Labor Works Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Position Announcement
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
09/01/2026
Classification Title
Human Resources & Organizational Development
Rank
N - No Rank
Working Title
Academic Labor Relations Specialist
Department
200101 - OAA Provosts Office Admin
Position Number
D91552
Representation
UU - Unclassified Unrepresented
Renewable
Renewable
End date, if applicable
Position FTE
1.0
Tenure Status
N - not applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
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.
Position Summary
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.
Minimum Qualifications

• BA or BS
• Experience in office administration
• Able to understand and maintain the confidentiality of all transactions and communications
• Excellent time management and the ability to multi-task and prioritize a high volume of work in a detail oriented environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong problem solving skills
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with labor relations, unions or human resources or higher education environments
• Knowledge of the application of collective bargaining agreements, laws, and regulations governing the academic employee and labor relations process
• Experience and/or certification in legal transcription preferred

Key Cultural Competencies

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all of PSU's policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week, typically 8am to 5pm, with occasional weekends and evenings as needed.
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
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.
Application Instructions
Additional Information
This is an on-campus position. The supervisor may approve one day of remote work, in accordance with the Office of Academic Affairs remote work policy.
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references. References will be contacted only if you are selected as a finalist for this position.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle?
No
Background Check Required
Yes
Position End Date (if applicable)
If you have questions
Please email the Office of Academic Affairs at oaarecep@pdx.edu
Search Details
Posting Close Date
Projected Close Date for Posting
Open Until Finalists Identified
Application screening begins
07/27/2026
Quick Link
https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/50338