Director, Strategic Labor Relations & Employee Advocacy

Duke Clinical Research Institute; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Health is seeking a Director of Labor Relations to lead enterprise-wide labor relations, contract interpretation, and disciplinary review within the DUHS healthcare system. The role requires collaboration with legal counsel, entity HR leadership, and union representatives.

This hybrid position travels as needed and oversees a team of labor relations professionals. A JD or advanced degree is preferred, with 8+ years of HR experience including labor relations.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in human resources with labor relations responsibilities.
• 5+ years in a management or director-level role.
• Strong knowledge of NLRA and employee representation rights.
• Experience in a large, complex healthcare environment.
• Experience interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements and employment policies.
• Experience leading investigations and arbitration support.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day labor relations operations including contract interpretation and compliance.
• Serve as hearing officer in formal grievance processes and arbitrate when needed.
• Manage the Labor Relations team and provide guidance on complex contract issues.
• Develop strategy and policies aligning with HR leadership and union relations.
• Advise on discipline, termination, and investigatory procedures with legal counsel.
• Lead data analysis of cases using the Service Now system to identify trends.
• Partner with stakeholders to address enterprise-wide labor relations implications.

Skills

Labor relations

NLRA knowledge

Arbitration

Contract interpretation

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Legal coordination

Employee relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in labor relations/HR or related field

Master's degree or Juris Doctor preferred

Tools

ServiceNow

Job description

Duke Health is seeking a Director of Labor Relations to lead enterprise-wide labor relations, contract interpretation, and disciplinary review within the DUHS healthcare system. The role requires collaboration with legal counsel, entity HR leadership, and union representatives.

This hybrid position travels as needed and oversees a team of labor relations professionals. A JD or advanced degree is preferred, with 8+ years of HR experience including labor relations.