Director of Labor Relations

Lesley University seeks a Director of Labor Relations to lead strategy and operations for a mission-driven, unionized campus. Reporting to senior HR leadership, this role oversees collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance and arbitration processes, ensuring fair, consistent, and equitable practices aligned with Lesley's social justice values. The Director partners closely with union leaders, HR, legal counsel, and academic and administrative departments to resolve complex employee-relations issues, interpret agreements, and mitigate risk. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in labor relations, strong negotiation and communication skills, and a collaborative approach that supports an inclusive, student-centered learning community in the Educational Services sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead labor relations strategy aligned with Lesley University's mission and values

• Plan and lead collective bargaining and contract negotiations with campus unions

• Oversee contract administration, including interpretation and application of agreements

• Manage grievance and arbitration processes and advise campus leaders

• Partner with HR, legal counsel, and leadership on labor-related policies and risk mitigation

• Build collaborative relationships with union representatives and employee groups

• Analyze labor data and trends to inform strategic decisions

• Develop training for managers on contract compliance and employee relations

• Promote an inclusive, equitable workplace culture consistent with social justice values

• Represent the university in external labor relations forums as needed Required Skills

• Labor relations strategy

• Collective bargaining

• Contract administration

• Employment and labor law knowledge

• Grievance and arbitration management

• HR policy development

• Data analysis and reporting

• Conflict resolution and mediation

• Union stakeholder engagement

• Change management