Director, Labor Relations & Lead Negotiator

Overview

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Employee and Labor Relations and partnering closely with the Office of General Counsel and senior University leadership, this newly created, inaugural role will serve as New York University’s authorized representative in collective bargaining negotiations.

The Director, Labor Relations and Lead Negotiator is responsible for leading negotiations of collective bargaining agreements, developing bargaining strategy, and representing the University’s interests at the table. This role convenes and leads University bargaining teams, ensures appropriate representation from key constituencies, and works closely with internal stakeholders to align bargaining positions with institutional priorities.

The successful candidate will take primary responsibility for preparing for and leading collective bargaining negotiations, including contract renewals and first-contract negotiations, and will represent the University directly at the bargaining table. This includes developing bargaining strategy, evaluating proposals and counter-proposals, managing caucuses and side conversations, and working in close partnership with University leadership to secure alignment and approvals throughout the negotiation process.

In this role, the Director will convene and lead University bargaining teams, ensuring appropriate representation from Human Resources, legal counsel, and other relevant stakeholders. The role requires the ability to balance institutional priorities, legal considerations, and long-term labor relationships while navigating high-stakes, multi-issue negotiations.

Beyond active negotiations, the Director will serve as a central resource on the interpretation, administration, and compliance of collective bargaining agreements, providing guidance to University partners and helping ensure consistency and clarity across labor agreements.

This is a highly visible role that requires sound judgment, credibility, and the ability to manage complex negotiations while maintaining constructive labor relationships.

Responsibilities

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education: Master's Degree in labor relations or equivalent field or Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Required Experience:

• 10 or more years of labor relations experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience leading collective bargaining negotiations, including direct participation at the bargaining table

Preferred Experience:

• 10 or more years of relevant labor relations experience
• Experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements in a university or similarly complex, unionized environment

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and conclude collective bargaining negotiations effectively
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills, with the ability to reach durable, mutually acceptable agreements
• Deep knowledge of labor relations, labor law, and regulatory frameworks at the federal, state, and local levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to bring together stakeholders with differing perspectives and interests
• Sound judgment and discretion, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters appropriately

Qualifications

In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is USD $200,000.00 to USD $240,000.00. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, clinical compensation, or other items.