Director Labor Relations

Department: Office of Human Resources
Salary/Grade: EXS/16

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, HR Business Partners, Employee and Labor Relations, the Director, Labor Relations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University's multiple collective bargaining agreements across both staff and academic bargaining units. The Director develops and implements consistent labor relations practices, ensures alignment with the University's policies and mission, and guides campus stakeholders in the effective navigation of labor-related issues. The Director oversees a labor relations team responsible for the day-to-day administration of several collective bargaining agreements and fosters strong, cross‑functional collaboration with key partners, including, but not limited to, the Office of the Provost, the Office of General Counsel, senior leaders, and HR subject matter experts. Additionally, the Director leads the negotiation, implementation, and administration of the University's collective bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance, fostering productive labor‑management relationships, and advancing the University's mission through thoughtful, proactive labor relations strategy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as chief spokesperson and/or lead strategist for designated collective bargaining agreements
• Develop bargaining objectives, costing models, language proposals, and negotiation strategies.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with union representatives while effectively advocating for business needs and operational flexibility.
• Partner with the Office of the Provost to administer the academic collective bargaining agreements, ensuring consistent, mission‑aligned implementation through strong cross‑functional collaboration.
• Work closely with HR colleagues (HR Business Partners, Payroll, HR Operations, Benefits, Compensation, Talent Development, etc.) to mitigate labor risks, strengthen workplace culture and engagement, and enhance supervisor effectiveness across union and non‑union populations.
• Ensure accurate costing and financial impact analysis of bargaining proposals, settlements, and contract changes.
• Oversee grievance handling and arbitration, ensuring timely, consistent resolution of cases and strong, well‑documented, case‑management practices.
• Advise leaders on contract interpretation, discipline and discharge, and performance management, and compliance with just‑cause and progressive‑discipline standards.
• Track settlement agreements, arbitration decisions, and related trends; synthesize insights to reduce recurrence, cost, and organizational risk.
• Develop and deliver labor relations training for leaders (e.g., contract fundamentals, investigations, attendance management, discipline, grievance handling, respectful workplace).
• Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing labor relations team.
• Create and sustain communities of practice; standardize tools, templates, resources and knowledge management systems.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, skills)

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in traditional labor relations is required.
• Higher education or healthcare (especially academic medicine) experience is highly desirable; experience working in a shared services environment is preferred.
• Deep knowledge of federal, state and local labor and employment laws.
• Experience developing key partnerships across a variety of stakeholders to gain buy‑in on initiatives.
• Experience in communicating with various stakeholders and presenting to large groups in various forums.
• Experience implementing change in a dynamic environment.
• Strategic thinking skills.
• Teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Superb oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to make sound and accurate judgments and timely decisions.
• Ability to collaborate and recommend options, and relate sensitively to internal and external colleagues and constituents.
• Flexibility with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks as necessary.
• Ability to delegate work assignments, set expectations and ensure the completion of delegated activities.
• Strong presentation and executive engagement, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire support and buy‑in from diverse individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated success leading in a diverse environment.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• Master's degree, Juris Doctor or relevant certification.
• Experience serving as a lead negotiator for collective bargaining agreements.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $180,000-200,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high‑quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non‑discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

Location

Evanston, Illinois