Labor Relations Specialist

Labor Relations Specialist

Reporting to the Director of Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Specialist will provide research, analysis, and guidance to ensure the fair and consistent application of labor policies and agreements. The Labor Relations Specialist plays a key role in supporting the University's labor relations function by assisting with contract administration, grievance handling, labor negotiations, and compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

This position will work closely with University leadership, HR Business Partners, and labor representatives to promote positive labor-management relations, ensure compliance with employment laws, and assist in resolving labor disputes.

Principal duties and responsibilities include:

• Assists in interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) for all University bargaining units.
• Provides guidance to managers and HR Business Partners on contract provisions, labor rights, and University policies.
• Drafts and reviews contract proposals, counterproposals, and settlement agreements.
• Tracks and analyzes labor contract changes, grievances, and arbitration decisions to ensure compliance with agreements and legal standards.
• Ensures adherence to federal and state labor laws.
• Supports the Director in responding to grievances, including conducting fact-finding, gathering documentation, and preparing case materials.
• Coordinates grievance hearings and maintains accurate records of grievance proceedings and resolutions.
• Assists in preparing written responses for arbitration cases and labor disputes.
• Collaborates with University legal counsel and state agencies as needed for case preparation and dispute resolution.
• Compiles, generates, and distributes data and reports in compliance with union-employer information exchange provisions.
• Conducts research and benchmarking analysis to support collective bargaining negotiations.
• Prepares reports, presentations, and summaries of labor relations trends and bargaining positions.
• Attends negotiation sessions as needed, assisting with note-taking, contract drafting, and follow-up actions.
• Assists in developing and delivering training programs for supervisors and managers on labor relations best practices, contract interpretation, and performance management.
• Helps maintain training materials and resources related to labor laws, dispute resolution, and workplace rights.
• Serves as a liaison between HR, management, and union representatives to address day-to-day labor relations issues.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal stakeholders to foster a culture of open communication and positive labor relations.
• Supports labor relations audits, workforce data analysis, and reporting on key labor trends and issues.
• Maintains labor relations records, case files, and documentation.
• Stays current on labor relations trends, case law, and best practices in the public sector and higher education.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university in labor relations, human resources, public administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in labor relations, human resources, or a related field with exposure to collective bargaining agreements and employment law compliance.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• 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.
• 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 is available.

Preferred:

• Master's degree from accredited college or university in organizational development, human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience in a higher education environment, preferably 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.

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.

Salary Range: $90,000.00-$115,000.00 Annually

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit:

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.

Department: Labor Relations

Position Type: Administrative

Contact Information: For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at View phone number on click.appcast.io (Option 2), or email View email address on click.appcast.io.

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

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:

Montclair State University