Manager of Labor Relations and Field Operations

The Minnesota Nurses Association stands strong for nurses, patients, and quality care everywhere. We are more than 22,000 dedicated nurses and healthcare professionals in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Dakota who promote the professional, economic, and well-being of nurses through collective action. MNA is affiliated with National Nurses United, which has nearly 225,000 members. Together, we are taking on corporate healthcare to win real change in the lives of nurses.

Supervisory Duties: Will supervise a team of Labor Relations Specialists, Lead Labor Relations Specialist, and Administrative Assistant(s). Responsible for coordinating staff work in internal organizing, representation/grievance processes, staff and member training and development, contract bargaining campaign planning, and other duties assigned by the Director of Field Operations.

Scope

The Field Manager reports directly to the Director of Field Operations and is responsible for the coordination of activities and programs of the Field Department. The role shall execute the operational and strategic priorities for the department and the organization:

• • Leads and directs Labor Relations Specialists in developing member leaders, advancing strategic internal organizing initiatives, and executing comprehensive internal organizing, bargaining, and contract campaigns.
  • Provides leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for Labor Relations Specialists, including leadership identification, recruitment, and professional growth.
  • Builds organizational capacity by developing staff expertise in internal organizing, contract administration, grievance handling, representation, collective bargaining, and member engagement.
  • Oversees the work of administrative assistants to ensure efficient field operations, resource allocation, and administrative support for organizing and representational work.
  • Partners with Government Affairs leadership to coordinate member-driven legislative and political engagement that advances the union's strategic priorities.
• Manage employee performance by establishing expectations, providing ongoing coaching and professional development, conducting performance evaluations, and administering corrective or disciplinary actions when appropriate.
• Ensure Labor Relations Specialists consistently comply with Bargaining Unit Guidelines, representation standards, bargaining unit election procedures, and all applicable union policies and practices.
• Lead and oversee collective bargaining negotiations, including serving as chief spokesperson or lead negotiator for contract negotiations, effects bargaining, and other labor-management negotiations.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for internal organizing campaigns, contract campaigns, grievance strategies, member representation, and collective bargaining initiatives.
• Represent the union in meetings with employers, members, labor organizations, and community partners regarding internal organizing, representation, bargaining, and labor relations matters.
• Oversee the administration and integrity of the union's grievance tracking and case management systems, ensuring timely processing, accurate documentation, and strategic oversight.
• Assist in the Union’s steward training program.
• Act as chief negotiator in collective bargaining on behalf of the Union
• Interpret collective bargaining agreements, ordinances, arbitration decisions, and labor laws providing guidance to assigned staff, stewards, members, and other workers.
• Develops and provides training to staff and stewards on representational matters as needed or assigned.
• Direct the planning, coordination, and execution of internal contract campaigns, including campaign strategy, timelines, member mobilization, communications, and escalation activities.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Example of Duties

• • Manage and coordinate the day-to-day workflow of the Field Department.
  • Participate/lead in contract negotiations and impact bargaining. Work closely with elected bargaining team members to develop plans for success.
  • Provide strategic oversight of the grievance and arbitration process across all bargaining units, ensuring consistent application of contract provisions, timely case progression, and high-quality member representation.
  • Supervise, coach, and conduct regular one-on-one meetings with Labor Relations Specialists to provide guidance, establish priorities, monitor performance, and support professional development.
  • Oversee the union's grievance tracking and case management system by monitoring active grievances and arbitrations, ensuring timely follow-up with members, and maintaining accurate documentation.
  • Provide leadership and technical guidance to Labor Relations Specialists on grievance investigation, case strategy, arbitration preparation, contract interpretation, and representational best practices.
  • Direct and support Labor Relations Specialists in identifying workplace issues, developing strategic internal organizing plans, and coordinating member mobilization, workplace actions, and contract campaigns.
  • Train, mentor, and develop Labor Relations Specialist on internal organizing focused on identifying and recruiting leaders in Bargaining Units.

Skills and Abilities for Assignment:

• • 5+ years of union experience required.
  • This is an entry-level management position. Experience in union management or leadership is preferred.
  • Demonstrated skills in the areas of collective bargaining, contract enforcement, training, communication, facilitation, strategic analysis, and planning.
  • Advanced knowledge of workers’ rights.
  • Work effectively both independently and in teamwork as a group with members and staff from diverse ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds.
  • Ability to adapt, follow directions, and execute tasks within short timelines.
  • Exercise excellent judgment when working under pressure in stressful situations.
  • Maintains confidentiality through all levels of the organization.
  • Establish and uphold the organizational mission, priorities, standards, and values.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and achieve goals.
  • Ability to teach and mentor others.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including conflict resolution.
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office 360.
  • A commitment to social, racial, and economic justice.
  • Ability to understand and meet the complex needs of a diverse membership.
  • Proven ability to develop staff and member leaders.
  • Must be willing to travel.
  • Must have a driver’s license and a working automobile.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required.

Salary: Minimum starting salary range of $104,139 –$137,040, dependent upon experience; generous benefits including defined benefit pension, 401K matching, 100% employer-paid single and family health insurance coverage, 25 vacation days, 12 sick, and 3 personal days, and 12 paid holidays annually. MNA is an EEO/AA Employer. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule upon passage of probation.

Working Conditions:

Work/life balance is prioritized, but the role may require long and irregular hours, including working on weekends and holidays when necessary. This role will primarily be in the office, with the option to work from home at times, and will require fieldwork with staff and members.

CONTACT: Send your resume and cover letter to Brenda Woodall, MNA Human Resources Manager, at Brenda.woodall@mnnurses.org.

generous benefits including defined benefit pension, 401K matching, 100% employer-paid single and family health insurance coverage, 25 vacation days, 12 sick, and 3 personal days, and 12 paid holidays annually. MNA is an EEO/AA Employer. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule upon passage of probation.