Associate Director, Academic Labor Relations

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Family support

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences is seeking a seasoned contract administration specialist to oversee the HAW-UAW collective bargaining agreement. You will guide interpretation, support managers through grievances and disciplinary matters, and participate in university-wide committees and future contract negotiations.

The role is hybrid, based on campus in Cambridge, MA, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, analysis, and strategic planning to ensure compliant and efficient

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Demonstrated ability in analysis, negotiation, and problem resolution.
• Extensive knowledge of labor contracts, personnel policies, mediation, and negotiating.
• Advanced knowledge of federal labor and employment law preferred (NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA).
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary FAS point of contact for guidance and interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Assist FAS managers in fulfilling their roles in the grievance process, in coordination with the University’s Office of Labor and Employee Relations and the Office of General Counsel.
• Facilitate contract-related disciplinary investigations.
• Manage FAS information and data requests to and from HAW, working closely with the Office of Labor and Employee Relations.
• Serve as a bargaining team member for future negotiations of the HAW contract.
• Provide guidance and support for contingency planning related to potential labor disruptions.
• Support the work of committees and other advisory bodies where HAW representatives may participate or have a contractual interest.
• Represent FAS in University-wide committees and forums regarding contract management, including information systems and process enhancements.

Skills

Negotiation

Analysis

Problem resolution

Communication skills

Labor contracts knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job-Specific Responsibilities

As the primary FAS liaison for the HAW-UAW collective bargaining agreement, this role directs all contract administration efforts, including manager support, grievance and disciplinary management, and representation in both University-wide committees and future contract negotiations.

Core duties

• Serve as the primary Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) point of contact for guidance and interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Harvard Academic Workers - United Auto Workers union (HAW-UAW);
• Serve as the primary Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) point of contact for guidance and interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Harvard Academic Workers - United Auto Workers union (HAW-UAW);
• Assist FAS managers in fulfilling their roles in the grievance process, in coordination with the University’s Office of Labor and Employee Relations and the Office of General Counsel;
• Facilitate contract-related disciplinary investigations;
• Manage FAS information and data requests to and from HAW, working closely with the Office of Labor and Employee Relations;
• Serve as a bargaining team member for any future negotiations of the HAW contract;
• Provide guidance and support for contingency planning related to potential labor disruptions;
• Support the work of committees and other advisory bodies where HAW representatives may participate or have a contractual interest;
• Represent FAS in University-wide committees and forums regarding contract management, including information systems and process enhancements related to academic workers.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in higher education preferred
• Demonstrated ability in analysis, negotiation, and problem resolution
• Extensive knowledge of labor contracts, personnel policies, mediation, and negotiating
• Advanced knowledge of federal labor and employment law preferred, including the NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, and ADA
• Excellent communication skills

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Application materials: Submit a cover letter in addition to your resume at time of application
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
• Other Information: This is a hybrid position based on campus in Cambridge, MA .

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & WellbeingPage.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.