Director of Labor Relations

Summary

Under the direction of the Senior Director, Employee & Labor Relations, this position manages and directs labor relations for each of the bargaining units for the university. Program activities include negotiation of collective bargaining agreements; contract administration and interpretation; guidance and coordination of related management activities with HR employee relations and Provost labor relations liaison. This position will be responsible for managing grievances pertaining to the collective bargaining agreement and resolving disciplinary matters. The Director of Labor Relations will serve as the first point of contact and advisor to academic and administrative departments on labor relations matters and provide guidance relating to the interpretation and application of the CBAs and University policies and procedures.

Essential Functions

• Administers and manages administration of all university labor contracts; provides guidance to managers and employees on the interpretation of labor contracts provisions to managers, employees and HR staff; oversees processes for review and resolution of employee grievances.
• Advises managers and employees on sensitive labor and employee relations matters, including grievance and arbitration procedures, performance issues and disciplinary actions; advises and assists managers in identifying employee relations issues and determining appropriate course of action, including but not limited to evaluating potential disciplinary matters, counseling employees and developing performance improvement plans and investigating, developing, and preparing witnesses and documentation for grievances, arbitrations and other employee relations matters.
• Serves as key member of the university’s team in contract negotiations and informal labor-management meetings with recognized employee unions; in coordination with the CHRO drafts and vets proposals, builds management consensus and negotiates resolutions. Maintains current knowledge of employee and labor relations trends, legal decisions, and statutory changes; conducts research necessary to support contract negotiations. Uses appropriate negotiation strategies to develop bargaining goals and negotiate contracts consistent with the university’s mission, values and goals.
• Facilitates ongoing communication and productive working relationships with employee unions including coordination of joint labor‑management committees and collaborative discussions aimed at resolving workplace issues proactively and supporting a positive employee experience.
• Provides information, advice and assistance to Human Resources department managers and staff regarding the application of statutes, regulations, contracts and employee relations practices relating to their functional areas.
• Serves as a member of the HR leadership team, contributing LR perspective to University‑wide HR strategy and operations. Develops, recommends, and implements policies and procedures related to employee and labor relations in consultation with the Senior Director, ensuring alignment with best practices and legal requirements.
• Represents the University in labor relations proceedings, including arbitrations, NLRB hearings, and related forums involving workplace disputes, contract interpretation, or unfair labor practice allegations.
• Participates in the development and delivery of management training programs that strengthen supervisors’ skills in employee relations, labor relations, performance management, conflict resolution, and consistent application of policy and contract obligations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.