ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOf Labor Relations JobsDirector Of Labor Relations Jobs

Director Of Labor Relations information

See salary details

$82K

$137.9K

$189.5K

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

As of Jul 17, 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.

More about Director Of Labor Relations jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Of Labor Relations jobs? Cities with the most Director Of Labor Relations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Of Labor Relations jobs? The most popular types of Of Labor Relations jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Director Of Labor Relations jobs? The top employers for Director Of Labor Relations jobs are:
What states have the most Director Of Labor Relations jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Of Labor Relations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Of Labor Relations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Of Labor Relations jobs are:
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

AGC of Michigan

Lansing, MI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

The Associated General Contractors of Michigan (AGC-MI) is a full-service construction trade association providing services to Michigan’s leading construction companies. The AGC provides labor relations, safety, workforce development, education, and advocacy services and serves as the voice of the construction industry across the state.

The Labor Relations Director Position

The Labor Relations Director sits at the intersection of strategy, negotiation, and relationship-building, serving as the primary advocate and advisor for AGC-MI members operating under collective bargaining agreements across eight construction crafts. Core responsibilities include leading multi-union contract negotiations, resolving jurisdictional disputes, administering grievance procedures, and serving as an ERISA trustee on multiemployer health and pension funds.

The Director leads the Labor Relations staff, chairs the quarterly Executive Committee, and directs the annual AGC Midwest Labor Chapter Group. Additional responsibilities include managing forty union wage sheets annually, negotiating Project Labor Agreements, and designing educational programs such as Labor Relations 101 and mock bargaining sessions.

Beyond contract administration, the Labor Relations Director builds lasting partnerships with contractor members and union officials, advises on jobsite labor conditions, and monitors legal and regulatory developments affecting signatory AGC-MI contractors. This position plays a central role in shaping the future of union construction labor relations.

Preferred Experience, Skills & Abilities of the Labor Relations Director

  • Bachelor’s degree in labor relations and/or extensive experience and knowledge of the construction industry is required; a master’s degree is preferred
  • Collective bargaining skills and knowledge of the process is required; construction specific bargaining experience is preferred
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate share innovative ideas
  • A solid understanding of laws that pertain to the construction industry and how they impact various stakeholders

Compensation, Benefits & Structure of the Labor Relations Director

AGC provides a competitive compensation package that includes a competitive base salary based on experience, skills and abilities, paid time off, employer-sponsored 401k program, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, company-paid electronic devices, and opportunities for professional development.

The Labor Relations Director reports directly to the President and requires a regular presence in their Lansing, MI office. Frequent local travel throughout the State of Michigan is required for this position to visit member locations and project sites for training and outreach.

Recruiting Process for the Labor Relations Director Position

The recruiting process includes a combination of preliminary phone screens and interviews, candidate assessments, reference checks, and a pre-employment background check and drug test. The process, which is being facilitated through EctoHR, Inc. is designed to ensure that candidates are aligned with the Associated General Contractors of Michigan’s mission and vision.

AGC of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer!