About the Role
The Labor Relations Specialist serves as a dedicated HR partner supporting the University’s Labor Relations function. This role focuses on collective bargaining agreement administration, labor relations processes, and operational support within a complex, unionized higher education environment. This position supports Labor Relations leadership through research, documentation, case coordination, and stakeholder communication.
Responsibilities
- Serves as a liaison between Labor Relations and the shared-service HRBP team, ensuring coordination, information flow, and alignment on labor-related issues.
- Assists with the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements, memoranda of agreement, and labor-related policies.
- Provides labor relations guidance to HR colleagues and campus partners, escalating complex issues to Labor Relations leadership as appropriate.
- Supports consistent labor relations practices across departments in alignment with University policies and collective bargaining agreements.
- Supports labor negotiations activities before, during, and after collective bargaining sessions.
- Supports the intake, tracking, and administration of labor grievances and other labor relations cases.
- Prepares documentation, correspondence, timelines, and summaries related to grievances, hearings, and arbitration.
- Coordinates meetings, hearings, and related logistics in partnership with Labor Relations leadership.
- Maintains accurate, confidential records and case files.
- Acts as a point of coordination between Labor Relations and the shared-service HRBP teams.
- Ensures relevant information is exchanged to support contract compliance, grievance handling, and consistent application of policies.
- Assists in identifying when matters should transition between ER and LR, in alignment with established protocols.
- Supports communication and follow-up between ER, Labor Relations, and other HR stakeholders.
- Assists Labor Relations leadership with contract administration and bargaining preparation.
- Supports data gathering, research, and analysis related to bargaining, grievances, and labor trends.
- Helps track contract provisions, deadlines, and implementation requirements.
- Assists with drafting and maintaining labor-related documentation, guidance materials, and summaries.
- Partners with HR Business Partners, Payroll, Benefits, Faculty Affairs, and other campus stakeholders to ensure coordinated labor relations support.
- Supports compliance with applicable employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, and University policies as they relate to labor relations.
- Assists with audits, reporting, and process improvement initiatives related to labor relations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum of two (2) years of professional Human Resources experience, preferably with exposure to labor relations or unionized workforces.
- Demonstrated experience using workplace technology and software applications, with the ability to learn and adapt to new systems, tools, and platforms quickly and effectively.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, matrixed HR environment.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Skills
- Labor Relations Fundamentals
- Contract Interpretation and Administration
- Collaboration and Stakeholder Coordination
- Judgment and Discretion
- Organization and Case Tracking
- Clear and Effective Communication
Location
- Amherst
Work Type
- Full Time
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- Minimum of two (2) years of professional Human Resources experience
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree
Salary/Compensations
- PSSAP Grade 26
- Refer to Professional Staff Hiring Ranges
About the Company
- The University's Labor Relations function operates within a complex, unionized higher education environment.
