Director, Labor & Employee Relations

Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.•Washington, DC

1d•$135,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions. Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America’s foundational environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal and international levels, as well as through the marketplace. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Beijing, and New Delhi (a subsidiary of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd.). Supported by our members and online activists, NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. At NRDC, we believe lasting change happens when people bring their talent, passion, and expertise together for a common purpose: to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world. Learn more at nrdc.org. The Director, Labor & Employee Relations leads NRDC’s labor and employee relations programs. Reporting to the Chief People and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CPDEIO) and collaborating with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and other senior leaders, this role is responsible for developing and executing labor relations strategy, employee relations, and compliance with labor law. This role is also responsible for advising other senior leaders on labor strategy, contract administration, and the consistent application of workplace policies.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and related work experience
Minimum of 7 years of successful experience in employee and labor relations, including experience with labor unions, labor negotiations and contract administration
Demonstrated, successful experience in labor relations, including union negotiations and contract administration
Experience managing employee investigations and complex stakeholder-driven projects
Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations
Creative and resourceful, with strong interpersonal, negotiation, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
Ability to quickly and effectively build relationships with colleagues, department managers and labor union leaders internally and externally
Exceptional oral and written communications skills, with a strong ability to build consensus
Ability to apply an equity lens to employee relations casework and investigations
Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and methods
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion is a must
Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles

Nice To Haves

Certification or education in labor relations (e.g., SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) and/ or related coursework is preferred

Responsibilities

Manage the Labor Relations function for NRDC, including: Participate in the Management Bargaining Team (MBT), representing NRDC management in the collective bargaining process and managing labor union relationships
Project manage bargaining activities, timelines, and communications with internal stakeholders and union representatives
Deeply understand the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and provide training and guidance to NRDC leaders and People and ODEI team members on managing under CBA provisions, including contract administration and grievance handling
Partner across the organization to identify trends and proactively address issues to reduce grievances
In partnership with the HR Partner and Office of DEI teams, oversee Employee Relations matters, including: Provide guidance to managers and HR Partners to ensure consistent employee relations practices across the organization
Oversee documentation and handling of employee relations matters
Lead or support investigations and ensure timely, well-documented resolution
Advise on appropriate resolution strategies, including discipline and corrective action
Review case management processes and data for continuous improvement by identifying trends and improving consistency
Provide technical advice and guidance to HR Partners and managers on employee performance relations matters, performance management, and discipline
Oversee all People policies, including: Serve as the subject matter expert for policy interpretation and guidance, in partnership with People functional leaders when applicable
Responsible for the full lifecycle of policy updates, including development, review, updates, stakeholder management, and communication
Identify and plan training or education for managers and staff around policy expectations and application
Stay updated on labor laws, regulations, and industry trends to ensure compliance in all areas of work; share appropriate updates and recommendations proactively with key stakeholders
In collaboration with the People Analytics team, generate analytics for the CPDEIO and other leaders, including reports to track and analyze trends in workplace issues to identify areas for improvement and develop preventive strategies