Associate Director: Labor Relations
Overview:
Labor Relations supports the mission of Princeton University by negotiating and administering labor agreements that promotes management interacting with union representatives for contractual compliance, operational insight, strategic planning and employee engagement.
Reporting to the Director of Labor Relations and Client Services, the Associate Director of HR Labor Relations will serve as a strategic partner to leadership and employees by providing expert guidance in labor relations matters. This role will include negotiating labor contracts, mediating conflict, contract administration, conducting contract training, focus on supporting organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and handling labor-related issues while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
The Associate Director of HR Labor Relations will develop, maintain, evolve and enforce standard operating procedures that define processes to support the labor-management support for the University unions that cover the administrative and academic population.The Associate Director of HR Labor Relations will be responsible for outside legal relationships and legal documentation and reporting systems. The Associate Director of HR Labor Relations will collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute HR strategies that drive employee engagement, enhance productivity, and foster a positive workplace culture.
Responsibilities:
Labor Relations Contract Management:
In partnership with the Director of Labor Relations and Client Services, lead labor relations strategies, managing union interactions and collective bargaining processes and administration of contracts for all union-related matters, including negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, and contract administration, memorandums of agreement and process improvements.Monitor compliance with labor agreements and assist with implementation of union policies within the organization. Partner with senior leaders to align labor strategies and with University goals with consideration of union member roles and contract provisions.
Work closely with leadership to identify HR trends, challenges, and opportunities, implementing solutions to support business success.
Labor-Management Relations & Conflict Resolution:
Provide expert guidance on labor laws, collective bargaining agreements (CBA), and dispute resolution. Act as a trusted advisor for management and employees on complex employee relations issues, including disciplinary actions, investigations, and terminations.Facilitate labor-management meetings, and partner with University stakeholders to manage claims, grievances and legal matters. Promote a positive, respectful work environment by identifying and addressing employee concerns, resolving conflicts, and ensuring fair treatment for all employees.
Conduct thorough and timely investigations on employee complaints or grievances, documenting findings and recommending corrective actions.
Compliance, Legal Guidance and Training:
Stay current on labor laws, industry regulations, and company policies, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks. Advise leadership on legal and regulatory matters, particularly those related to union relations and labor disputes. Provide coaching and training to management and staff on employee relations, labor laws, and conflict resolution.Assist in the development and implementation of training programs that foster positive employee relations and enhance management skills in handling labor relations issues.
Qualifications:
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations/Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or HR/Labor certifications preferred).
- 8+ years of experience in HR, with at least 3 years in labor relations management or a similar role.
- Extensive knowledge of labor laws, union contracts, and dispute resolution processes.
- Proven experience in negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization.
- Experience handling complex employee relations issues and conflicts.
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a demonstrated ability to think strategically.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in a unionized environment, ideally within higher education.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to influence without authority.
- Experience managing or mentoring HR teams.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Standard Weekly Hours:- 25
Eligible for Overtime: No
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Probationary Period: 180 days
Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail): No
Physical Capacity Exam Required: No
Valid Driver’s License Required: No- #LI-JE1