Director Labor Relations

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, HR Business Partners, Employee and Labor Relations, the Director of Labor Relations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University's collective bargaining agreements across staff and academic units. The Director develops and implements consistent labor relations practices, aligns them with the University's policies, and guides stakeholders in navigating labor-related issues. The role oversees a team responsible for day‑to‑day administration of several agreements and fosters cross‑functional collaboration with key partners, including the Office of the Provost, Office of General Counsel, senior leaders, and HR subject matter experts.

The Director also leads negotiation, implementation, and administration of the University's collective bargaining agreements, ensures compliance, fosters productive labor‑management relationships, and advances the University's mission through proactive labor relations strategy.

• Serve as chief spokesperson and/or lead strategist for designated collective bargaining agreements
• Develop bargaining objectives, costing models, language proposals, and negotiation strategies
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with union representatives while advocating for business needs and operational flexibility
• Partner with the Office of the Provost to administer academic collective bargaining agreements, ensuring consistent, mission‑aligned implementation through cross‑functional collaboration
• Work closely with HR colleagues (HR Business Partners, Payroll, HR Operations, Benefits, Compensation, Talent Development, etc.) to mitigate labor risks, strengthen workplace culture and engagement, and enhance supervisor effectiveness across union and nonunion populations
• Ensure accurate costing and financial impact analysis of bargaining proposals, settlements, and contract changes
• Oversee grievance handling and arbitration, ensuring timely, consistent resolution of cases and strong, well‑documented case‑management practices
• Advise leaders on contract interpretation, discipline and discharge, and performance management, and compliance with just‑cause and progressive‑discipline standards
• Track settlement agreements, arbitration decisions, and related trends; synthesize insights to reduce recurrence, cost, and organizational risk
• Develop and deliver labor relations training for leaders (e.g., contract fundamentals, investigations, attendance management, discipline, grievance handling, respectful workplace)
• Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing labor relations team
• Create and sustain communities of practice; standardize tools, templates, resources and knowledge management systems
• Perform all other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in traditional labor relations
• Higher education or healthcare (especially academic medicine) experience is highly desirable; experience working in a shared services environment is preferred
• Deep knowledge of federal, state and local labor and employment laws
• Experience developing key partnerships across a variety of stakeholders to gain buy‑in on initiatives
• Experience in communicating with various stakeholders and presenting to large groups in different forums
• Experience implementing change in a dynamic environment
• Strategic thinking skills
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Superb oral and written communication skills
• Ability to make sound and accurate judgments and timely decisions
• Ability to collaborate and recommend options, and relate sensitively to internal and external colleagues and constituents
• Flexibility with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks as necessary
• Ability to delegate work assignments, set expectations and ensure completion of delegated activities
• Strong presentation and executive engagement, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to inspire support and buy‑in from diverse individuals and groups
• Demonstrated success leading in a diverse environment

• Master's degree, Juris Doctor or relevant certification
• Experienc…