POSITION OVERVIEW
The Manager, Union Partnerships serves as a critical subject matter expert and strategic lead for all labor-related activities within Sundance Institute. This position will operate with a high degree of independence, ensuring that our mission-driven work is supported by a stable, compliant, and collaborative labor environment. This manager will be the organization’s liaison for all interactions with union representatives, taking the lead on collective bargaining, grievance resolutions, and the interpretation of labor contracts with the support of the Legal and Human Resources teams.
Reporting to and working closely with the Director, Human Resources, the Manager, Union Partnerships acts as an internal advisor to our leadership team and community of managers by providing expert guidance on labor laws, policy development, and best practices. Balancing the compliance with applicable labor laws and fostering a culture of mutual respect and proactive problem-solving between management and represented staff.
This full-time position will be based out of the greater Boulder, CO or Los Angeles, CA areas in order to collaborate onsite in a hybrid capacity throughout the year, with opportunities for day-to-day work to be performed remotely.
Extended hours, including evenings and weekends, will be required at key points throughout the year. Occasional travel to other hubs and events may also be required.
Top priorities include but are not limited to
Monitoring local, state, and federal labor law developments (including NLRA standards) to ensure all organizational practices remain current and equitable.
Serving as the lead spokesperson for collective bargaining sessions, contract renewals, and negotiations, working in good faith to achieve mutually beneficial agreements.
Leading regular labor management committee meetings, including co-creating an agenda and fostering collaboration on non-contractual issues such as workplace safety or professional development, to build trust outside of formal bargaining cycles.
Acting as the subject matter expert for the Human Resources and leadership teams to ensure clear, consistent, and fair interpretation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
Modernizing labor relations policies and practices that reflect an employee-centered mentality and the organization’s mission, vision, and values while ensuring CBA compliance.
Partnering with the Fiscal Planning team to analyze and advocate for the long-term sustainability of union proposals, ensuring the organization can honor its commitments to represented staff while maintaining mission-driven services.
Coaching people managers on Institute policies and procedures, federal and state regulations, and effective conflict resolution practices, serving as a trusted and confidential sounding board.
Designing training for managers on labor relations topics, including contract administration, equitable workplace practices, and maintaining a positive labor-management climate.
Evolving training programs to incorporate feedback, requests, and to meet shifting needs as collective agreements develop, gaps are identified, or new dynamics emerge from union representatives to maintain a current and supportive ecosystem.
Building rapport with a community of managers to create a peer-support network through continuous group touchpoints, collaborative check-ins, and creating engaged learning spaces.
Managing the end-to-end grievance and arbitration process, conducting thorough and objective investigations, and prioritizing open and proactive communication to achieve fair and constructive resolutions.
Developing contingency plans to ensure mission-driven services continue uninterrupted during labor disputes or operational transitions.
Partnering with HR-Administration team members to maintain accurate union information within the HRIS, updating new hire paperwork, employment notices, and onboarding/offboarding practices to reflect union membership and partnership.
Partnering with HR-Talent team members to enhance new employee orientations, compliance training, and recruitment initiatives, ensuring union representation and rights are accurately and positively highlighted.
You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:
3-5 years of dedicated experience with unions, including direct involvement in collective bargaining and contract administration.
Understanding of employment compliance and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), including relevant federal and state labor laws.
Skilled in project management including the ability to manage and prioritize to meet simultaneous deadlines.
Exceptional verbal and written communication to communicate complex legal or contractual concepts to non-experts.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to operate independently where appropriate, resolve complex problems, and understand when to escalate issues.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and remain impartial, including when managing negotiations and conflict-resolution.
Strong analytical skills and ability to work on basic processes as well as strategic initiatives.
Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) or equivalent certification preferred.
Preferred experience working in nonprofit or other mission-driven environments, including supporting first-time unionized workplaces or newly organized bargaining units.
Working knowledge of and proficiency in Google products preferred.
Valid driver’s license and successful completion of MVR background check preferred.
Legal authorization to work in the United States.
You will be successful in this role if you...
Cultivate a strong and positive relationship with union leadership and internal stakeholders.
Balance fiscal stewardship with employee advocacy by negotiating sustainable contracts that honor the organization’s mission and budget while maintaining a productive and fair workplace for all staff.
Design and deliver robust, tactful, and effective training programs, along with 1:1 coaching opportunities to equip managers with confidence and a high degree of emotional intelligence.
Serve as a trusted advisor to HR, leadership, and people managers, empowering them through training and contractual clarity to build confidence and consistency when managing their teams.
In addition to an annual salary of $70,000.00 to $80,000.00*, this position** is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package, highlights include:
Health, vision, and dental insurance
25 paid Institute holidays plus accrued vacation time
Paid sick, family, and medical leave
Employee Wellness initiatives
401(k) with automatic 3% employer contribution after one year of employment
Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)
*Final rate of pay is determined based on the applicant's geographic location, relevant experience and skills, and internal equity among similar positions within our organization.
**Applications open 05/26/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week