Director of Labor Relations

Holyoke Community College•Holyoke, MA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Labor Relations is responsible for leading and managing employee and labor relations functions across the college. This position ensures fair and consistent application of policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and employment laws. This role serves as a trusted advisor and business partner to administrators, supervisors, and employees on a wide range of issues, including employee discipline, performance management, grievances, contract negotiations, and conflict resolution. Serves as the college’s primary contact for employee and labor relations matters.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, Labor Relations, Business, or related field.
7-10 years of experience in labor and employee relations, including considerable experience in working with collective bargaining agreements, contract administration, and performance improvement management.
Knowledge of mediation and arbitration practices.
Proficiency with Microsoft and other Human Resources software, i.e., HRIS systems.
Ability to multitask and work independently on projects.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse group and population.
Effective communication and people skills; must be able to work in a team-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctorate (JD) Degree.
Higher Education experience.
SHRM or HRCI certification.
Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Responsibilities

Interprets and administers all Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) – the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Massachusetts Community College Council (MCCC); provides guidance to management and staff on contractual obligations and rights.
Manages all impact bargaining between the college and unions.
Drafts Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs), side letters, and settlement agreements with support of the Massachusetts Community College’s general counsel.
Represents the college in all labor charge meetings.
Manages employee relations matters, including investigations of employee complaints and workplace concerns (outside the scope of Title IX/Affirmative Action) and the grievance, mediation, and arbitration processes, ensuring impartiality, consistency, and compliance with internal policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws and regulations, in partnership with college leadership and legal counsel.
Provides coaching and counsel to supervisors and employees in concert with the Director of Restorative Practices and Mediation (DRPAM) on performance management, corrective actions, and employee engagement strategies.
Coordinates and supports labor negotiations; prepares proposals, analyzes data, and participates in bargaining sessions as needed.
Partners with the DRPAM to monitor trends and proactively identify, address, and resolve employee relations issues before escalation.
Collaborates with People & Talent colleagues to analyze employee and labor relations data and trends, develop actionable insights and reporting for management, and advance policy compliance, risk mitigation, and positive employee experiences.
Collaborates with the Director of People Development to assess, design, develop, implement, and evaluate training to supervisors on employee and/or labor relations best practices, to include, but not limited to contract administration and conflict resolution.
Maintains thorough and confidential documentation of all employee relations activities.
Stays current with employment laws, contractual language, M.G.L. 150E regulations, and labor relations developments, ensuring the college’s practices remain compliant and effective.
All other duties as assigned.