Labor Relations Partner

Department: Office of Human Resources

Salary/Grade: EXS/11

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Labor Relations [or AVP], the Labor Relations Partner serves as both a strategic advisor and hands-on practitioner on staff and academic labor relations matters across Northwestern University. This role actively supports schools, departments, and administrative units by interpreting and applying union contracts, drafting grievance responses and bargaining materials, and directly managing labor related processes. The Labor Relations Partner provides practical guidance on employee relations, collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and labor‑related policies while also engaging directly with HR leadership, legal counsel, schools/unit leaders, and union representatives. Through both strategic counsel and day‑to‑day execution, the role ensures compliant labor practices that uphold Northwestern's mission and foster productive labor‑management relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary resource on labor relations issues by providing guidance on contract interpretation, discipline, grievances, and compliance; partnering with HR Business Partners and leaders to anticipate and mitigate labor risks; and analyzing workforce trends and recommend labor relations strategies.
• Support collective bargaining negotiations by preparing bargaining proposals, participating on the University's negotiation team, drafting contract language and negotiation material; and aligning bargaining strategy with school/unit priorities.
• Coordinate with HR teams and school/unit leaders to operationalize and implement newly negotiated contract provisions, ensuring consistent and compliant adoption across the University.
• Support schools and units through the grievance and arbitration process for the University's multiple collective bargaining agreements, including providing interpretative guidance about the collective bargaining agreement, drafting grievance responses and managing the grievance process.
• Manage the grievance process by conducting investigations and hearings; facilitating early resolution of issues; and ensuring timely contractual responses.
• Prepare timely and accurate responses to information requests
• Develop and maintain productive, collaborative relationships with union representatives while managing correspondence and communications with union administrators.
• Design and deliver training on labor relations best practices.
• Maintain labor relations data, including grievances documents, labor metrics and any other documentation required by state, federal, local law or any collective bargaining agreement.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, skills)

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Labor Relations, Business, or related field.

• 5+ years labor or employee relations experience.

• Experience administering collective bargaining agreements.

• Knowledge of labor laws (NLRA, FLSA, Title VII).

• Experience conducting investigations.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• Master's degree in related field
• Higher‑education or healthcare labor experience.
• Experience participating in collective bargaining.
• SHRM‑CP/SCP or SPHR certification.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $100,000-125,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.