Director of Labor Relations

Lesley University • Cambridge, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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 partners. In 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or related field required
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred
• JD or LLM degree desirable

Responsibilities

• Oversee collective bargaining agreement (CBA) administration
• Provide guidance on contract interpretation
• Partner with leaders on employee and workforce matters
• Manage the grievance process from intake through resolution
• Represent the University in arbitrations and other proceedings as needed
• Support labor negotiations and ongoing labor-management relations, including participation in bargaining preparation and meetings with union partners
• Provide consultation and coaching to managers on employee relations and conflict resolution
• Support or oversee workplace investigations
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and agreements
• Use data and reporting to inform labor relations strategy and strengthen HR practices across the institution

Benefits

• health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance
• significant paid time off
• generous retirement plan
• tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director