Associate Director of Labor Relations

Associate Director of Labor Relations

Bookmark this Position Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

 Posting Details 

Job #  | 042188
Department Code  | 00000
Department  | Office of Human Resources
Job Title  | Associate Director of Labor Relations
Location  | Syracuse, New York
Pay Range  | $81,000 - $110,000
Pay Determination  | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level  | S5
FLSA Status  | Exempt
Hours  | Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type  | Full-time
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable

Job Description  | Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Labor and Employee Relations, the Associate Director of Labor Relations is responsible for delivering strategic labor and employee relations initiatives that support workforce planning, learning and development, employee engagement, talent management and performance management. This position administers a positive, effective, and system-wide labor and employee relations program that promotes constructive labor relations strategies. The role requires strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with the labor team to support schools, colleges, and administrative units.

The Associate Director will provide counsel on employee relations matters: performance management, promotion, discipline, and termination. Collaborate with the leave administrator, risk management, equal opportunity to administer leaves, reasonable accommodations, and workers’ compensation. Design, deliver professional training to promote professional staff development. Participate in grievance and arbitration process; periodically serve as hearing office for union grievances. Receive employee complaints, conduct investigations, prepare reports.

The Associate Director will work closely with the AVP to negotiate contracts and will serve as a subject matter expert on the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.

Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s degree. (Preferably in Human Resources, Industrial Labor Relations, or a related field) Master’s degree preferred. 4-6 years, experience in HR, labor and/or employee relations, or related work. Experience in labor and/or employee relations in an academic setting, desirable. Significant experience in labor and employee relations, including administering collective bargaining agreements. Demonstrated ability to negotiate labor contracts and serve as a subject matter expert in labor relations. Strong knowledge of employment law, labor relations practices, and HR compliance. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and contribute effectively as part of a team. Experience in conducting investigations, preparing comprehensive reports, and providing recommendations. Ability to design and facilitate professional training programs.

Skills and Knowledge  | Human Resources and/or labor relations experience, or legal experience in labor and/or employment law. Knowledge of key employment and labor laws (e.g. FLSA, FMLA, NLRA, ADA, NY PFL, EEOC Regs. etc.) Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively across levels Ability to partner with and influence senior leadership. Proactive self-starter; is adept at finding creative solutions to challenging issues. Skilled at conflict resolution, informal mediation and negotiation. Must be detail-oriented, adept at multi-tasking, able to prioritize effectively, and work efficiently in a deadline driven environment. Ability to work independently but also function as part of a team. Exceptional writing, critical thinking and analytical skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Ability to conduct confidential workplace investigations and prepare detailed, well written investigation reports. Proficiency in using PowerPoint; Microsoft Office Products, and particularly Outlook, Word, Visio, and Excel; ability to run Hyperion data queries. Demonstrated ability to influence others across levels.

Responsibilities  | With broad latitude for independent judgment, interpret, implement and administer the CBAs of the university’s unions. Cultivate effective, trusted relationships with University representatives and bargaining unit representatives. Utilizing critical thinking and fact-based analysis, provide advice and counsel for front line supervisors and managers regarding issues arising in the context of the employment relationship, collective bargaining agreements, HR policy, benefits and compensation. Provide counsel to University management on employee relations matters including performance management, promotion, employee discipline for union employees, as well as promotion and transfer, salary increases, and termination. Develop and implement training for supervisors and managers; may also create training for line employees. Ensure compliance and consistent interpretation and application of University policies and collective bargaining agreement provisions. May supervise Labor Relations Specialists/Senior Specialists, or provide guidance to them. Draft/update department policies and protocols as needed. Conduct confidential investigations of employee complaints. Serve as a subject matter expert on union/management rights and application of the collective bargaining agreements, as well as a wide variety of subjects arising within the context of the employment relationship. May address employee relations concerns for supervisory staff. Prepare and maintain written reports of interviews and investigations. Maintain ongoing labor relations case report. Provide guidance and partnership to department management on departmental restructure and organization while adhering to the CBA. Escalates critical issues/concerns to the Director of Labor Relations in a timely manner. In accordance with the provisions of the respective collective bargaining agreements, perform recruitment and staffing functions including review, approval, and posting of union jobs; approval of search or other waivers; and certification of candidate outcomes for union positions. Partner with the Talent Management Team and department leadership in the sourcing and recruitment of non-union personnel for positions located in bargaining unit areas. Ensure compliance of unionized staff in university-wide and required legal initiatives, e.g. sexual harassment training etc. Research, analyze, and prepare strategic documents and presentations in preparation for collective bargaining negotiations; participate in union contract negotiations. Run system queries, including salary reports, to prepare documentation for collective bargaining etc.; prepare Excel and other reports to demonstrate labor relations metrics; prepare spreadsheets for analysis and benchmarking, and other reports as required. Utilize HR personnel management system to run reports, research personnel info etc. Carry out functions relating to maintenance of the labor-management relationship: Investigate and respond to grievances; facilitate early grievance resolution when possible. Prepare and defend documentation for 3rd step grievances and arbitration. In the absence of the Director of Labor Relations, may serve as hearing officer. In the absence of Labor Relations Specialist, may conduct union employee orientation for new bargaining unit employees, and disseminate critical information including specific policies and processes. Collaborate with HR Business partners to resolve strategic departmental issues.
Physical Requirements  | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment  | Not Applicable
Application Instructions  | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University  | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area  | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement  | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans  | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community  | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/110725
Job Posting Date  | 10/10/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

Applicant Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

621 Skytop Road | Suite 1001 | Syracuse, NY 13244 – 5300 | 315.443.4042
© 2017 - Syracuse University, All Rights Reserved. | Accessibility | Privacy | Accreditation | syr.edu