Senior Labor Relations Specialist

Rutgers The State University of New Jersey

New Brunswick, NJ

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
SKILLS
Benchmarking, Contract Negotiation, Disciplinary Action, Diversity, Document Management, Employee Relations, Government, Healthcare, Higher Education, Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Legal, Life Insurance, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Negotiation Skills, Payroll Administration, People Management, Peoplesoft, Prescription Drugs, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Proposal Writing, Research Skills, Spreadsheets, Vaccination, Writing Skills
LOCATION
New Brunswick, NJ
POSTED
8 days ago

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Senior Labor Relations Specialist Job Category Staff & Executive - Human Resources Department Office of Univ Labor Relations Overview

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.

For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

    • Do you have a 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?
  • Yes
  • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  • Resume/CV
  • Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  • List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents

About the Company

R

Rutgers The State University of New Jersey