ABOUT GREENPEACE

Greenpeace is a global, independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful non-violent protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.  For over fifty years, Greenpeace has fought to save the planet from the threat of global warming, destruction of ancient forests, deterioration of our oceans, and the threat of a nuclear disaster loomed large. As an independent organization, Greenpeace does not accept funds from any corporations or government entities, safeguarding our independence and ability to speak the truth and act boldly. We recognize the importance of the moment: Ours is the first generation to experience the impacts of climate change and ecosystem destruction, and the last generation with a window of time to do something about it.

POSITION SUMMARY

Greenpeace is known for its creative communications, non violent direct action -- and for the people behind them. As part of our People & Culture (P&C) Team, you will work closely with our Director of People & Culture to ensure a just and equitable work culture as they work toward a green and peaceful future.

Reporting to the Director of People & Culture, the Employee and Labor Relations Manager will administer and provide guidance, support, training and counsel to staff and managers in employee and labor relations, compliance, policies & procedures, performance management and other employment legal matters.  You will work to find solutions that reduce risk,  and ensure a fair, consistent approach to employee and labor relations practices. Additionally you will create programs and initiatives that help to support positive relations between staff, union and the organization with the goal of promoting employee engagement and satisfaction within Greenpeace. The responsibilities of this role are 80% reactive employee and labor relations, working on workplace investigations, consultations, mediations, and other challenging employee and labor relations matters. Balancing time between the reactive and proactive spaces, training, policy development and culture cultivation will be critical for success in this role. 

Greenpeace values justice, equity & diversity, both internally and throughout our efforts worldwide. You will be a great fit if you are experienced in employee and labor relations with a strong work ethic and passion for fostering a positive organizational culture of justice, equity, and continuous improvement.

Our ideal candidate will be adaptable and approachable with significant employee and labor relations experience. They will possess deep subject matter knowledge, strong communications and interpersonal skills that enables them to work with a variety of different personalities, communication styles and manage a broad spectrum of employee and labor relations issues and projects. They will balance competing priorities and use sound judgment in making recommendations as appropriate. They will have high emotional intelligence, problem solving capability, strong conflict management skills and integrity in upholding Greenpeace values, mission and culture. 

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible, hybrid position based in Oakland, CA or Washington, DC.

The Employee and Labor Relations Manager is responsible for:  

Labor Relations 

• Participates in the development and execution of labor relations strategies, provides guidance and proactively resolves  labor relations issues;
• Ensures organizational compliance with collective bargaining agreements by interpreting and implementing articles of agreement;
• Serves as a lead and provides direction in addressing and resolving grievances and other labor management/union issues;
• Provides labor relations support throughout the collective bargaining negotiation process, including drafting and reviewing  articles of agreements.

Employee Relations

• Managing employee relations matters to ensure that confidential personnel information, organization processes and procedures meet internal and external audit requirements;
• Works with the Director of P&C and Senior Leadership to administer, follow-up, provide support to create solutions-based strategies to address organizational risks or culture;
• Establishes credibility and viewed as a resource throughout the organization by problem solving and coaching techniques;  recommends and leads accountability strategies which  moves our mission of embedding justice forward;
• Collaborates with Director of P&C on initiatives and processes focused on employee retention by promoting a high level of employee engagement in alignment with our culture pillars;
• Developing and recommending core People & Culture training programs that advance organizational mission, values and ways of working;
• Collecting and analyzing data in audits and other assessments to identify trends, recommend direction, and provide guidance needed to adjust unfavorable trends while meeting the needs of the organization;
• Identifying opportunities and executing strategies  to enhance and scale up employee experiences while leveraging the expertise of the P&C team.

Investigations & Implementation of organizational policies 

• Resolves employee complaints while advising and  implementing long term solutions to address areas of tension or disagreement;
• Leads investigations, administers disciplinary actions, leave administration, job reclassifications and conflict resolution;
• Partnering with Legal and Senior Leadership to design, cascade and promote standardized processes, templates, tools and/or technologies to managing employee and labor relations, corrective action administration and escalated issue resolution protocols;
• Administers federal/state leave policies and assists in the design and implementation of organization policies and procedures;
• Manages corrective action processes which includes issuing recommendations, providing critical feedback, preparing written documentation and administering corrective action.

 Minimum requirements for the Employee and Labor Relations Manager include:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a Human Resources with 3-5 years of experience in employee relations and labor relations; knowledge of contract administration and  union - related matters;
• Knowledge of employment law and practices (with an emphasis on ADA, the interactive process for accommodation requests, and leave of absence requirements); understanding of Company policies, procedures, state and federal laws, with the ability to apply the knowledge to multiple situations;
• Ability to independently conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation and strong mediation and conflict resolution skills; 
• Experience administering, leaves of absence, and legal compliance (COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA);
• Exceptional written and verbal/nonverbal skills, along with finely tuned interpersonal skills and professional judgment.  You must be able to demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence toward employees, also serving as a trusted resource;
• Have a track record as a successful change agent who can transform culture through people;
• A highly collaborative leadership style with the ability to partner with and influence key organizational leaders and build high functioning teams;
• Ability to develop and execute a proactive employee and labor relations strategy focused on building, leading change,  and reinforcing a positive work environment.                   

Additional qualifications for the Employee and Labor Relations Manager includes, but are not limited to:

• Curiosity and an interest in continual learning;
• Strong interpersonal and leadership capabilities with a high level of energy and enthusiasm;
• Ability to communicate effectively across cultural differences;
• Possess excellent judgment and decision making skills, including the ability to problem solve;
• Invested in creating a positive and collegial unionized work environment;
• Strong commitment to the organization's values on racial, social, environmental justice and principles of nonviolence central to Greenpeace’s mission.

If you are passionate about helping activists succeed in our fight against climate change and are passionate about cultivating a just and equitable work culture, please submit an application on our careers page.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will conclude once we have found the best candidate.

Greenpeace is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, class, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, family/marital status, religion or other protected classes. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented communities.  If you require assistance applying to this opportunity, please contact resumes@greenpeace.org.

COVID - 19:
*As of Q1 2022, most Greenpeace employees are working from home due to COVID-19. In accordance with Greenpeace values to maintain a safe and healthy working environment, we have adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health of our employees, supporters, and the community at large from COVID-19. Current and future employees in need of an exemption from this policy for medical reasons, or because of sincerely held religious beliefs may request exemption. Accommodations will be granted where they do not cause Greenpeace undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

BENEFITS

Greenpeace USA values a healthy work-life balance and has flexible, family-friendly employment policies. Our competitive benefits package for full-time employees includes medical, dental, and vision coverage with low contributions from staff.  We have options for pre-tax flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care costs.  Greenpeace employees enjoy generous 401K matching and time off for vacation, sick, personal, and parental leave.  After five years, staff are eligible for a paid sabbatical. To encourage public transportation use and biking, we offer subsidies for staff who choose to bike or ride mass transit to work. Greenpeace is committed to the growth and development of staff and fostering a creative workplace culture.  For more information, check out our benefits plan.

Only applicants eligible to work and live in the United States without any legal restrictions need apply for this opportunity.

The salary range for this position is anticipated to be $87,783- $100,900, and is commensurate with experience.

Organization Details