Hybrid Labor Relations Specialist – Higher Education

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Labor Relations Specialist serves as a dedicated HR partner supporting the University's Labor Relations function in a complex, unionized higher education environment. This role focuses on collective bargaining administration, labor relations processes, and operational support, including research, documentation, case coordination, and stakeholder communication.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and at least two years of professional HR experience, with strong written and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field.
• Minimum of two years of professional HR experience, preferably with exposure to labor relations or unionized workforces.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, matrixed HR environment.

Responsibilities

• Liaison between Labor Relations and shared-service HRBP teams to ensure coordination and alignment on labor-related issues.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements and labor-related policies.
• Provide labor relations guidance to HR colleagues and campus partners.
• Support consistent labor relations practices across departments.
• Assist with labor negotiations activities before, during, and after sessions.
• Coordinate intake, tracking, and administration of labor grievances and related cases.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Discretion with confidential info

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

Workday

Job description

The Labor Relations Specialist serves as a dedicated HR partner supporting the University's Labor Relations function in a complex, unionized higher education environment. This role focuses on collective bargaining administration, labor relations processes, and operational support, including research, documentation, case coordination, and stakeholder communication.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and at least two years of professional HR experience, with strong written and