Assistant Director of Employee and Labor Relations

Reporting to the Director of Employee and Labor Relations, the Assistant Director provides operational leadership and oversight for Brown University’s employee and labor relations (ELR) programs. This role is central to the university’s mission of creating a collaborative, engaged, and thriving work environment that enables every employee to be high-performing and contribute their best toward the university’s strategic goals. While serving as a champion for employee excellence, the Assistant Director ensures a policy-compliant workplace by acting as a trusted advisor to managers and HR Business Partners on matters of conduct, performance, and collective bargaining. The Assistant Director partners with HR and campus leadership to develop and review workplace policies that promote both fairness and organizational health. They consult on departmental reorganizations and employee impacts, ensuring that structural changes align with university policies, contractual obligations, and best practices for a high performing and productive workforce. The Assistant Director assists in the development and administration of the university’s labor relations strategies for approximately eleven staff and student bargaining units. In collaboration with key campus partners such as the Office of Equity, Compliance and Reporting, Office of General Counsel and Office of Internal Audit, the Assistant Director is responsible for managing the University Human Resources investigation and resolution of complex employee relations issues, including but not limited to, disciplinary actions and hotline complaints, with a focus on equitable outcomes. By providing expert coaching on performance management and facilitating conflict resolution, the Assistant Director fosters a culture where employees (managers and staff) feel supported and empowered to succeed. Additionally, the position drives operational excellence by leveraging technology for case management tracking and developing training resources that ensure university-wide policy compliance while promoting a high-performance culture.

Responsibilities

Provide operational leadership and oversight for Brown University’s employee and labor relations (ELR) programs; Act as trusted advisor to managers and HR Business Partners on conduct, performance, and collective bargaining; Partner with HR and campus leadership to develop and review workplace policies; Consult on departmental reorganizations and employee impacts; Develop and administer labor relations strategies for approximately eleven staff and student bargaining units; Coordinate and lead negotiations for successor contracts; Ensure compliance with existing collective bargaining agreements and applicable labor laws; Manage grievance procedures; Manage University Human Resources investigation and resolution of complex employee relations issues; Provide expert coaching on performance management and facilitate conflict resolution; Drive operational excellence by leveraging technology for case management tracking and developing training resources; Support ELR Operations, Policy Implementation and Compliance, Labor Relations Support, Investigations and Conflict Resolution, Training and Compliance Management, and ELR Project Management and Strategic Initiatives

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field; Minimum of 7 years of progressive employee and labor relations and/or human resources experience, including significant experience in a position that requires knowledge and application of the principles and practices of labor and employee relations; Expertise and knowledge in navigating complex unionized employee work environments and negotiations; Strong technical expertise utilizing HRIS systems; Deep understanding of federal and state labor laws (e.g., NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title IX) and ELR best practices; Exceptional negotiation and mediation skills with a track record of achieving mutually beneficial outcomes in complex unionized environments; Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills; Proven ability to build credible, influential partnerships with management, HRBPs, and employees; Superior critical thinking skills; High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality; Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment; Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems (Workday/Salesforce); Ability to leverage data analytics and case management tools for operational efficiency; Commitment to inclusion, equity, and belonging

Nice to have

Master's degree or Juris Doctor (JD) preferred; Knowledge of Workday and/or Salesforce systems (preferred)