Rutgers University

Senior Labor Relations Specialist

Rutgers University$94K — $144K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • 5-7 years in labor relations or HR in a unionized environment.
  • Knowledge of employment and labor law issues.
  • Proficiency with databases and spreadsheet software.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Participate in collective negotiations and present proposals.
  • Design and deliver workshops on employee and labor relations subjects.
  • Lead and guide Labor Relations Specialists in their duties.
  • Resolve complex employee and labor relations issues.
  • Advise supervisors and employees on labor relations matters.
  • Conduct research on legislation pertinent to labor relations.
  • Provide guidance on grievance procedures.

Benefits

  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage.
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs.
  • Competitive retirement benefits.
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits.
  • Life insurance coverage.
  • Employee discount programs.
Full Job Description
Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title
Senior Labor Relations Specialist

Job Category
Staff & Executive - Human Resources

Department
Office of Univ Labor Relations

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Senior Labor Relations Specialist for the Office of University Labor Relations. Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel and the Associate Vice President for Academic Labor Relations, this position is responsible for assisting in the negotiation, interpretation, and administration of collective negotiations agreements for Rutgers University.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:
  • Participates in collective negotiations and the presentation of proposals at negotiations, designs and delivers workshops on employee and labor relations subjects, and develops and administers University employee and labor relations policies and procedures.
  • Assists in the presentation of proposals at collective negotiations sessions, researches and prepares proposals for collective negotiations.
  • Leads, guides and instructs and makes work assignments to Labor Relations Specialists in the performance of their duties as authorized by the Vice President of University Labor Relations and Special Counsel for Labor Affairs.
  • Resolves a wide variety of complex employee - supervisor - and union-related employee relations and labor relations issues.
  • Advises supervisors and employees about labor and employee relations matters.
  • Conducts research on existing, new, and anticipated legislation as requested.
  • Provides guidance on grievance procedures.
  • In collaboration with University Human Resources, provides recommendations for new and existing human resources policies.
  • Works on a regular basis with the Office of General Counsel ("OGC") on the presentation of, and strategy for, grievance and disciplinary arbitrations, PERC proceedings, and contract interpretation issues.
  • Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity and inclusion, and contributes to an inclusive learning and working environment (part of all key duties above).


FLSA
Exempt

Grade
07

Salary Details

Minimum Salary
94492.000

Mid Range Salary
119604.000

Maximum Salary
144715.000

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discount programs


Position Status
Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours
37.50

Daily Work Shift

Work Arrangement

Union Description
Administrators Confidential

Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment
Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility
ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least five (5) years of progressively more complex experience in labor relations or human resources in a unionized environment.


Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of employment and labor law issues
  • Proficiency in the use of databases and spreadsheet software.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Relevant advanced degree or law degree.
  • Prior experience in higher education and/or the public sector.
  • Experience in employee or labor relations in an academic medical center or healthcare facility.
  • Experience costing proposals and wages in labor negotiations.


Equipment Utilized
  • NetDocuments (electronic document management system) - creating, scanning, searching, and retrieving documents.
  • Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint.


Physical Demands and Work Environment

Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number
25ST2223

Posting Open Date
10/17/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus
Downtown New Brunswick

City
New Brunswick

State
NJ

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

About Rutgers University

Rutgers University is a public research university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university has three main campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, New Jersey, as well as several satellite locations. Rutgers University was founded in 1766 and is the eighth-oldest college in the United States. The university is known for its strong programs in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences, as well as its commitment to public service and community engagement. Rutgers University is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a strong athletic program.
Learn more about Rutgers University
Size
13,000 employees
Industry

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