Assistant Vice President Labor Relations

Overview

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.

For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication’s 2023 list. Rutgers’ commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation’s military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Assistant Vice President Staff Labor Relations for the Office of University Labor Relations. This position reports to the Executive Vice President and General Counsel and Associate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel.

• Manages the staff labor relations functions of the University.
• Provides leadership and coordination of staff labor relations at Rutgers.
• Works closely with the Office of the General Counsel, the Rutgers University Human Resources, and Chancellor‑led units in planning strategy for contract negotiations and contract implementations.
• Participates in collective negotiations with staff labor unions and serves as Chief Negotiator, if assigned, in coordination with the Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Assist with policy development.
• Implements new collective negotiations agreements.
• Manages and oversees Director(s), Senior Labor Relation Specialist(s), and Labor Relations Specialist(s) for all staff grievances.
• Provides advice and guidance to all members of the University community including Chancellors, Deans, Directors, Department Chairs, senior administrators and faculty regarding the compliance, interpretation and application of the staff collective negotiations agreements, and applicable University policies and practice.
• Provides advice and guidance pertaining to non‑routine staff personnel issues.
• Directs and conducts complex staff labor relations activities, including, but not limited to: collective negotiations issues.
• Serves as a key member of all staff collective negotiations teams.
• Works directly with staff union leaders to resolve complaint/concerns.
• Develops and presents university‑wide workshops and training sessions.
• Develops and implements university‑wide policies/procedures.

• Master’s degree or JD, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience.

• Experience in direct supervision and leading labor strategy.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to understand system and data and has ability to synthesize, evaluate, and apply data in developing labor strategies, and in the collective negotiations and contract implementation process.
• Ability to exhibit demonstrated leadership, management and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of labor and employee relations law.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations and information with discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Contribute and PowerPoint.

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Minimum Salary: $

Mid Range Salary: $

Maximum Salary: $

Full Time

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of Professional References (contact info)

Optional documents may include additional certifications, publications, or evidence of professional accomplishments.