IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Organizational and Talent Development, the Director of Labor Relations leads the University's labor relations efforts and oversees the administration of collective bargaining agreements. This role serves as a key liaison between Montclair State University and its various bargaining units, ensuring compliance with collective negotiations agreements, employment laws, and University policies. The Director provides guidance on contract administration, dispute resolution, and labor-management relations while fostering collaboration between University leadership, managers, and labor representatives.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supports the development and execution of a comprehensive labor relations strategy that aligns with the University’s mission and promotes a positive workplace culture.

Serves as a key contributor in collective bargaining negotiations, assisting in contract discussions with unions and coordinating with University leadership and state labor relations officials.

Provides guidance to University leadership on labor relations trends, policy development, and strategies for maintaining productive labor-management relationships.

Leads the Labor Relations team to ensure effective contract administration, grievance resolution, and compliance with labor agreements.

Collaborates with HR, legal counsel, and University leadership to address labor-related challenges and implement strategies to mitigate labor disputes.

Is the point-person for interpretation, application, and administration of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) for all University bargaining units, including AFT, CWA, IFPTE, NJSOLEA, NJLESA, and PBA-SLEU.

Advises managers and HR Business Partners on labor contract provisions, employee rights, and grievance handling.

Ensures fair and consistent application of CBAs, working with University managers to address labor-related concerns and performance management issues.

Prepares and reviews proposals, counterproposals, and contract modifications in consultation with key stakeholders.

Collaborates with internal human resources departments to ensure departmental initiatives support and align with labor contracts and provide recommendations for training and development and supports employee relations initiatives.

Supports the grievance process, including responding to grievances, conducting fact-finding, and preparing University positions for hearings, arbitrations, and mediations.

Represents the University in labor disputes, arbitration proceedings, and administrative hearings as needed.

Assists University leadership in resolving complex labor disputes and compliance issues.

Develops and delivers training programs for managers and supervisors on labor relations best practices, contract interpretation, and performance management.

Ensures compliance with federal and state labor laws, including NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and Title VII, as well as University policies and CBAs.

Stays informed on labor relations trends, regulatory changes, and emerging issues, advising leadership on potential impacts to the University.

Conducts labor relations audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement and ensure best practices in labor management.

Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with union leaders, University administrators, and external labor relations professionals.

Works closely with the Associate Vice President of Organizational and Talent Development to align labor relations strategies with University-wide talent development initiatives.

Collaborates with HR teams to ensure labor relations initiatives support broader organizational goals related to employee engagement, workforce planning, and institutional excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in labor relations, organizational development, human resources, public administration or a related field.

Minimum of five (5) years of progressive labor relations experience.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills with the ability to manage complex labor relations issues.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.

Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing labor relations teams.

Extensive knowledge of federal and state labor laws including but not limited to: NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII.

Willingness to travel to off-campus meetings.

Ability to work flexible hours and to have a strong physical presence on campus. Some remote work flexibility available.

PREFERRED:

Master’s degree and/or Juris Doctorate from accredited college or university in labor relations organizational development, human resources, business administration or a related field or juris doctorate.

Experience in a higher education environment, preferable at a public institution.

Experience in a unionized environment.

Experience with Workday HCM

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and the ability to quickly learn new applications.

Human Resources Certification (example: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP)

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Department

Human Resources

Position Type

Administrative

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at 
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities.  The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/