Director of Labor Relations

Director of Labor Relations Cambridge, MAFull timeJR
101662

The Opportunity Lesley University is seeking a Director of Labor Relations to join the Human Resources department. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of HR, the Director will lead the University’s labor relations function and serve as the primary resource for all labor relations matters. In this role, they will oversee collective bargaining agreement (CBA) administration, provide guidance on contract interpretation, and partner with leaders on employee and workforce matters.

The Director will manage the grievance process from intake through resolution and represent the University in arbitrations and other proceedings as needed. They will also support labor negotiations and ongoing labor-management relations, including participation in bargaining preparation and meetings with union  addition, the Director will provide consultation and coaching to managers on employee relations and conflict resolution, support or oversee workplace investigations, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and agreements.

They will also use data and reporting to inform labor relations strategy and strengthen HR practices across the institution.

This role requires a strong balance of compliance expertise, relationship management, and strategic partnership in support of a positive and effective work environment.

Qualities and CapabilitiesA successful candidate will have:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or related field required;
Master’s degree preferred; JD or LLM degree desirable

Five or more years experience with progressive responsibility in collective bargaining and labor relations activities

Demonstrated advanced application of labor and employment laws;
Advanced understanding of general human resources policies and procedures

Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communications, listening, presentation, group facilitation, influencing, and negotiations

Effective use of mediation and conflict resolution techniques

Strong commitment to customer service, confidentiality, and professionalism

Demonstrated strong organizational skills and ability to plan, prioritize and organize project work, at times with competing priorities

Ability to build collaborative relationships within departments and across the university

Why Lesley Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs in the human arts of education, the arts, and applied social sciences. Lesley fosters a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas thrive, theory is integrated with practice and its 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni are empowered to improve and enrich communities.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. In addition, we offer significant paid time off, a generous retirement plan, and tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills.

Lesley is committed to the ongoing pursuit of strategic diversity initiatives that help to position diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to institutional and academic excellence  doing so, Lesley strives for a campus culture and community that fosters a true sense of belonging for all, provides opportunity for everyone to participate equally and fully in the Lesley experience, and helps to develop each individual's capacity to confidently and competently engage within and across difference.

Given an evolving national context and the rapid change in the demographic profile of our country, the University has made a significant commitment to addressing and enhancing its campus climate and…