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Labor Relations Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Labor Relations Specialist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$25.10 - $32.31/hr

The Labor Relations Specialist position assists with Labor relations matters by gathering and collecting information, maintaining documents and records required for negotiations, reviewing data ...

New

The Labor Relations Specialist position assists with Labor relations matters by gathering and collecting information, maintaining documents and records required for negotiations, reviewing data ...

New

The Senior Director of Labor Relations supports the VP of Labor Relations by developing and implementing labor strategies, managing labor relations processes, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and ...

The Senior Director of Labor Relations supports the VP of Labor Relations by developing and implementing labor strategies, managing labor relations processes, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and ...

Senior Director Labor Relations

Bethesda, MD · On-site +1

$153K - $198K/yr

The Senior Director of Labor Relations supports the VP of Labor Relations by developing and implementing labor strategies, managing labor relations processes, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and ...

The Senior Director of Labor Relations supports the VP of Labor Relations by developing and implementing labor strategies, managing labor relations processes, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Labor Relations information

See Reston, VA salary details

$60.9K

$115.9K

$173.2K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations in Reston, VA is $115,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,600.00 and $132,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a labor relations person do?

A labor relations person manages the relationship between employers and employees, often focusing on negotiations, contract administration, and resolving workplace disputes. They work to ensure compliance with labor laws and collective bargaining agreements, using skills in communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

How does a Labor Relations specialist typically collaborate with management and union representatives to resolve workplace disputes?

Labor Relations specialists act as key intermediaries between management and union representatives, facilitating communication and negotiation during disputes or contract discussions. They often organize and participate in meetings, clarify contract terms, and mediate disagreements to ensure both parties' concerns are addressed fairly and within legal guidelines. This role requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, as well as a thorough understanding of labor laws and collective bargaining agreements. Working closely with HR, legal teams, and union leaders, Labor Relations specialists help maintain a productive and cooperative work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Labor Relations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Labor Relations, you need a solid understanding of labor laws, contract negotiation, and conflict resolution, typically supported by a degree in human resources or industrial relations. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), collective bargaining software, and relevant certifications like SHRM or PHR is often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These capabilities are crucial for fostering positive employer-employee relationships, ensuring legal compliance, and facilitating productive workplace negotiations.

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, unions, and labor laws. While HR handles a broad range of employee management tasks, labor relations specifically addresses union negotiations, contract enforcement, and conflict resolution related to labor agreements.

Is labor relations a stressful job?

Labor relations professionals often work in high-pressure environments involving negotiations, conflict resolution, and compliance with labor laws. The job can be stressful due to the need to balance the interests of employers and employees, manage disputes, and meet tight deadlines. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and emotional resilience are important for success in this field.

What is the difference between Labor Relations vs Human Resources?

AspectLabor RelationsHuman Resources
Primary FocusManaging employer-union relationships, collective bargaining, labor agreementsEmployee recruitment, onboarding, benefits, compliance, and employee relations
Work EnvironmentUnionized workplaces, industries with collective bargainingVarious industries, non-unionized settings
Required CredentialsLabor relations certifications, labor law knowledgeHR certifications, general management or business background
Employer UsageLarge organizations with unionized employeesMost organizations, including non-unionized

While both roles involve employee management, Labor Relations primarily focuses on union negotiations and collective bargaining, whereas Human Resources handles overall employee management, policies, and benefits. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals to each area.

What are labor relations?

Labor relations refer to the interactions between employers and employees, particularly regarding the negotiation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements, workplace conditions, and dispute resolution. Professionals in labor relations often work to ensure compliance with labor laws, facilitate communication between management and unions, and help resolve conflicts that arise in the workplace. Their goal is to foster a productive work environment while protecting the rights and interests of both employees and employers.

What degree do I need to be a labor relations specialist?

A labor relations specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in human resources, labor relations, industrial or organizational psychology, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of employment laws, negotiation, and communication, and some roles may prefer or require a master's degree or professional certification such as the SHRM-CP or IR/HR certifications.
What are popular job titles related to Labor Relations jobs in Reston, VA? For Labor Relations jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Labor Relations jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Labor Relations jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Labor Relations jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Labor Relations job openings:
Infographic showing various Labor Relations job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,864 per year, or $55.7 per hour.
Labor Relations Coordinator

Labor Relations Coordinator

American University

Washington, DC • On-site

$30 - $32.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


American University rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University
Department:
Employee and Labor Relations
Time Type:
Full time
Job Type:
Regular
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Work Modality:
Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Employee & Labor Relations Coordinator provides comprehensive administrative, analytical, and programmatic support to the Employee and Labor Relations function, with a primary emphasis on labor relations operations and compliance. Under the direction of Employee and Labor Relations leadership, this position supports collective bargaining administration, grievance and disciplinary processes, contract and policy interpretation, labor-related data tracking, and labor communications, while also providing essential employee relations and workplace compliance support.
The Coordinator serves as an initial point of contact for labor and employee relations matters, supports consistent application of collective bargaining agreements by maintaining documentation trackers and compliance tools. University policies, and employment laws, and maintains accurate documentation and records for labor and employee relations activities. This role requires discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to manage sensitive matters with professionalism, tact, and confidentiality.
Essential Functions:
1.) Labor Relations Support
  • Provide administrative, coordination, and analytical support for labor relations activities, including collective bargaining administration, grievance processing, disciplinary actions, arbitrations, hearings, and related labor matters. Maintain labor relations case files, calendars, trackers, and documentation to ensure deadlines, responses, and records are accurate and timely. Assist in the preparation of labor relations materials such as grievance responses, arbitration exhibits, bargaining proposals, settlements, and responses to information requests. Support consistent application of collective bargaining agreements by maintaining contract documentation, summaries, and compliance tools. Serve as a liaison with internal stakeholders, including HR partners, Payroll, Legal, and departmental leadership, to support labor relations workflows and communications. Monitor labor relations emails, inquiries, and requests, ensuring appropriate intake, routing, follow-up, and confidentiality.

2.) Labor and Employment Compliance Programs
  • Coordinate employment and labor-related compliance programs, including I-9 and work authorization processes, audits, and training support. Maintain accurate records and documentation to support compliance with labor agreements, employment eligibility requirements, and institutional policies. Collaborate with HR and departmental partners to address employment status questions, visa-related compliance matters, and other employment issues that intersect with labor obligations.

3.) Employee Relations Support
  • Provide intake, coordination, and administrative support for employee relations matters, including performance concerns, workplace complaints, investigations conducted by Employee Relations leadership, and disciplinary actions. Assist with involuntary separation processes by coordinating required documentation, notifications, and internal workflows with relevant stakeholders. Prepare and maintain employee relations templates, tracking logs, and process documentation to ensure consistency and compliance. Complete and track responses to unemployment insurance requests, employment verifications, subpoenas, and other external inquiries. Support employee relations staff by compiling documentation, timelines, summaries, and supporting materials for investigations, hearings, and management review.

4.) Administrative, Data, and Project Support
  • Provide administrative and project coordination support to Employee and Labor Relations leadership, including calendar management, meeting coordination, document preparation, and correspondence. Compile labor and employee relations metrics, reports, and trend data for review and use by leadership to support decision-making and continuous improvement efforts. Support department initiatives related to labor and employee relations process improvement, documentation standardization, and operational effectiveness.

Competencies:
  • Serving Customers.
  • Prioritizing and Organizing.
  • Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
  • Supporting Coworkers.
  • Displaying Creativity.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
  • Full-time.
  • 35 hours per week.
  • Hybrid 01 work modality (on Campus 3 - 4 days per week).

Salary Range:
  • $30.00 - $32.50 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
  • 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Equivalent of 4 years education, training and experience in Human Resources or related field.
  • Strong administrative experience, including project coordination, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Skill using Microsoft Office suite including Word, PowerPoint and Excel to develop briefings, presentations and reports and conduct data analysis.
  • Strong time management and multi-tasking skills.
  • Strong organization skills.
  • Exemplary written and verbal communication skills, including careful attention to accuracy and detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and strong team-oriented mindset.
  • Ability to provide high levels of customer service and exercise tact and diplomacy while interacting with University staff and peers on sensitive and confidential personnel matters.

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Field of study in Human Resources Management or related field preferred.
  • 4 - 6 years of relevant experience.
  • Four years of Administrative Assistant experience.
  • Prior experience in a university setting.

Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
  • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
  • Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
  • Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  • American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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