Director of Labor Relations

The Opportunity

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.

Qualities and Capabilities

A successful candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or related field required; Master’s degree preferred; JD or LLM degree desirable

• 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

Why Lesley

Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs in the human arts of education, the arts, and applied social sciences. Lesley fosters a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas thrive, theory is integrated with practice and its 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni are empowered to improve and enrich communities.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. In addition, we offer significant paid time off, a generous retirement plan, and tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills.

Lesley is committed to the ongoing pursuit of strategic diversity initiatives that help to position diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to institutional and academic excellence at Lesley. In doing so, Lesley strives for a campus culture and community that fosters a true sense of belonging for all, provides opportunity for everyone to participate equally and fully in the Lesley experience, and helps to develop each individual's capacity to confidently and competently engage within and across difference. Given an evolving national context and the rapid change in the demographic profile of our country, the University has made a significant commitment to addressing and enhancing its campus climate and diversity capabilities as an institution.

Expressing Interest

A letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, professional activity, and/or service must be included for full consideration.

At Lesley University we strive for a supportive and equitable environment where people -- regardless of race, ethnicity, color, sex, physical ability, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws -- can participate equally and fully as their true selves in all aspects of university life. Accordingly, the University prohibits discrimination based on these protected categories in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and in employment. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of our institution. Individuals may submit concerns or questions related to discrimination to the University's Director of Equal Opportunity. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity's webpage for the University's entire notice of nondiscrimination and for additional information.