Director Labor Relations

About the Company

Our Client is committed to fostering positive, collaborative relationships between management and union leadership and employees. Our mission is to ensure alignment with agency goals while maintaining a productive environment.

About the Role

This strategic role is responsible for the development, execution, and management of our Client's employee and labor relations strategies. The Director of Union and Labor Relations will lead all aspects of dispute resolution, policy development, and compliance with labor laws.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute employee relations strategies that support organization objectives, enhance employee satisfaction, retention, and ensure alignment with union agreements, legal standards, and best practices.
• Oversee the process for investigating, responding to, and resolving employee grievances, workplace conflicts, and complaints.
• Ensure timely investigations and resolution ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
• Work with our client's counsel on contract negotiations.
• Serve as a liaison between management and union representatives, facilitating regular communication, negotiations, and problem solving.
• Develop and maintain on-going lists of management initiatives and proposals for future collective bargaining.
• Lead and develop a team of HR Business partners ensuring their growth, engagement, and success.
• Direct HR Business Partners for consistent, fair, and equitable practices across work units.
• Create, implement, and update HR policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and best practice.
• Manage HR policy guidance and interpretation.
• Develop and deliver employee relations training programs to management and employees.
• Monitor labor relations trends, legislation, and industry developments.
• Collaborate with HR team to review survey data and implement engagement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and documentation related to employee relations activities.
• Conduct weekly meetings with HR Business Partners.
• Attend Director/VP meetings to direct compliance standards and internal equity.
• Represent the agency at any conferences, hearings, or court cases.
• Analyze data to improve unemployment and MCAD claims.
• Assist in maintenance of Human Resources information Systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, or related role in a union environment.
• At least 5 years in a senior-level leadership role.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of HR practices and policies in a union environment.
• Strong understanding of labor relations, negotiation skills, and the ability to strategize and implement employee relations programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
• Experience in collective bargaining.
• Working knowledge of MS Office package.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Human Resource Information Systems and data analytics tools.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation/vehicle required.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of CORI process and unemployment process preferred.
• Experience presenting material to diverse groups and conveying information effectively.

Pay range and compensation package

Compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.