Syracuse University
Labor Relations Senior Specialist
🇺🇸
Syracuse, NY
🕑
Full-Time
💰
$75K - $85K
💻
Human Resources
🗓️
January 28th, 2026
Edtech.com's Summary
Syracuse University is hiring a Labor Relations Senior Specialist. This role administers a comprehensive labor and employee relations program, advising management on performance management, discipline, and contract compliance while leading grievance processes and workplace investigations. The specialist collaborates closely with university departments and unions to support collective bargaining agreements and employee relations strategies.
Highlights
- Administer collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and manage labor relations initiatives.
- Provide counseling and training to supervisors and managers on employee relations, performance management, and discipline.
- Conduct confidential workplace investigations and participate in grievance and arbitration processes.
- Collaborate with University Leave Administrator, Risk Management, and Equal Opportunity offices on leaves, accommodations, and Workers' Compensation.
- Serve as subject matter expert in contract negotiations and prepare strategic documents and reports.
- Require proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio), running Hyperion data queries, and HR personnel management systems.
- Qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Labor Relations, or related field, and 4-6 years of HR or labor relations experience, preferably in an academic setting.
- Strong knowledge of employment and labor laws such as FLSA, FMLA, NLRA, ADA, NY PFL, and EEOC regulations.
- Position pays between $75,000 and $85,000 annually and operates full-time during standard university business hours.
- Requires on-premise presence supporting bargaining units; remote or hybrid work arrangements are not considered.
Labor Relations Senior Specialist Full Description
Labor Relations Senior Specialist
Posting Details
Posting Details
Job # | 042544
Department Code | 19002-7220
Department | Office of Human Resources
Job Title | Labor Relations Senior Specialist
Location | Syracuse, NY
Campus | Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range | $75,000 - $85,000
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
Unionized Position Code | Not Applicable
Job Description | The Labor Relations Sr Specialist supports the administration of a positive, effective, system-wide labor and employee relations program that promotes labor relations strategies. Rely on experience and sound judgment to address daily issues in the context of collective bargaining agreements and employment relationships for such unit staff. Supports the Labor Relations team while working independently. Adept at prioritizing and meeting shifting needs. Establishes strong, collaborative relationships with Union counterparts. Establish strong, trust-based relationships with management and non-management staff/faculty across the University. Advises managers and supervisors on employee relations matters, including performance management, discipline, and termination. Collaborate with the University Leave Administrator, Office of Risk Management, and the Office of Equal Opportunity to administer leaves, reasonable accommodations, and Workers’ Compensation. Designs and delivers professional training to managers and supervisors.
Participates in the grievance & arbitration process. Conducts confidential workplace investigations. Serves on the University team for contract negotiations. Serves as a subject matter expert on the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements and generates comprehensive reports. The Labor Relations Sr. Specialist will support bargaining units that require fully on-premise work, therefore, remote and hybrid working arrangements are not considered for this role.
Education and Experience | Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Labor Relations, or a related field. 4-6 years’ experience in HR, labor or employee relations, or related work. Experience in labor and/or employee relations in an academic setting is desirable.
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. 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, particularly Outlook, Word, Visio, and Excel; ability to run Hyperion data queries. Demonstrated ability to influence others across levels Travel between campus locations throughout the work day is required.
Responsibilities | Administer the CBAs of the University’s unions. Foster and cultivate effective relationships with University representatives and bargaining unit representatives in joint labor/management initiatives projects and forums. Utilizing critical thinking and fact-based analysis, provide advice, counsel, and training for front-line supervisors and managers regarding issues arising in the context of the employment relationship, collective bargaining agreements, HR policy, benefits, and compensation. Counsel University management on performance management, employee discipline for union employees, promotion and transfer, salary increases, and termination. Ensure compliance with and consistent interpretation and application of university policies and collective bargaining agreement provisions. In collaboration with department management, draft, and update department policies. Conduct confidential investigations of employee complaints. Respond to inquiries about union/management rights, application of the collective bargaining agreements, and a wide variety of subjects arising within the context of the employment relationship. May periodically address employee relations concerns for non-bargaining unit staff. Prepare and maintain written reports of interviews and investigations. Maintain and update the labor relations log. Guide management on departmental restructure and organization while adhering to the CBA. Research, analyze, and prepare strategic documents and presentations in preparation for collective bargaining negotiations; may support contract negotiation activities. 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 prepare other reports as required. Utilize HR personnel management system to run reports, research personnel info etc. In accordance with the provisions of the respective collective bargaining agreements, recruitment and staffing functions are performed, including review, approval, and posting of union jobs; approval of search or other waivers; and certification of candidate outcomes for union positions. Participate in recruitment of non-union personnel for positions in bargaining unit areas. Work closely with HR’s Talent Acquisition Team to procure staffing for bargaining unit areas. Ensure compliance of unionized staff in university-wide and required legal initiatives, e.g., sexual harassment training, etc. Carry out functions relating to the maintenance of the labor-management relationship. Investigate and respond to grievances. Facilitate grievance resolution at the 1st and 2nd steps. Assist in preparation of supporting documentation for 3rd step grievances and arbitration. Conduct union employee orientation for new bargaining unit employees and disseminate critical information including specific policies and processes. Collaborate with Senior HR Business partners when necessary to resolve overlapping department 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/112231
Job Posting Date | 01/26/2026
Application Deadline |
Full Consideration By |
Job Category | Staff
Message to Applicants |
Department Code | 19002-7220
Department | Office of Human Resources
Job Title | Labor Relations Senior Specialist
Location | Syracuse, NY
Campus | Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range | $75,000 - $85,000
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
Unionized Position Code | Not Applicable
Job Description | The Labor Relations Sr Specialist supports the administration of a positive, effective, system-wide labor and employee relations program that promotes labor relations strategies. Rely on experience and sound judgment to address daily issues in the context of collective bargaining agreements and employment relationships for such unit staff. Supports the Labor Relations team while working independently. Adept at prioritizing and meeting shifting needs. Establishes strong, collaborative relationships with Union counterparts. Establish strong, trust-based relationships with management and non-management staff/faculty across the University. Advises managers and supervisors on employee relations matters, including performance management, discipline, and termination. Collaborate with the University Leave Administrator, Office of Risk Management, and the Office of Equal Opportunity to administer leaves, reasonable accommodations, and Workers’ Compensation. Designs and delivers professional training to managers and supervisors.
Participates in the grievance & arbitration process. Conducts confidential workplace investigations. Serves on the University team for contract negotiations. Serves as a subject matter expert on the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements and generates comprehensive reports. The Labor Relations Sr. Specialist will support bargaining units that require fully on-premise work, therefore, remote and hybrid working arrangements are not considered for this role.
Education and Experience | Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Labor Relations, or a related field. 4-6 years’ experience in HR, labor or employee relations, or related work. Experience in labor and/or employee relations in an academic setting is desirable.
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. 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, particularly Outlook, Word, Visio, and Excel; ability to run Hyperion data queries. Demonstrated ability to influence others across levels Travel between campus locations throughout the work day is required.
Responsibilities | Administer the CBAs of the University’s unions. Foster and cultivate effective relationships with University representatives and bargaining unit representatives in joint labor/management initiatives projects and forums. Utilizing critical thinking and fact-based analysis, provide advice, counsel, and training for front-line supervisors and managers regarding issues arising in the context of the employment relationship, collective bargaining agreements, HR policy, benefits, and compensation. Counsel University management on performance management, employee discipline for union employees, promotion and transfer, salary increases, and termination. Ensure compliance with and consistent interpretation and application of university policies and collective bargaining agreement provisions. In collaboration with department management, draft, and update department policies. Conduct confidential investigations of employee complaints. Respond to inquiries about union/management rights, application of the collective bargaining agreements, and a wide variety of subjects arising within the context of the employment relationship. May periodically address employee relations concerns for non-bargaining unit staff. Prepare and maintain written reports of interviews and investigations. Maintain and update the labor relations log. Guide management on departmental restructure and organization while adhering to the CBA. Research, analyze, and prepare strategic documents and presentations in preparation for collective bargaining negotiations; may support contract negotiation activities. 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 prepare other reports as required. Utilize HR personnel management system to run reports, research personnel info etc. In accordance with the provisions of the respective collective bargaining agreements, recruitment and staffing functions are performed, including review, approval, and posting of union jobs; approval of search or other waivers; and certification of candidate outcomes for union positions. Participate in recruitment of non-union personnel for positions in bargaining unit areas. Work closely with HR’s Talent Acquisition Team to procure staffing for bargaining unit areas. Ensure compliance of unionized staff in university-wide and required legal initiatives, e.g., sexual harassment training, etc. Carry out functions relating to the maintenance of the labor-management relationship. Investigate and respond to grievances. Facilitate grievance resolution at the 1st and 2nd steps. Assist in preparation of supporting documentation for 3rd step grievances and arbitration. Conduct union employee orientation for new bargaining unit employees and disseminate critical information including specific policies and processes. Collaborate with Senior HR Business partners when necessary to resolve overlapping department 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/112231
Job Posting Date | 01/26/2026
Application Deadline |
Full Consideration By |
Job Category | Staff
Message to Applicants |
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * How did you first find out about this position?
- sujobopps.com (Syracuse University Online Employment website)
- Syracuse University HR Recruiter
- Virtual Career Fair (via NYS Department of Labor)
- SUNY EOC (Equal Opportunity Center)
- Women’s Opportunity Center
- Jubilee Homes
- Syracuse Northeast Community Center
- Interfaith Works
- JobPlus
- Syracuse.com
- Chronicle of Higher Education
- HigherEdJobs.com
- HERC (HERC Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium)
- InsideHigherEd.com
- Indeed.com
- DiverseEducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education website)
- LinkedIn Job Posting
- Job Fair
- Search Firm
- Referred by an SU Employee
- Other
- If "other", please describe how you first found out about this position.
(Open Ended Question)
621 Skytop Road | Suite 1001 | Syracuse, NY 13244 – 5300 | 315.443.4042
© 2017 - Syracuse University, All Rights Reserved. | Accessibility | Privacy | Accreditation | syr.ed
© 2017 - Syracuse University, All Rights Reserved. | Accessibility | Privacy | Accreditation | syr.ed
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