational implications of labor strategies and decisions 
• Provide guidance on institutional positioning related to unionization efforts and labor policy changes

Training & Organizational Climate

• Design and deliver required training programs related to labor relations, including supervisor responsibilities under CBAs and state law 
• Support organizational climate initiatives related to employee relations, engagement, and conflict resolution 
• Promote best practices in workplace investigations, performance management, and conflict mitigation 
• Develop resources and toolkits to support consistent and effective labor relations practices across campuses
   

What We Offer:

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $140,000-$150,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate’s education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position’s scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.

• Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.

• Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.

• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.

• Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.

• 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.

• A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.

• Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.

• Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU.  (This position is a University Staff position)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Please include all relevant experience in your resume to be accurately assessed against these qualifications.  You must meet all minimum requirements at the time of application to be considered for this role.

• Bachelor’s required; JD or master’s preferred 
• 6 years of labor relations experience 
• Two (2) years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role, which includes managing personnel, developing/mentoring direct reports, and completing performance reviews to ensure continuous improvement, high performance, and employee retention
• Public-sector or higher-ed experience strongly preferred 
• Collective bargaining and arbitration expertise 
• Knowledge of state and federal labor law 
• Strong executive communication skills
• Travel and schedule requirements (if applicable)
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Eight (8) years’ professional experience in labor relations
• Three (3) years’ experience in a managerial or supervisory role, as indicated above
• Demonstrated experience leading collective bargaining negotiations for government or educational organizations 
• Demonstrated experience advising management in matters related to collective bargaining, contract interpretation and implementation, or other labor matters 
• Demonstrated experience developing productive professional relationships with labor leaders, unions, or other labor organizations
• Experience working in a decentralized, unionized organizational environment
• Experience engaging high-level stakeholders throughout state government on labor matters in Colorado
• Demonstrated experience building and implementing labor relations training programs 
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To be successful in this position a candidate will need the following:

• Extensive knowledge of labor relations principles, collective bargaining, and grievance/arbitration processes 
• Strong understanding of federal and Colorado labor and employment laws 
• Familiarity with public-sector labor frameworks and higher education governance structures 
• Knowledge of classified staff systems and state HR processes (e.g., DPA-HR requirements)
• Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills 
• Strong analytical and risk assessment capabilities 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level communication 
• Ability to translate complex legal and policy issues into practical guidance 
• Strong facilitation and training skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a complex, multi-campus system environment 
• Ability to build relationships and influence across diverse stakeholder groups, including executives, HR professionals, legal counsel, and union representatives 
• Ability to manage sensitive and high-risk situations with discretion and sound judgment 
• Ability to balance systemwide consistency with campus-level flexibility 
• Ability to navigate political, legal, and organizational dynamics in a public higher education environment
   

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application: 

1. A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum qualifications you possess and interest in the position.
2. A resume including all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.

Please ensure you check the “Job Specific Attachments” box next to each document on the “Required Documents” page of the application for the appropriate documents to be attached.

Per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you are not required to provide your date of birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation on your resume or cover letter. If an application requires additional materials, such as a transcript or certification, you may redact identifying information relating to your date or birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation.

When to Apply:

For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by Friday, July 24th.  Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position.

*Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered. *

Sponsorship Statement:

We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

ADA Statement:

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting.  Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: systemhr@cu.edu.