Director of Labor Relations

Montclair State University•Montclair, NJ

13d•$145,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Organizational and Talent Development, the Director of Labor Relations leads the University's labor relations efforts and oversees the administration of collective bargaining agreements. This role serves as a key liaison between Montclair State University and its various bargaining units, ensuring compliance with collective negotiations agreements, employment laws, and University policies. The Director provides guidance on contract administration, dispute resolution, and labor-management relations while fostering collaboration between University leadership, managers, and labor representatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in labor relations, organizational development, human resources, public administration or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive labor relations experience.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills with the ability to manage complex labor relations issues.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing labor relations teams.
Extensive knowledge of federal and state labor laws including but not limited to: NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII.
Willingness to travel to off-campus meetings.
Ability to work flexible hours and to have a strong physical presence on campus.
Some remote work flexibility available.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and/or Juris Doctorate from accredited college or university in labor relations organizational development, human resources, business administration or a related field or juris doctorate.
Experience in a higher education environment, preferable at a public institution.
Experience in a unionized environment.
Experience with Workday HCM
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and the ability to quickly learn new applications.
Human Resources Certification (example: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP)

Responsibilities

Supports the development and execution of a comprehensive labor relations strategy that aligns with the University’s mission and promotes a positive workplace culture.
Serves as a key contributor in collective bargaining negotiations, assisting in contract discussions with unions and coordinating with University leadership and state labor relations officials.
Provides guidance to University leadership on labor relations trends, policy development, and strategies for maintaining productive labor-management relationships.
Leads the Labor Relations team to ensure effective contract administration, grievance resolution, and compliance with labor agreements.
Collaborates with HR, legal counsel, and University leadership to address labor-related challenges and implement strategies to mitigate labor disputes.
Is the point-person for interpretation, application, and administration of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) for all University bargaining units, including AFT, CWA, IFPTE, NJSOLEA, NJLESA, and PBA-SLEU.
Advises managers and HR Business Partners on labor contract provisions, employee rights, and grievance handling.
Ensures fair and consistent application of CBAs, working with University managers to address labor-related concerns and performance management issues.
Prepares and reviews proposals, counterproposals, and contract modifications in consultation with key stakeholders.
Collaborates with internal human resources departments to ensure departmental initiatives support and align with labor contracts and provide recommendations for training and development and supports employee relations initiatives.
Supports the grievance process, including responding to grievances, conducting fact-finding, and preparing University positions for hearings, arbitrations, and mediations.
Represents the University in labor disputes, arbitration proceedings, and administrative hearings as needed.
Assists University leadership in resolving complex labor disputes and compliance issues.
Develops and delivers training programs for managers and supervisors on labor relations best practices, contract interpretation, and performance management.
Ensures compliance with federal and state labor laws, including NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and Title VII, as well as University policies and CBAs.
Stays informed on labor relations trends, regulatory changes, and emerging issues, advising leadership on potential impacts to the University.
Conducts labor relations audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement and ensure best practices in labor management.
Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with union leaders, University administrators, and external labor relations professionals.
Works closely with the Associate Vice President of Organizational and Talent Development to align labor relations strategies with University-wide talent development initiatives.
Collaborates with HR teams to ensure labor relations initiatives support broader organizational goals related to employee engagement, workforce planning, and institutional excellence.