Associate Director, Labor & Employee Relations

• Lead or assist in planning for and responding to new academic union campaigns.
• May conduct investigations required pursuant to University policies.
• Lead or assist in the creation and/or amendment of employment-related University policies
• Other duties as assigned.
• May staff and/or oversee various committees established in collective bargaining agreements.
• Provides a full range of labor relations consultation services to University stakeholders, such as academic and non-academic administrators, faculty, and human resource professionals, including compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and University employee policies.
• May lead or assist in preparation for grievance mediation and arbitration in coordination with the office of General Counsel or outside counsel.
• May develop and conduct training for stakeholders on collective bargaining agreements and labor relations issues, including managing in a union environment, progressive discipline and SHRM Labor Relations module.
• Responsible for administration of University’s collective bargaining agreements.
• Responsible for developing positive relationships with union representatives in order to cooperatively resolve conflicts and advance University goals and initiatives.
• Coordinates with the Office of the General Counsel on labor relations matters with legal implications for the University, including advice and counsel to departments on the application of labor laws and regulations, as well as the personnel policies for both represented and non-union staff.
• Lead or assist in negotiation of University’s collective bargaining agreements for University's eight bargaining units.
• May lead or assist in the monitoring, promotion and enforcement of regulatory, legal and/or policy compliance measures
• Lead or assist in developing appropriate labor and collective bargaining strategies in support of department and University interests, including impact bargaining.
• May be responsible for grievance and problem-solving administration provided for in the respective collective bargaining agreements, including Step 3 conferences and University problem solving teams.

• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required

• Experience in Higher Education, union negotiations, and contract administration preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Extensive knowledge of labor contracts, personnel policies, mediation, and negotiating
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability in analysis, negotiation, and problem resolution
• Advanced knowledge of federal labor and employment law preferred, including the NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, and ADA
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Labor Relations with demonstrated experience in collective bargaining, labor relations and labor contract administration.
• JD Strongly Preferred.

Harvard Human Resources actively supports hybrid work where business and team needs allow. This is a five day per week position with a hybrid schedule. Additional detail pertaining to this position will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, IL, NH, NY, RI, VA, VT, WA) The position may involve periodic business-related travel to local or domestic destinations, and it is essential that the successful candidate is willing and able to travel as required.

Harvard University regrets that it cannot provide Visa Sponsorship for this position.

• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.