JOB SUMMARY:

RISD seeks a Director of Labor Relations to join its office of Human Resources. Reporting to the VP, Human Resources, the Director of Labor Relations will lead RISD’s efforts in developing and managing labor relations strategies within a complex and dynamic environment. The Director of Labor will collaborate with senior leadership to recommend and formulate labor strategies and define and carry out labor priorities for the institution. The Director represents the College as the central point of and key contact for collective bargaining for nine union contracts, leads negotiation with labor unions, and works collaboratively with constituents across the institution to foster a positive, inclusive work environment by promoting effective communication and conflict resolution that respects diverse viewpoints.

 

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong negotiation skills, a deep understanding of labor laws, and the ability to build trust with a variety of constituents. 

 

The successful candidate will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

 

Labor Relations Strategy

• Develop, recommend and implement labor relations strategies that align with RISD’s mission and values including fostering social equity and inclusion.

• Collaborate with senior leaders and managers to assess needs and define priorities on an ongoing basis. 

 

Negotiation and Contract Management

• Lead negotiations with labor unions regarding collective bargaining agreements for initial and successor agreements, preparation of collective bargaining proposals, through executed agreements. 

• Administer and ensure compliance with the spirit and the intent of collective bargaining agreements.

• Responsible for the contractual grievance process. Prepare and present the College’s position in labor arbitration, or other third-party proceedings, including investigation of facts and research of labor texts and arbitrators' decisions, precedent cases, witness information, and other relevant documents.

 

Labor/Employee Relations

• Provide advice, assistance, and advocacy to faculty, staff, and administrators with regard to matters of labor and employment law, including organizing, union elections, campaigns, unfair labor practices, disability, discrimination, investigations, and litigation; recommend strategies consistent with and in furtherance of the College’s mission and values.  

• Promote an environment of positive labor and employee relations through the development of fair and consistent application of Labor Relations strategies.  Foster a positive, inclusive work environment by promoting effective communication and conflict resolution that respects diverse viewpoints.

• Facilitate solutions to a wide variety of complaints including complex labor/employee relations issues.  Thoroughly investigate claims, help to mitigate legal risk, mediate disputes to resolution, and follow issues to conclusion.  

• Coordinate, advise on and/or conduct investigations into alleged violations of RISD’s policies or the law. Work collaboratively within HR, general counsel, and leadership to promote a unified approach to labor relations that respects inclusion.

• Build trust and collaborative working relationships with all union officials. Participates and/or leads joint labor management committees.

 

Training and Communication 

• Partner with various departments and stakeholders to ensure that labor relations strategies are effectively communicated and integrated across the institution.

• Provide training to HR staff, leadership and managers on labor relations issues. Develop and/or deliver training to address these needs as appropriate. 

• In partnership with Marketing and Communications, develop labor communication strategy.  Provide content for the Labor Relations portion of the Human Resources web site.  

 

Continuous Improvement

• Track labor relations cases and issues in order to identify trends over time. Advise senior management on trends and develop strategies and programs in response to trend data.

• Ensure operational efficiency in the implementation of labor relations strategies, optimizing processes to support ongoing delivery on commitments. 

• Monitor changes in labor laws and ensure RISD’s policies are updated to support current requirements.

 

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Review, negotiate, and/or draft contracts and other legal documents relating to labor and employment matters.

• Perform other related duties as required. 

 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Juris Doctor preferred. Knowledge of labor laws typically commensurate with a JD or alternative advanced degree, and a minimum of eight years related experience, or equivalent combination of experience and education. 

• Significant experience in labor and employment law which includes extensive experience negotiating multiple collective bargaining contracts, preferably in a higher education setting.

• Demonstrated success building and maintaining an effective labor relations program which encourages productive relationships with labor organizations and supports the organizational mission and goals. 

• Strong knowledge of labor laws and regulations and conflict resolution, with a focus on equity and inclusion.

• Excellent negotiation, communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

• Proven ability to manage complex labor relations issues effectively while promoting an inclusive workplace culture.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required; demonstrated experience in contract /policy writing. 

• Working knowledge of MS Office and Google tools.

Union: 

No

 

Work Schedule:

35 hours per week, 12 months per year

 

Employment Status: 

Full-time, Exempt

 

Grade:

565EX

 

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume

Cover Letter

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:

Human Resources