Labor Relations Specialist

Job Description

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Director of Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Specialist will provide research, analysis, and guidance to ensure the fair and consistent application of labor policies and agreements. The Labor Relations Specialist plays a key role in supporting the University’s labor relations function by assisting with contract administration, grievance handling, labor negotiations, and compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

This position will work closely with University leadership, HR Business Partners, and labor representatives to promote positive labor-management relations, ensure compliance with employment laws, and assist in resolving labor disputes.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) for all University bargaining units, including AFT, CWA, IFPTE, NJSOLEA, NJLESA, and PBA-SLEU.
• Provides guidance to managers and HR Business Partners on contract provisions, labor rights, and University policies.
• Drafts and reviews contract proposals, counterproposals, and settlement agreements.
• Tracks and analyzes labor contract changes, grievances, and arbitration decisions to ensure compliance with agreements and legal standards.
• Ensures adherence to federal and state labor laws, including NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and Title VII.
• Supports the Director in responding to grievances, including conducting fact-finding, gathering documentation, and preparing case materials.
• Coordinates grievance hearings and maintains accurate records of grievance proceedings and resolutions.
• Assists in preparing written responses for arbitration cases and labor disputes.
• Collaborates with University legal counsel and state agencies as needed for case preparation and dispute resolution.
• Compile, generate and distribute data and reports in compliance with the union-employer information exchange provisions of the collectively negotiated union contracts, Workforce Democracy Enhancement Act (WDEA), as well as other information requests.
• Conducts research and benchmarking analysis to support collective bargaining negotiations.
• Prepares reports, presentations, and summaries of labor relations trends and bargaining positions.
• Attends negotiation sessions as needed, assisting with note-taking, contract drafting, and follow-up actions.
• Assists in developing and delivering training programs for supervisors and managers on labor relations best practices, contract interpretation, and performance management.
• Helps maintain training materials and resources related to labor laws, dispute resolution, and workplace rights.
• Serves as a liaison between HR, management, and union representatives to address day-to-day labor relations issues.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal stakeholders to foster a culture of open communication and positive labor relations.
• Supports labor relations audits, workforce data analysis, and reporting on key labor trends and issues.
• Maintains labor relations records, case files, and documentation.
• Stays current on labor relations trends, case law, and best practices in the public sector and higher education.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED: Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in labor relations, human resources, public administration, or a related field. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in labor relations, human resources, or a related field with exposure to collective bargaining agreements and employment law compliance. Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization. Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing labor relations teams. Knowledge of federal and state labor laws, including but not limited to: NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII. Willingness to travel to off-campus meetings. Ability to work flexible hours and to have a strong physical presence on campus. Some remote work flexibility is available.

PREFERRED: Master’s degree from accredited college or university in organizational development, human resources, business administration, or a related field. Experience in a higher education environment, preferably at a public institution. Experience in a unionized environment. Experience with Workday HCM. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, and the ability to quickly learn new applications.