Position Details
Position Information
| Position Title |
HR & Labor Relations Director |
| Position Type |
Staff |
| Requisition Number |
ST149 |
| Department |
Human Resources Dept |
| Title of Supervisor |
Chief People Officer |
| Full-time/ Part-time |
Full-time |
| Work Hours per Week |
35 |
| Weeks Per Year |
52 |
| Months Per Year: |
12 |
| Work Days |
Monday - Friday |
| Work Hours |
8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| End Date (required for Temporary, Per Diem, Independent Contractor/Agency): |
|
| Salary Range |
$100,000 - $115,000 |
| Hours and Months |
35 hours per week 12 months per year |
| Exemption Status |
Exempt |
Staff Job Description
| Job Description Summary |
The
HR & Labor Relations Director is a senior human resources leader serving as the strategic deputy to the Chief People Officer. This position is responsible for providing institution-wide leadership in labor relations, employee relations, policy development, workforce analytics, performance management, and organizational learning and development.
The Director will be a trusted partner to the
CPO, assuming high-level responsibilities to ensure strategic alignment, operational excellence, and proactive risk management. This role plays a critical part in preparing the University for success in its newly certified staff union environment by managing the collective bargaining agreement, leading negotiations, and ensuring compliance. Additionally, the Director will oversee the design and facilitation of the University's learning and development strategy to foster a culture of growth, engagement, and performance excellence across all employee groups. |
| Essential Functions |
Strategic Partnership & Leadership
- Serve as the strategic deputy to the CPO, acting with delegated authority when necessary and providing counsel on all major HR initiatives.
- Collaborate with the CPO to align HR strategies with institutional priorities and the University's mission, vision, and values.
- Anticipate workforce needs and lead change management efforts to strengthen organizational effectiveness.
Labor Relations Leadership
- Administer the collective bargaining agreements (CBA) for unionized staff and part-time faculty.
- Serve as lead negotiator (with the CPO) during collective bargaining, ensuring outcomes align with institutional priorities.
- Manage grievance processes, including arbitration preparation and participation.
- Develop and deliver training for supervisors on CBA provisions, grievance procedures, and effective labor-management relations.
- Act as the University's primary liaison to union representatives.
Employee Relations
- Manage high-risk employee relations cases (union and non-union), ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant resolution.
- Provide expert guidance to leadership on performance management, corrective action, and workplace conflict resolution.
- Identify systemic issues and partner with University leaders to develop proactive solutions.
Policy & Compliance
- Lead the development, revision, and communication of University HR policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as University policy and CBA obligations.
- Monitor emerging legislative and regulatory changes, recommending necessary adjustments to policies and practices.
Workforce Analytics & Process Improvement
- Conduct workforce analytics to inform decision-making on staffing, workforce planning, and organizational structure.
- Lead HR process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, consistency, and service quality.
- Prepare high-quality Cabinet-level and Board-level reports and presentations.
Strategic
Performance Management
- Collaborate with leadership to design and implement performance improvement strategies that strengthen individual, team, and organizational outcomes.
- Analyze performance data and trends to identify systemic issues and recommend strategies to enhance effectiveness, equity, and alignment with institutional goals.
- Lead and oversee the full performance management cycle, ensuring integration with the University's strategic priorities.
- Partner with leaders to drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement by facilitating timely, constructive, and developmental feedback.
- Provide coaching and guidance to managers on effective performance conversations, documentation, and corrective action processes.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, legal requirements, and best practices in documenting and managing performance.
Learning & Development Leadership
- Lead the creation, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of the University's learning and development strategy for all employees.
- Identify skill gaps and future workforce capability needs.
- Oversee the design, facilitation, and evaluation of training programs, including leadership development, supervisor training, compliance programs, and Inclusive Excellence initiatives.
- Partner with internal and external facilitators to deliver high-quality learning experiences.
Institutional Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Provide counsel and backup support to all HR functional areas, stepping in when needed to maintain continuity and service excellence.
- Partner with Finance, Academic Affairs, and other divisions to ensure integrated approaches to workforce planning and people initiatives.
- Represent HR on institutional committees and task forces as assigned.
|
| Required Education, Experience, Technology Applications and Skills |
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field required; Masters Degree preferred.
- 7+ years of progressively responsible HR experience, including at least 5 years with direct labor relations and employee relations responsibilities.
- Experience administering or supporting a collective bargaining agreement in a unionized environment.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement HR policies and programs.
- Experience conducting workforce analytics and leading process improvement initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and best practices.
- Proven facilitation and training skills for diverse employee audiences.
- Strategic and analytical thinking.
- Labor relations and negotiation expertise.
- High emotional intelligence and political acumen.
- Change management and organizational development skills.
- Ability to influence without direct authority.
- Exceptional follow-through and attention to detail.
|
| Preferred Education, Experience, Technology Applications and Skills |
- Master's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Organizational Development, or related field.
- Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
- Professional certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR).
- Experience leading or supporting collective bargaining negotiations.
- Familiarity with HRIS and workforce analytics tools.
|
| Supervisory Responsibilities |
|
| Physical Requirements |
- Prolonged periods of sitting, moderate computer use, and occasional lifting or moving of light objects.
|
| Equipment to be used |
- Proficiency with typical office equipment is necessary for this role, including computers, printers, scanners, telephones and photocopiers.
|
Posting Detail Information
| Posting Date |
|
| Closing Date |
|
| EEO Statement |
Join Nazareth University, a leading institution in Rochester, NY, with a vibrant community of approximately 1,900 undergraduate and 500 graduate students. We seek dedicated staff members who are committed to supporting student success, community engagement, and championing equity and inclusion. Located just minutes from downtown Rochester, our campus provides a dynamic environment for professional growth, innovation, and collaboration.
At Nazareth, we are committed to equity and inclusion, ensuring equal access to employment opportunities without discrimination. We advocate for an inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our Anti-Discrimination Policy upholds fair treatment based solely on qualifications and merit.
Join us in celebrating diversity, where every individual, regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status, is valued and respected. |
| Special Instructions to Applicants |
|
| Quick Link |
https://jobs.naz.edu/postings/4271 |
|
Nazareth University
$100,000 - $115,000
Aug 21, 2025