Labor Relations Specialist Confidential SY 2026-27 (NBOE)

Newark Public Schools; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 68,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Newark Board of Education in Newark, NJ is seeking a Labor Relations Specialist (Confidential) to support the Office of Labor and Employee Relations. The role involves assisting management in labor contract negotiations, contract administration, and related duties.

The position requires strong knowledge of public personnel administration, collective bargaining, and the ability to analyze and interpret laws and policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven (7) years of professional experience in labor management relations or as a union and industrial relations representative.
• Experience involving employer-employee relations, contract negotiations, and collective bargaining.
• Bachelor's degree plus three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience may qualify.
• Knowledge of public personnel administration and relevant laws, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepares management proposals and counter proposals with negotiating unions.
• Interprets collective bargaining agreements and current labor market conditions to set policies and procedures.
• Assists management in contract negotiations, conciliation, and arbitration procedures.
• Reviews labor contracts to ensure compliance with specifications.
• May confer with department heads, labor representatives, and employees to resolve grievances.
• Prepares summaries and statistical reports of grievances and settlements.
• Participates in informational programs to improve union-management relations.

Skills

Public personnel administration

Labor-management relations

Contract negotiations

Arbitration procedures

Reading and interpreting laws

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

ROGER LEÓN, SUPERINTENDENT

LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST-CONFIDENTIAL

Office of Labor & Employee Relations

(Pending availability of funds and Board of Education approval)

The Superintendent invites qualified and interested persons to apply for the position of Labor Relations Specialist Confidential in the Office of Labor and Employee Relations.

NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION

HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

765 BROAD STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102

This title is governed by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission; meaning that a candidate for the position will be placed as a provisional employee. At a later date the candidate will be required to take an examination administered by the Civil Service Commission. Candidates must score and rank high enough on this examination in order to remain in the position as a permanent employee.

DEFINITION:

Under direction, assists management in labor contract negotiations and performs work involved in contract administration; does other related duties as required.

NOTE:

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Qualifications And Requirements

NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.

Seven (7) years of professional experience in labor management relations or as a union and industrial relations representative which shall have involved employer-employee relations, contract negotiations, and collective bargaining.

OR

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.

NOTE:

"Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.

LICENSE:

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Basic Functions And Responsibilities

• Prepares management proposal and counter proposals with negotiating unions.
• Study and interpret collective bargaining agreements and current labor market conditions to assist in establishing policies and operating procedures.
• Provides assistances to management in contract negotiations and conciliation and arbitration procedures.
• Reviews labor contracts to ensure that management adheres to contract specifications.
• May confer with department heads, labor representatives, and employees to resolve grievances
• Prepares summary and statistical reports of employee grievances and settlements.
• Participates in informational programs to effect cooperation and coordination in union-management relations.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information system used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Perform other duties and tasks assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge And Abilities

• Knowledge of public personnel administration.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and their application to specific cases after a period of training.
• Knowledge of problem encountered in analyzing public personnel matters and in developing a labor relations program and procedures.
• Knowledge of theory, practices, and procedures of personnel and public administration.
• Knowledge of problems encountered in establishing and maintaining effective labor-management relations, contract negotiations, and collective bargaining.
• Ability to apply, interpret and read provisions of laws relating to personnel and labor-management relations matters and rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to apply laws to specific cases.
• Ability to apply, interpret, and read financial, personnel, and technical problems involved in developing and executing a labor relations program and procedures.
• Ability to work harmoniously and associates and with other groups and individuals engaged in or concerned with the work relating to public employment.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Person with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their know limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

REPORTS TO:

Department Head

SALARY, EMPLOYMENT PERIOD AND UNION AFFILIATION

• Salary Range: $68,472 - $89,016
• Employment Period: Twelve (12) Months
• Union Affiliation: Non-Affiliated

OPENING AND CLOSING DATE

Opening Date: September 18, 2026

Closing Date: October 1, 2026 or until filled

THE NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER