Associate Director for Labor Relations (Hybrid Opportunity)

Job no: 529068

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Human Resources

Union: Non-Unit Exempt

Categories: Human Resources

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Senior Director for Labor Relations the Associate Director for Labor Relations oversees the implementation and day-to-day administration of the University's staff collective bargaining agreements. Participates in the development, planning, and implementation of labor strategy, labor relations policies and procedures. Promotes collaborative labor relations by providing leadership, representation, coordination, advice, and support to university leaders in all aspects of labor relations, including contract administration, grievance handling, arbitrations, collective bargaining and unfair labor practice charges. Maintains effective relationships with union leadership, legal counsel, and utility industry labor relations contacts. Participates in labor contract negotiations and leads the grievance process, participating in arbitrations as needed. Ensures that management remains informed of and receives training on all labor relations policies and procedures. This position is a first point of contact for labor relations issues and serves as a functional lead negotiator for various bargaining units on campus.

Essential Functions

• Participation in Contract Negotiations
• Serves as a University spokesperson with delegated authority from the Office of the President during bargaining sessions with unions on campus.
• Works closely with the Associate Vice Chancellor and Deputy Chief HR Officer and other members of the labor team on all faucets of Labor Relations.
• Prepares reports, analyzes data, proposes strategies, and drafts tentative contract agreements with assigned units.
• Ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements and employment policies.
• Monitors trends in industry, including wages, hours, work rules, work conditions, benefits, etc. Monitors national, regional, and local economic data for potential impacts on negotiation and settlement of CBAs.
• Consultation, Collaboration and Advice
• Offers labor relations support to managers to facilitate the appropriate resolution of issues involving employees in campus departments.
• Partners closely and supports the HRBPs regarding employee relations.
• Develops and advises on performance improvement strategies and implements necessary disciplinary actions.
• Investigates, develops, and prepares witnesses, documentation, and backup information for grievances and arbitrations.
• Representation for the University
• Participates in arbitration and other administrative agency proceedings and associated activities, in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel as needed.
• Acts as a University representative in labor management meetings, discussions, and selected grievance meetings.
• Executes grievance settlements and labor management agreements.
• Works with internal or external counsel to respond to government agency inquiries, including requests from DOL, MCAD, and EEOC.
• Continually reviews labor relations policies, programs, and practices to keep the University informed of current practices and new developments; ensures that the University is in compliance with all legal and contractual labor requirements and regulations.
• Participates in and delivers training regarding labor relations and employee relations on campus.
• Manages data and produces reports on labor relations (e.g., grievance statistics, rfi’s, layoffs, employee discipline, and other relevant areas).
  
  

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree and six (6) years of related experience or Master’s Degree or other advanced degree and four (4) years of related experience.
• Experience with the collective bargaining process.
• Knowledge of employee and labor relations practices and federal and state regulations pertaining to labor issues.
• Knowledge of performance management practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a confidential environment.
• Exceptional levels of professionalism.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s Degree in business, industrial relations, conflict resolution or related field or J.D.
• Experience in drafting and presenting proposals in bargaining.
• Experience in the public sector.
• Experience in higher education.
  
  

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional) Employee Personnel Policy.
  
  

Salary Information

Salary Level 32.

Exempt Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised: Nov 17 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Jan 17 2026 Eastern Standard Time

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