Evanston, Illinois, United States Job Description Job Opening Id:
54263
Department:
Office of Human Resources Salary/Grade:
EXS/16 Job Summary Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, HR Business Partners, Employee and Labor Relations, the Director, Labor Relations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University's multiple collective bargaining agreements across both staff and academic bargaining units. The Director develops and implements consistent labor relations practices, ensures alignment with the University's policies and mission, and guides campus stakeholders in the effective navigation of labor-related issues. The Director oversees a labor relations team responsible for the day-to-day administration of several collective bargaining agreements and fosters strong, cross-functional collaboration with key partners, including, but not limited to, the Office of the Provost, the Office of General Counsel, senior leaders, and HR subject matter experts. Additionally, the Director leads the negotiation, implementation, and administration of the University's collective bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance, fostering productive labor-management relationships, and advancing the University's mission through thoughtful, proactive labor relations strategy Essential Duties and Responsibilities Serve as chief spokesperson and/or lead strategist for designated collective bargaining agreements Develop bargaining objectives, costing models, language proposals, and negotiation strategies. Build and maintain constructive relationships with union representatives while effectively advocating for business needs and operational flexibility. Partner with the Office of the Provost to administer the academic collective bargaining agreements ensuring consistent, mission‑aligned implementation through strong cross‑functional collaboration. Work closely with HR colleagues (HR Business Partners, Payroll, HR Operations, Benefits, Compensation, Talent Development, etc.) to mitigate labor risks, strengthen workplace culture and engagement, and enhance supervisor effectiveness across union and non‑union populations. Ensure accurate costing and financial impact analysis of bargaining proposals, settlements, and contract changes. Oversee grievance handling and arbitration, ensuring timely, consistent resolution of cases and strong, well-documented, case management practices. Advise leaders on contract interpretation, discipline and discharge, and performance management, and compliance with just-cause and progressive-discipline standards. Track settlement agreements, arbitration decisions, and related trends; synthesize insights to reduce recurrence, cost, and organizational risk. Develop and deliver labor relations training for leaders (e.g., contract fundamentals, investigations, attendance management, discipline, grievance handling, respectful workplace). Lead, coach, and devel To view full details and how to apply, please login or create a Job Seeker account
