Director of Employee & Labor Relations

Location: Syracuse, NY Category: Staff (CSEA, PA, MC, Foundation) Job Type: Full Time - 12 Months Management Confidential Posted On: Thu Jul 30 2026 Job Description:

BROAD FUNCTION

The Director of Employee Labor Relations participates in overall strategic planning, including conducting comprehensive analyses and developing recommendations to improve quality, increase efficiency, and strengthen the institution's talent and employee resources necessary to execute the College's Strategic Plan. The Director is responsible for administering and overseeing employee relations, labor relations, contract negotiations, contract administration, and in collaboration with the Human Resource management team, executes and implements procedures that support continuous improvement of effective and consistent human resources policies and practices. This role will also lead the College's employee engagement strategy by planning and implementing programs and initiatives that strengthen employee satisfaction, campus climate and culture, and retention, while promoting the mission and values of the College.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, direct and oversee the employee and labor relations functions within Human Resources, including contract administration and contract negotiations. Serve as the advisor for addressing employee issues and concerns relative to collective bargaining agreements.

• At the direction of the President Human Resources, lead and manage contract negotiations on behalf of the College and all of its bargaining units. Serve as the President's representative for all aspects of collective bargaining. Research and manage all aspects of the employment contracts, working in collaboration with Financial Services and other applicable units of the College, to define the impact of positions and actions and advise the President and College Administration accordingly. Maintain historical records and systematic references relative to administration of the contracts.

• Oversee the effective administration of all collective bargaining contracts for faculty, professional administrators, and represented staff, ensuring interpretation, understanding and adherence to the provisions of the contracts according to the requirements contained therein. Advise College Administration and management according to the interests of the College.

• Collaborates with the Vice President of Human Resources regarding the administration of employee compensation, payroll, and benefits functions to administer and implement collective bargaining agreements, participate in collective bargaining negotiations, and dispute resolution processes.

• Coordinate grievance procedures for college cases; develop responses and manage appeals process while effectively communicating emerging labor relations issues with management and/or union representatives.

• Advise and collaborate with management regarding all aspects of human resource policy and work practices. Research and prepare comprehensive recommendations regarding labor management issues for management consideration.

• Analyze collective bargaining agreements to develop interpretation of intent, spirit, and terms of contracts.

• Responsible for preparation of actions relative to third party neutrals including, but not limited to, arbitration, mediation, fact-finding, and matters before the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).

• Prepare statistical reports using records of actions taken concerning grievances, arbitration and mediation cases, and related labor relations activities for reporting purposes and to identify problem areas. Monitor implementation of policies concerning wages, hours and working conditions, to ensure compliance with terms of the contracts.

• Develop campus wide employee engagement programs and initiatives that strengthen employee satisfaction, campus climate and culture, and employee retention, to support the mission and values of the College.

• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Job Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Human Resource Administration or closely related field from an accredited university, college or foreign equivalency

• Five to ten years of HR experience to include supervisory experience in a multi-functional HR department

• Experience in the public sector of higher education. Community college experience is highly desirable

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources Administration, Business or related field from an accredited university, college or foreign equivalency

• SPHR certification is highly desirable

• Bilingual in English and Spanish. English and other languages will be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of multiple HR disciplines and trends including, but not limited to, employee relations, labor relations, collective bargaining, contract administration, position management, and principles and practices of HR administration.

• Ability to lead and motivate multifunctional teams. Manage multiple priorities, and formulate partnerships across organization; and prepare strategic and financial analyses.

• Ability to exercise solid independent judgment, and to implement and lead change.

Additional Information:

• Salary range is: $70,862 - $85,000 commensurate with credentials and relevant experience.

• Onondaga Community College offers a generous and competitive benefits package including:

• New York State Local Retirement System (pension) or an Optional Retirement Plan 401(a).

• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance plans

• Onondaga Community College participates in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for eligible borrowers.