Labor Relations Partner - Strategic Advisor for Negotiations

Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid vacation

Parental leave

Tuition benefits

Flexible spending accounts

Retirement savings

Wellness programs

Job summary

Northwestern University is seeking a Labor Relations Partner to serve as a strategic advisor and practitioner on staff and academic labor relations across the University. You will interpret union contracts, draft grievance responses, and manage labor processes while engaging HR leadership and union representatives.

The role requires a Bachelor's in HR/Labor Relations, 5+ years of labor/employee relations experience, and knowledge of NLRA, FLSA, and Title VII.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field.
• 5+ years labor or employee relations experience.
• Experience administering collective bargaining agreements.
• Knowledge of labor laws (NLRA, FLSA, Title VII).
• Experience conducting investigations.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on contract interpretation, discipline, grievances, and compliance; partner with HR Business Partners and leaders to mitigate labor risks.
• Support collective bargaining negotiations by preparing bargaining proposals and drafting contract language; align strategy with school/unit priorities.
• Coordinate with HR teams to implement newly negotiated contract provisions across the University.
• Support grievance/arbitration processes; interpret collective bargaining agreements and draft responses.
• Manage the grievance process through investigations and hearings; facilitate early resolution and ensure timely responses.
• Prepare timely responses to information requests.
• Develop and maintain relationships with union representatives and communicate with union administrators.
• Design and deliver training on labor relations best practices.
• Maintain labor relations data and documentation in compliance with law and agreements.

Skills

Labor relations

Contract interpretation

Investigation

Grievance handling

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Labor Relations

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Northwestern University is seeking a Labor Relations Partner to serve as a strategic advisor and practitioner on staff and academic labor relations across the University. You will interpret union contracts, draft grievance responses, and manage labor processes while engaging HR leadership and union representatives.

The role requires a Bachelor's in HR/Labor Relations, 5+ years of labor/employee relations experience, and knowledge of NLRA, FLSA, and Title VII.