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Director Of Labor Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American

$135K - $150K/yr

The Director of Labor Relations will serve as the first point of contact and advisor to academic and administrative departments on labor relations matters and provide guidance relating to the ...

AAR

Director of Labor Relations

Fort Novosel, AL · On-site

The Director of Labor Relations is responsible for managing, overseeing, and maintaining Collective Bargaining Agreements, liaising with union representatives, and establishing an effective workforce.

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$189.5K

How much do director of labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of labor relations in the United States is $137,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,000.00 and $156,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is labor relations a stressful job?

Labor relations professionals, including Directors of Labor Relations, often work in high-pressure environments due to negotiations, conflict resolution, and compliance requirements. The role can be stressful because it involves managing complex relationships between management and employees, often under tight deadlines and legal constraints.

What are the main challenges a Director of Labor Relations faces when negotiating collective bargaining agreements?

A Director of Labor Relations often encounters challenges such as balancing organizational goals with employee interests, managing complex legal and regulatory requirements, and maintaining positive relationships with union representatives. Navigating these negotiations requires strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, directors must stay updated on labor laws and industry trends to ensure agreements are both fair and compliant, while also considering the long-term impact on company culture and operational efficiency.

What does a director of labor relations do?

A director of labor relations oversees interactions between an organization and its employees' labor unions or workforce, managing negotiations, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. They develop strategies to maintain positive labor relations, often using negotiation skills and HR policies to support organizational goals.

What Does a Director of Labor Relations Do?

As a director of labor relations, your job is to manage and oversee company policies and procedures that relate to employees and their work environment. In this role, you may help develop solutions to problems, address employee concerns, and oversee the HR department within the company. Many aspects of this job depend on the employer. For example, if the company employs unionized workers, the director of labor relations is often responsible for communicating with the union and working to prevent labor interruptions. For companies without unionized workers, directors of labor relations often focus on training, employee communication, and benefits packages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Of Labor Relations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Of Labor Relations, you need deep knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining, and conflict resolution, often supported by a degree in human resources, labor relations, or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems, contract management software, and relevant certifications such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR is highly valuable. Outstanding negotiation, interpersonal, and strategic communication skills help build trust and effectively manage complex labor issues. These abilities are critical for maintaining productive employer-employee relationships and ensuring legal compliance within the organization.

Is labor relations the same as HR?

Labor relations is a specialized area within human resources that focuses on managing relationships between employers and employees, particularly regarding collective bargaining, union negotiations, and labor laws. While HR handles a broad range of employee management functions, labor relations specifically addresses union interactions and labor agreements, often requiring knowledge of labor law and negotiation skills.

What is the highest paid labor job?

In labor relations, high-paying roles include executive positions such as Chief Labor Officer or Director of Labor Relations, which often require extensive experience, negotiation skills, and certifications. Salaries for these roles can exceed $150,000 annually, depending on the industry and organization size.

What is the difference between Director Of Labor Relations vs Labor Relations Manager?

AspectDirector Of Labor RelationsLabor Relations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced certifications in labor law or HRBachelor's degree; relevant HR or labor law certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in corporate HR departments, often overseeing multiple teamsOperational role within HR or employee relations teams, focusing on day-to-day negotiations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, unions, and government agenciesCommon in medium to large organizations across various industries
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding high-level responsibilities and qualificationsLooking for operational duties and team management aspects

The Director Of Labor Relations typically holds a senior strategic role, overseeing labor negotiations and compliance at an organizational level. The Labor Relations Manager focuses more on managing employee relations and supporting negotiations at a departmental level. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibility, with the director position being more strategic and managerial.

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Director Of Labor Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Labor Relations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,916 per year, or $66.3 per hour.
Director of Labor Relations

Director of Labor Relations

Lesley University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Director of Labor Relations
Cambridge, MA
Full time
JR101662
The Opportunity

Lesley University is seeking a Director of Labor Relations to join the Human Resources department. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of HR, the Director will lead the University’s labor relations function and serve as the primary resource for all labor relations matters. In this role, they will oversee collective bargaining agreement (CBA) administration, provide guidance on contract interpretation, and partner with leaders on employee and workforce matters.


The Director will manage the grievance process from intake through resolution and represent the University in arbitrations and other proceedings as needed. They will also support labor negotiations and ongoing labor-management relations, including participation in bargaining preparation and meetings with union partners.


In addition, the Director will provide consultation and coaching to managers on employee relations and conflict resolution, support or oversee workplace investigations, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and agreements. They will also use data and reporting to inform labor relations strategy and strengthen HR practices across the institution.


This role requires a strong balance of compliance expertise, relationship management, and strategic partnership in support of a positive and effective work environment.

Qualities and Capabilities

A successful candidate will have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or related field required; Master’s degree preferred; JD or LLM degree desirable

  • Five or more years experience with progressive responsibility in collective bargaining and labor relations activities

  • Demonstrated advanced application of labor and employment laws; Advanced understanding of general human resources policies and procedures

  • Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communications, listening, presentation, group facilitation, influencing, and negotiations

  • Effective use of mediation and conflict resolution techniques

  • Strong commitment to customer service, confidentiality, and professionalism

  • Demonstrated strong organizational skills and ability to plan, prioritize and organize project work, at times with competing priorities

  • Ability to build collaborative relationships within departments and across the university

Why Lesley

Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs in the human arts of education, the arts, and applied social sciences. Lesley fosters a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas thrive, theory is integrated with practice and its 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni are empowered to improve and enrich communities.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. In addition, we offer significant paid time off, a generous retirement plan, and tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills.

Lesley is committed to the ongoing pursuit of strategic diversity initiatives that help to position diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to institutional and academic excellence at Lesley. In doing so, Lesley strives for a campus culture and community that fosters a true sense of belonging for all, provides opportunity for everyone to participate equally and fully in the Lesley experience, and helps to develop each individual's capacity to confidently and competently engage within and across difference. Given an evolving national context and the rapid change in the demographic profile of our country, the University has made a significant commitment to addressing and enhancing its campus climate and diversity capabilities as an institution.

Expressing Interest

A letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, professional activity, and/or service must be included for full consideration.

At Lesley University we strive for a supportive and equitable environment where people -- regardless of race, ethnicity, color, sex, physical ability, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws -- can participate equally and fully as their true selves in all aspects of university life. Accordingly, the University prohibits discrimination based on these protected categories in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and in employment. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of our institution. Individuals may submit concerns or questions related to discrimination to the University's Director of Equal Opportunity. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity's webpage for the University's entire notice of nondiscrimination and for additional information.

Base Pay Range: $115,705 - $131,392 annually

Compensation details: 115705-131392 Yearly Salary


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