Labor Relations Specialist

Tufts University • Medford, MA

1d

About The Position

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that is shaping the future of labor relations at Tufts. Approximately 1,300 employees are represented across eight units across four distinct campuses, reflecting a diverse and complex labor landscape. To support this environment, the university is building a comprehensive, university-wide Labor Relations function. This function will serve as a centralized resource and strategic partner for leadership across all schools and administrative units. Its purpose is to: Provide integrated expertise and leadership in labor relations, ensuring consistency and alignment across the institution. Proactively engage with employees and departments to foster positive workplace practices and reduce the risk of additional unionization efforts. Strengthen partnerships with existing unions, creating a foundation of trust, collaboration, and shared understanding to support university objectives. Develop and implement a long-term labor relations strategy that promotes a stable, constructive, and positive work environment for all employees. Candidates will be part of a forward-thinking approach that balances organizational goals with employee engagement and well-being.

Requirements

• Knowledge and experience typically acquired by a Bachelor’s degree in HR management, labor relations, or business-related discipline
• at least three years’ experience either advising management on supervision of unionized employees, or with the labor

Nice To Haves

• Juris Doctorate preferred
• ability to conduct hearings, determine relevant facts, analyze facts in relation to contract language/practices, and write clear responses to union contract grievances
• strong organizational and oral and written communication skills

Responsibilities

• Participate in the negotiation, administration, and interpretation of Tufts’ collective bargaining agreements.
• Serve as a point of contact for labor relations issues, including grievances, disputes, and disciplinary actions.
• helping managers/supervisors address grievances, conferring with labor and management representatives to resolve employee disputes; working with managers/supervisors to collect documentation/data for responding to union information requests and producing reports; attending joint labor management meetings, contract negotiations, impact bargaining sessions, arbitrations, and other meetings, recording notes and following up on action items; developing/maintaining a strong understanding of applicable collective bargaining and associated agreements, department policies, and Tufts employment policies in order to advise managers on issues of contract compliance; helping develop and schedule (and possibly conducting) training programs for supervisors/managers; drafting communications; and performing other duties as requested.
• Guide managers/supervisors regarding contract compliance and other issues related to supervising union personnel and conflict resolution.
• Investigate complaints, mediate conflicts, and advise management on labor law and policy compliance.
• Working collaboratively with labor and management representatives to resolve disputes.
• Participate in labor negotiations, including proposal development during collective bargaining sessions.
• Maintain accurate records of labor relations activity, including grievances, negotiations and contract changes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees