Interim HR Director: Employee & Labor Relations

Brandeis University; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Brandeis University is seeking an Interim Director of Employee and Labor Relations to plan, organize, and direct HR operations and oversee the HR Business Partner group. Reporting to the VP of HR, this role will shape labor and employee relations strategy to foster engagement, trust, and a positive work environment across a diverse campus community.

The ideal candidate combines deep labor and employee relations expertise with strong judgment and interpersonal skills, and will collaborate with HR

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, industrial relations, or related field.
• Masters in related field or law degree preferred.
• 8–10 years of progressive HR and labor relations experience, with exposure to unionized environments.
• 5+ years of direct management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead Employee Relations (60%): advise senior leaders on organizational structure, engagement, communications, performance, and workforce changes.
• Oversee HR Business Partners and provide high-level HR consultation.
• Conduct non-discrimination investigations and guidance on compliance.
• Support organizational change with clear communication strategies.

Skills

Labor and employment law

Negotiation

Mediation

Emotional intelligence

Crisis management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s in HR/Business/Industrial Relations

Master’s degree or JD preferred

Job description

Brandeis University is seeking an Interim Director of Employee and Labor Relations to plan, organize, and direct HR operations and oversee the HR Business Partner group. Reporting to the VP of HR, this role will shape labor and employee relations strategy to foster engagement, trust, and a positive work environment across a diverse campus community.

The ideal candidate combines deep labor and employee relations expertise with strong judgment and interpersonal skills, and will collaborate with HR