Senior Director, Labor Relations - Public Sector

San Francisco Unified School District; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

San Francisco Unified School District seeks an Executive Director of Labor Relations to lead the district’s labor relations function and act as the primary owner of collective bargaining, contract administration, grievances, and other complex labor matters. You will work to foster productive, sustainable relationships between the District and its 16 employee organizations.

The role collaborates with the Superintendent’s leadership team, Human Resources, Legal, Finance, Operations, the Board of

Qualifications

• Ten to twelve years of progressively responsible leadership experience in K–12 education or the public sector.
• Experience representing management or labor in labor relations and bargaining.
• Ability to solve complex problems, improve systems, and influence outcomes without formal authority.
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven approach to strategy.
• Excellent leadership, management, and customer service standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and continuously improve the district’s labor relations strategy.
• Serve as primary labor relations advisor to executive leadership, Board, and managers.
• Lead bargaining with employee organizations, including strategy, proposals, and administration.
• Establish bargaining objectives and cross-functional teams to reflect operational realities.
• Maintain productive relationships with labor partners and represent District interests.
• Advise on labor relations implications of major decisions and oversee contract administration.
• Oversee grievance and dispute-resolution strategy, including complex matters.
• Train principals and managers on collective bargaining agreements and practices.
• Develop systems, timelines, and service standards for Labor Relations and monitor performance.

Skills

Leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Data-driven decision making

Policy interpretation

Communication with senior leaders

Cross-functional collaboration

Discretion in sensitive matters

Public-sector experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree (B.A. / B.S)

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

San Francisco Unified School District seeks an Executive Director of Labor Relations to lead the district’s labor relations function and act as the primary owner of collective bargaining, contract administration, grievances, and other complex labor matters. You will work to foster productive, sustainable relationships between the District and its 16 employee organizations.

The role collaborates with the Superintendent’s leadership team, Human Resources, Legal, Finance, Operations, the Board of