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 than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, and ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC works to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges and advance innovative, science‑based, and enforceable solutions.

Position Summary

The Director, Labor & Employee Relations leads NRDC’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, the role is responsible for developing and executing labor relations strategy, employee relations, and compliance with labor law. The role also advises 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions.

• Manage the Labor Relations function for NRDC, including:
  • Participate in the Management Bargaining Team (MBT), representing NRDC management in the collective bargaining process and managing labor union relationships
  • Project manage bargaining activities, timelines, and communications with internal stakeholders and union representatives
  • Deeply understand the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and provide training and guidance to NRDC leaders and People and ODEI team members on managing under CBA provisions, including contract administration and grievance handling
  • Partner across the organization to identify trends and proactively address issues to reduce grievances
• In partnership with the HR Partner and Office of DEI teams, oversee employee relations matters, including:
  • Provide guidance to managers and HR Partners to ensure consistent employee relations practices across the organization
  • Oversee documentation and handling of employee relations matters
  • Lead or support investigations and ensure timely, well‑documented resolution
  • Advise on appropriate resolution strategies, including discipline and corrective action
  • Review case management processes and data for continuous improvement by identifying trends and improving consistency
  • Provide technical advice and guidance to HR Partners and managers on employee performance, personnel, and disciplinary matters
• Oversee all People policies, including:
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for policy interpretation and guidance, in partnership with People functional leaders when applicable
  • Responsible for the full lifecycle of policy updates, including development, review, updates, stakeholder management, and communication
  • Identify and plan training or education for managers and staff around policy expectations and application
• Stay updated on labor laws, regulations, and industry trends to ensure compliance in all areas of work; share appropriate updates and recommendations proactively with key stakeholders
• In collaboration with the People Analytics team, generate analytics for the CPDEIO and other leaders, including reports to track and analyze trends in workplace issues to identify areas for improvement and develop preventive strategies

The above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s responsibility. Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience

• A bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and related work experience
• Certification or education in labor relations (e.g., SHRM‑CP or SHRM‑SCP) and/or related coursework is preferred
• Minimum of 7 years of successful experience in employee and labor relations, including experience with labor unions, labor negotiations and contract administration
• Demonstrated, successful experience in labor relations, including union negotiations and contract administration
• Experience managing employee investigations and complex stakeholder‑driven projects

Skills, Abilities, Competencies

• Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations
• Creative and resourceful, with strong interpersonal, negotiation, problem‑solving and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to quickly and effectively build relationships with colleagues, department managers and labor union leaders internally and externally
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a strong ability to build consensus
• Ability to apply an equity lens to employee relations casework and investigations
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practices and methods
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion is a must
• Ability to travel to NRDC U.S. based offices, approximately 10% annually
• Commitment 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position within the described work environment.

Frequently: Perform desk‑based computer tasks; interact and communicate with employees and others as necessary; attend planned meetings and collaborate with management and coworkers. Occasionally: Attend events and activities in the office or offsite. Work is sometimes performed primarily in office. 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, when necessitated by projects. The job includes work‑related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time‑sensitive, or multiple matters.

Compliance & Diversity Statement

NRDC is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work and 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 to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and is commensurate with skills and experience. Internal equity will be reviewed and considered to determine a final offer. For this position, the salary range is $135,000 to $150,000.

NRDC operates under a hybrid work model. Employees are required to come to the office 8 days per month.