Labor Relations Director

AGC of Michigan; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Paid time off

Employer-sponsored 401k

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Company-paid devices

Professional development

Job summary

AGC of Michigan is seeking a Labor Relations Director to guide strategy and negotiations across eight crafts under collective bargaining agreements. You will lead staff, coordinate with contractors and unions, and shape education programs for members.

The role requires deep knowledge of labor relations, bargaining processes, and construction law, with a focus on coordinating efforts across Michigan and visiting project sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in labor relations and/or extensive construction industry experience is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Collective bargaining skills and knowledge of the process are required; construction-specific bargaining experience is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to clearly convey ideas.
• Solid understanding of laws pertaining to the construction industry and how they impact stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-union contract negotiations and resolve jurisdictional disputes.
• Administer grievance procedures and serve as ERISA trustee on multiemployer funds.
• Direct Labor Relations staff, chair the Executive Committee, and oversee the Labor Chapter Group.
• Manage forty union wage sheets annually and negotiate Project Labor Agreements.
• Design educational programs such as Labor Relations 101 and mock bargaining sessions.
• Advise on jobsite labor conditions and monitor regulatory developments impacting signatory contractors.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in labor relations

Collective bargaining skills

Verbal and written communication

Understanding of construction industry

Education

Bachelor’s degree in labor relations

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

The Associated General Contractors of Michigan (AGC-MI) is a full-service construction trade association providing services to Michigan’s leading construction companies. The AGC provides labor relations, safety, workforce development, education, and advocacy services and serves as the voice of the construction industry across the state.

The Labor Relations Director Position

The Labor Relations Director sits at the intersection of strategy, negotiation, and relationship-building, serving as the primary advocate and advisor for AGC-MI members operating under collective bargaining agreements across eight construction crafts. Core responsibilities include leading multi-union contract negotiations, resolving jurisdictional disputes, administering grievance procedures, and serving as an ERISA trustee on multiemployer health and pension funds.

The Director leads the Labor Relations staff, chairs the quarterly Executive Committee, and directs the annual AGC Midwest Labor Chapter Group. Additional responsibilities include managing forty union wage sheets annually, negotiating Project Labor Agreements, and designing educational programs such as Labor Relations 101 and mock bargaining sessions.

Beyond contract administration, the Labor Relations Director builds lasting partnerships with contractor members and union officials, advises on jobsite labor conditions, and monitors legal and regulatory developments affecting signatory AGC-MI contractors. This position plays a central role in shaping the future of union construction labor relations.

Preferred Experience, Skills & Abilities of the Labor Relations Director

• Bachelor’s degree in labor relations and/or extensive experience and knowledge of the construction industry is required; a master’s degree is preferred
• Collective bargaining skills and knowledge of the process is required; construction specific bargaining experience is preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate share innovative ideas
• A solid understanding of laws that pertain to the construction industry and how they impact various stakeholders

Compensation, Benefits & Structure of the Labor Relations Director

AGC provides a competitive compensation package that includes a competitive base salary based on experience, skills and abilities, paid time off, employer-sponsored 401k program, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, company-paid electronic devices, and opportunities for professional development.

The Labor Relations Director reports directly to the President and requires a regular presence in their Lansing, MI office. Frequent local travel throughout the State of Michigan is required for this position to visit member locations and project sites for training and outreach.

Recruiting Process for the Labor Relations Director Position

The recruiting process includes a combination of preliminary phone screens and interviews, candidate assessments, reference checks, and a pre-employment background check and drug test. The process, which is being facilitated through EctoHR, Inc. is designed to ensure that candidates are aligned with the Associated General Contractors of Michigan’s mission and vision.

AGC of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer!