Senior Director, Labor Relations

The New School was founded by forward-thinking educators in 1919 to defy the intellectual constraints of a traditional college education, and is a University where scholars, designers, artists, and innovators come together to challenge convention, create positive change, and promote equity, inclusion, and social justice, all in the spirit of fearless progress.

Reporting to the Vice President of Labor Relations, the Senior Director for Labor Relations works with senior leadership and The New School community in all aspects of collective bargaining and labor contract administration for the university’s nine collective bargaining agreements. The Senior Director will serve as the first or second chair negotiator in collective bargaining with one or more of these agreements.

The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as one of the lead negotiators and direct the collective bargaining process with labor unions representing the University by developing and proposing strategies and recommendations for the negotiation of collective bargaining provisions.
• Responsible for the interpretation and application of labor laws, procedures, policies, precedents, and collective bargaining agreement provisions to University managers. Ensures appropriate communications and training is provided for employees and supervisors in the areas of campus policy, labor relations, collective bargaining issues, etc.
• Collaborate with the Human Resources, General Counsel and related departments/offices to ensure campus compliance with applicable federal, state and local employment and labor laws, and University policies.
• Ensure effective representation of the University at hearings and other processes involved with grievances, arbitrations, organizing, or other labor relations matters.
• Provide University leadership, managers, and supervisors with education and training pertaining to the agreed upon collective bargaining agreements and procedures within, and advise on contract interpretation.
• Develop strong relationships with managers and line supervisors; serve as a coach in managing difficult labor-related issues; work with colleagues to identify and create innovative solutions to solve and mitigate potential risks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of experience in labor relations, including mediation and arbitration, policy development or interpretation, applicable employment law, or other related business experience. Thorough knowledge of labor relations practices and legal requirements.
• Experience supervising others and working in higher education, in a unionized setting; including experience as first chair for collective bargaining negotiations.
• Demonstrated experience working with labor unions and navigating business relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to interact effectively, communicate clearly and concisely to articulate ideas, and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, and students.
• Ability to serve as a confidential and trusted partner to the University in all matters.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to cultivate influential and credible relationships across the University and resolve issues in a composed, professional, and confidential manner.
• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills and an ability to effectively communicate in both small and large group settings.
• Ability to work both independently and to be part of an effective team with a highly cooperative and collaborative work style.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in law, labor relations, industrial relations, or related field.
• Familiarity with Workday or other HRIS systems and Google Suite.
• Knowledge of New York state, New York City labor laws and regulations.
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential.
  
  

Work Mode

• Hybrid - Employees hired for this position work remotely and on-campus with consistent frequency. Employees in this role will also be expected to use their best judgment to be on campus when necessary in order to best fulfill the responsibilities of their job descriptions.
  
  

Salary Range

$130,000 - $160,000 annually

We look forward to receiving your application!