Labor Relations Mediator
Job Description
The State Employment Relations Board (SERB) administers the Ohio Public Employees’ Collective Bargaining Act (O.R.C. Chapter 4117). SERB adjudicates filings from employee organizations (unions), public employees, and public employers. A public employer is any state or political subdivision located entirely within the state (including counties, municipal corporations, and townships with a population of 5,000+). We also serve school districts, state colleges, state agencies, authorities, commissions, boards, and other branches of public employment including public sector hospitals and health care facilities.
SERB’s essential statutory functions include:
· Investigating unfair labor practice charges.
· Adjudicating unfair labor practice complaints after investigation.
· Processing representation petitions and requests for recognition.
· Determining appropriate bargaining units and conducting elections to establish or change union composition.
· Analyzing and reporting wage and benefit data from collective bargaining agreements.
· Providing impasse resolution services through mediation, fact-finding, and conciliation.
· Resolving disputes as to the legality of strikes.
· Collecting and monitoring registration and financial filings by employee organizations.
· Training labor and management representatives in the methods and rules of collective bargaining.
The agency consists of three board members and a staff of 24. The agency is organized into the following sections:
· Clerk’s Office
· Business and Records Office
· Representation
· Bureau of Mediation
· Unfair Labor Practices
· Hearings
· Research and Training
Learn more about the agency by visiting https://serb.ohio.gov.
About the Role
The State Employment Relations Board (SERB) is seeking a skilled and impartial Labor Relations Mediator to support public‑sector employers and unions across Ohio. This role is ideal for a professional who thrives in dynamic environments, excels at conflict resolution, and is committed to fostering productive labor‑management relationships.
As a neutral third party, you will guide negotiations through mediation, help resolve disputes, and promote collaborative problem‑solving—ensuring that parties are empowered to reach meaningful, self‑determined agreements.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Mediation and Negotiation Efforts
- Intervene in collective bargaining negotiations to mediate disputed issues between employers and union representatives.
- Develop strategies for settlement, clarify issues, and help parties understand the implications of potential actions.
Facilitate Labor‑Management Collaboration
- Conduct training on interest‑based bargaining and labor‑management cooperation techniques.
Manage Mediation Activities Statewide
- Plan, arrange, and conduct mediation sessions, bargaining meetings, and related activities across Ohio, including significant statewide travel.
Resolve Impasses and Unfair Labor Practice Cases
- Work to resolve negotiation impasses prior to fact‑finding and promote mutually crafted settlements.
- Mediate unfair labor practice cases following probable cause determinations.
Conduct Research and Prepare Documentation
- Review and analyze negotiation and impasse data, historical cases, and contract information to prepare for mediation.
- Assist in preparing quarterly fact-finding/conciliation statistics reports.
Engage with Stakeholders
- Deliver presentations and speaking engagements to specialized audiences and the general public.
- Handle sensitive inquiries and maintain strong professional relationships with public officials, union representatives, and community stakeholders.
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
7 years collective bargaining experience or equivalent closely related experience (e.g., personnel or business or public administration, or employee relations or industrial relations including Ohio Revised Code 4117) AND must be able to provide own transportation
-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
Job Skills: Labor Relations
When completing your application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this job posting.
If you require reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email the Human Resources contact on this posting so arrangements can be made.
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check, Ohio tax check, and drug screen. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
The Ohio State Employment Relations Board is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status, disability, age (40 years or older), genetic information, sexual orientation, or caregiver status, in making employment-related decisions about an individual.
Interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis during the posting period.
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.