New

Director Academic Labor Relations

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Apr 23, 2026

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Director Academic Labor Relations
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Legal
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 Director Academic Labor Relations in the Office of University Labor Relations. Under the general direction of the Executive Vice President and General Counsel and the Assistant Vice President for Academic Labor Relations, this position is responsible for assisting in the negotiation, interpretation, and administration of academic collective negotiations agreements for Rutgers University. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Provides advice and guidance to all members of the University community including Chancellors, Deans, Directors, Department Chairs, senior administrators, and supervisors regarding the interpretation and application of various academic collective negotiations agreements, University policies and practices, and personnel issues. Handles various aspects of dispute resolution arising from workplace related complaints by employees, supervisors and the union, including representing the administration in grievances, working directly with academic union leaders to resolve complaints and concerns, and advising supervisors and employees about labor and employment relations matters. Directs and conducts complex academic labor relations activities, including, but not limited to, collective negotiations issues. Serves as a member of academic collective negotiations teams; interprets policies, presents university-wide workshops and training sessions. Provides recommendations for new and existing human resources policies. Oversees and provides guidance on grievance procedures. Leads, guides and instructs and makes work assignments to Senior Labor Relations Specialists and Labor Relations Specialists in the performance of their duties as authorized by the Executive Vice President and General Counsel and the Assistant Vice President for Academic Labor Relations. Provides comprehensive guidance and advice to departments and academic units (deans, administrators and managers) regarding the interpretation and application of the more complex provisions of the various academic collective negotiations agreements and University policies, and direction and next steps on complex labor & employee relations matters. Oversees and implements the grievance processes, programs and other negotiated processes and procedures set forth in the various academic collective negotiations' agreements, as well as provides guidance regarding such programs, procedures and processes. Communicates and works with union representatives to address daily inquiries and issues raised by the various unions regarding compliance with the terms of the academic collective negotiations agreements or University policies, issues pertaining to specific staff or faculty, and other labor and employment relations matters. Collaborates with administrative departments and academic leadership to address, evaluates and resolves University-wide labor relations matters. Meets with administrative departments to address University issues, determine appropriate action and implement action items. Designs & provides training on labor & employee relation issues and implementation of academic collective negotiations agreements. Provides guidance and recommendations to the University teams as assigned in academic collective negotiations.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	09
Salary Details
Minimum Salary	124967.000
Mid Range Salary	158175.000
Maximum Salary	191383.000
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	Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.
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 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 preferred. Prior experience in higher education and/or the public sector. Experience costing proposals and wages in labor negotiations.
Equipment Utilized	Proficiency in Microsoft Suite 365.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	26ST0835
Posting Open Date	04/22/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Rutgers University - 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