Director, Labor & Employee Relations

Overview NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than3 million membersand online activists with theexpertiseof some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions. Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America’s foundational environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal and international levels, as well as through the marketplace. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Beijing,and New Delhi (a subsidiary of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd.). Supported by our members and online activists, NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. At NRDC, we believe lasting change happens when people bring their talent, passion, andexpertisetogether for a common purpose: to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world. Learn more at nrdc.orgPOSITION SUMMARY The Director,Labor&EmployeeRelationsleadsNRDC’s labor and employee relations programs. Reporting to the Chief People and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CPDEIO) and collaborating with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and other senior leaders, this roleisresponsible fordeveloping and executing labor relationsstrategy, employee relations, and compliance with labor law. This role isalso responsible for advising other senior leaders on labor strategy, contract administration, and the consistent application of workplace policies. Responsibilities To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonableaccommodationsmay bemadeto enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform thefollowingessential functions.Manage the Labor Relations function for NRDC, including: Participate inthe Management Bargaining Team(MBT),representingNRDC management in the collective bargaining processand managing labor union relationships Projectmanagebargaining activities, timelines, and communications with internal stakeholders and union representativesDeeply understand the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement(CBA)and providetraining andguidance to NRDC leaders and Peopleand ODEIteam members on managing under CBA provisions, includingcontract administration and grievance handling Partneracross the organization toidentifytrendsandproactively address issues to reduce grievances In partnership with the HR Partnerand Office of DEIteams,overseeEmployee Relationsmatters,including: Provide guidancetomanagersand HR Partners to ensureconsistent employee relations practices across the organization Oversee documentation and handling of employee relations mattersLead or support investigations and ensuretimely, well-documented resolutionAdviseonappropriate resolutionstrategies, including discipline and corrective actionReview case management processes and data for continuous improvement byidentifyingtrendsand improving consistencyProvide technical advice and guidance toHR Partners and managerson employeeperformancerelations matters, performance management, and disciplineOversee allPeoplepolicies, including: Serveas thesubject matter expertforpolicy interpretation and guidance, in partnership with People functional leaders when applicable Responsible forthe full lifecycle of policy updates, including development, review, updates, stakeholder management, and communicationIdentifyandplan trainingor educationfor managers and staffaround policy expectationsand applicationStay updated on labor laws, regulations, and industry trends to ensure compliancein all areas of work; shareappropriate updatesand recommendationsproactively withkey stakeholdersIn collaboration withthePeople Analyticsteam, generateanalyticsforthe CPDEIO and other leaders, includingreports to track and analyze trends in workplace issues toidentifyareas for improvement and develop preventive strategiesThe above list of duties is not comprehensive butgenerally demonstratesthe types of matters under this position’s responsibility. Other duties may be assigned. Qualifications MinimumEducation& Experience: A bachelor’s degreein a related fieldor equivalentcombination of education andrelated work experienceCertification or education in labor relations (e.g., SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) and/ or related coursework is preferredMinimum of 7 years of successful experience in employee and labor relations, including experience with labor unions, labornegotiationsand contract administrationDemonstrated, successfulexperience in labor relations, including union negotiations and contract administration Experience managing employee investigations and complex stakeholder-driven projectsSkills,Abilities,Competencies Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulationsCreative and resourceful, with strong interpersonal,negotiation,problem-solvingand conflict resolution skillsAbility toquickly and effectively build relationshipswith colleagues, departmentmanagersand labor union leaders internally and externallyExceptional oral and written communications skills, with a strong ability to build consensusAbility to apply an equity lens to employee relations casework and investigationsKnowledge of trauma-informed practices and methodsAbility tomaintainconfidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion isa mustAbility to travel to NRDC U.S. based offices, approximately10% annuallyCommitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonableaccommodationsmay be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position within thedescribed work environment.Frequently:Perform desk-based computer tasksFrequently:Ability to interact and communicate with employees and others as necessaryFrequently: Attendplanned meetings and collaborate with management and coworkersOccasionally:Ability to attend events and activitiesin the office or offsite Work issometimesperformed primarily inoffice. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and moderate in other situations. Hours of employment may sometimes require working flexible and/or longer hours, including nights and weekends, whennecessitatedby projects.The job includeswork-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters.NRDC is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in our work and in our workplace. We believe that celebrating and actively welcoming diverse voices and perspectives is essential to solving the planet's most pressing environmental problems, and we encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under-represented in the environmental movement.We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.Pursuant tothe San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. We offer competitive salaries,excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and iscommensuratewith skills and experience. Internal equity will be reviewed and considered todetermine a final offer. For this position, the salary range is $135,000 to $150,000. NRDC operates under a hybrid work model. Employeesare required tocome to the office 8 days per month.As a science-based organization, NRDC aims to do our part to helpcontainthe COVID-19 public health crisis. For the sake of health, safety, and equity, we ask that people be vaccinated unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation or other exemptionin accordance withstate and local law. We consider a person to be vaccinated two weeks after receiving one full course of a CDC-approved vaccine.In accordance withstate or local law, new hires will be asked to attest to vaccination, those wishing to do so may request medical or religious accommodations or other exemptions via NRDC Employee Relations. NRDC treats all vaccine-related data confidentially, in keeping with local, state, and federal laws.To apply, visit and upload your résumé and cover letter. Please mention where you saw this posting and upload anyadditionalmaterials thatshowcaseyour abilities. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact only those candidates we would like to interview. Please no phone calls, emails, or in-person résumé drop-offs.If you experience technical problems while applying or if you are a person with a disability and needassistanceapplying online, please reach out to iCIMS Customer Care at View phone number on click.appcast.io.For more about NRDC, visit.Job SummaryJob ID: 2026-5984# of Openings: 1Group: People