Director of Labor Relations

Maimonides Medical Center•New York, NY

10d

About The Position

The Director of Labor Relations is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the development, execution, and management of the hospital’s labor relations strategies. The role ensures alignment with hospital goals while fostering positive, collaborative relationships between management, union leadership, and employees. It leads dispute resolution, policy development, and compliance with labor laws; manages employee relations; mitigates labor-related risks; and proactively addresses issues to maintain a productive and harmonious environment. Maimonides Health is Brooklyn’s largest healthcare system, serving more than 250,000 patients annually through three hospitals, 1,800 physicians and healthcare professionals, and more than 80 community-based practices and outpatient centers. Its system includes Maimonides Medical Center, Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital, and Maimonides Children's Hospital. Maimonides is an affiliate of Northwell Health and a major clinical training site for SUNY Downstate College of Medicine.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree required.
At least 12 years of labor relations experience, including 5 or more years in a leadership role.
Demonstrated success working in a joint labor-management setting.
Track record of developing and executing labor relations strategies that drive positive employee outcomes.
Extensive experience in union negotiations, contract management, conflict resolution, and employee relations.
Experience working with mid-level leaders.
Deep knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and industry trends, with the ability to interpret and apply them to evolving hospital needs.
Strong negotiation, conflict-resolution, and decision-making skills, including the ability to manage complex labor relations issues.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

JD, MA, or MS degree.
Experience working in a hospital or healthcare organization.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a team of Labor Relations Managers, supporting their growth, engagement, and success as strategic labor partners.
Redesign and execute the hospital’s long-term labor relations strategy in alignment with organizational goals, corporate culture, and industry trends.
Create workforce flexibility and agility strategies so the organization can adapt to changes in labor demand or union dynamics.
Build and maintain productive relationships with union leaders and representatives.
Use proactive labor-management techniques to reduce workplace disruptions, strengthen labor engagement, and address potential issues before they escalate.
Manage labor disputes, including arbitration and mediation, and refine processes to support timely resolution.
Integrate labor-law compliance into labor-management strategies and ensure policies and agreements adhere to federal, state, and local regulations.
Collaborate with Legal, HR, and business leaders to develop policies that reflect labor laws, company values, and strategic goals.
Work with HR and operations leaders to align workforce strategies with labor-market trends and support talent acquisition and retention.
Lead strategic initiatives to drive change within the labor relations function and maintain adaptability in a changing labor environment.
Lead monthly meetings with union representatives to discuss labor issues, identify emerging concerns, and collaborate on solutions.
Develop labor strategies to improve employee morale, engagement, and productivity in unionized environments.
Create a framework for cooperative labor-management committees that support joint problem-solving and decision-making on workplace safety, training, benefits, and other issues.