Strategic Labor Relations Leader

Syracuse University; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University seeks a strategic Director of Labor Relations to lead the university’s labor relations function. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, you will guide contract administration, analytics and campus engagement across a multi‑unit environment with international unions.

The role requires a senior professional with extensive bargaining experience, strong team leadership, and the ability to build scalable processes while maintaining University policies and counsel

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; JD or master’s degree preferred; equivalent combination considered.
• Minimum eight (8) years of progressively responsible labor relations experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience supervising and leading a professional team; lead or co‑lead negotiator across multiple bargaining units.

Responsibilities

• Leads and develops the Labor Relations team, sets priorities and manages caseloads across multiple contracts.
• Owns multi‑year labor relations strategy, negotiation calendar and cost modeling; coordinates with counsel and negotiators.
• Collects data to support decisions, surfaces issues via a campus‑wide labor relations group; translates data into actionable insights.
• Oversees contract administration, grievances and arbitration; provides guidance on interpretation and past practice.

Skills

Labor law

NLRA knowledge

Team leadership

Strategy & planning

Data fluency

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

JD or Master’s in labor relations / related field

Job description

Syracuse University seeks a strategic Director of Labor Relations to lead the university’s labor relations function. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, you will guide contract administration, analytics and campus engagement across a multi‑unit environment with international unions.

The role requires a senior professional with extensive bargaining experience, strong team leadership, and the ability to build scalable processes while maintaining University policies and counsel