"Senior Associate Director, Employee and Labor Relations"

Position Title: Senior Associate Director, Employee and Labor Relations

School/Division: Human Resources (division)

Office: Office of Human Resources

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time

Description:

Reporting to the Vice President for Human Resources & CHRO, the Senior Associate Director of Employee & Labor Relations provides strategic and operational leadership in employee and labor relations, performance management, recruitment and onboarding and HR compliance. The role requires the ability to operate with a high level of discretion, independent judgment, and autonomy while navigating sensitive and complex issues.

The Senior Associate Director serves as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert on complex personnel matters, labor relations, and employee engagement, offering thoughtful guidance that supports effective decision-making and strengthens organizational outcomes.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Advise and counsel supervisors, and employees on employee relations, performance management, and disciplinary actions, ensuring consistency and compliance with labor laws and institutional policies.
• Serve as the University's primary resource for labor and employee relations matters, including the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements across multiple bargaining units.
• Investigate workplace complaints, prepare findings and recommendations, and work collaboratively with the Office of General Counsel as needed.
• Represent the University in grievance and disciplinary hearings, as appropriate.
• Partner with labor union representatives and management to foster positive, collaborative relationships and effective communication.
• Develop and implement proactive employee relations initiatives that enhance engagement, retention, and workplace culture.
• Partner with the Assistant Director of Human Resources Operations on the review, enhancement, and implementation of HR processes and workflows.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Benefits Administration to coordinate responses to workplace accommodation requests under the ADA and related laws.
• Manage unemployment claims and represent the University at hearings, as required.
• Contribute to the development, communication, and implementation of HR policies, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local laws, as well as University goals.
• Partner with senior HR leadership on organizational design, change management, and professional development initiatives.
• Supervise the Talent Management Specialist and mentor HR team members to ensure excellence in customer service, compliance, and overall HR service delivery.
• Build strong working relationships across divisions to promote trust, transparency, and effective communication.
• Serve as a representative of the HR Department on University-wide committees.
• Oversee the University's Harassment Prevention Training Program and ensure full compliance with applicable regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience, specifically in employee and labor relations within a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated experience advising leadership on complex personnel and labor matters and managing investigations.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and collective bargaining practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with strong negotiation and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive matters with a high level of discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, HRIS platforms, and data analytics tools.
• Ability to work before or after normal business hours, as needed, to support University operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Human Resources Management, Labor Relations, or related discipline.
• Professional certification (SHRM-CP/SCP, HRCI PHR/SPHR).
• Experience working in higher education or another complex, unionized environment.
• Demonstrated success managing cross-functional HR projects or organizational initiatives.
• Experience with PeopleAdmin, Oracle, or similar HR systems.

EEO Statement:

Hofstra University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.