Human Resources Business Partner I - Labor Relations

Labor Relations Support

Serves as a dedicated HR Business Partner supporting the Labor Relations function. Assists with the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements, memoranda of agreement, and labor-related policies. Provides labor relations guidance to HR colleagues and campus partners, escalating complex issues to Labor Relations leadership as appropriate. Supports consistent labor relations practices across departments in alignment with University policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Grievance & Labor Case Coordination

• Supports the intake, tracking, and administration of labor grievances and other labor relations cases.
• Prepares documentation, correspondence, timelines, and summaries related to grievances, hearings, and arbitration.
• Captures and coordinates meetings, hearings, and related logistics in partnership with Labor Relations leadership.
• Maintains accurate, confidential records and case files.

Liaison to Employee Relations (ER)

• Acts as a point of coordination between Labor Relations and the shared-service HRBP teams.
• Ensures relevant information is exchanged to support contract compliance, grievance handling, and consistent application of policies.
• Aids in identifying when matters should transition between ER and LR, in alignment with established protocols.
• Supports communication and follow-up between ER, Labor Relations, and other HR stakeholders.

Collective Bargaining & Contract Administration

• Assists Labor Relations leadership with contract administration and bargaining preparation.
• Supports data gathering, research, and analysis related to bargaining, grievances, and labor trends.
• Helps track contract provisions, deadlines, and implementation requirements.
• Aids in drafting and maintaining labor-related documentation, guidance materials, and summaries.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Pairs with HR Business Partners, Payroll, Benefits, Faculty Affairs, and other campus stakeholders to ensure coordinated labor relations support.
• Safeguards compliance with applicable employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, and University policies as they relate to labor relations.
• Aids in audits, reporting, and process improvement initiatives related to labor relations.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2–4 years of professional HR experience, preferably with exposure to labor relations or contract administration.
• Foundational knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, matrixed HR environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a unionized environment, preferably in higher education or the public sector.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts public sector labor relations.
• Experience supporting grievance administration or collective bargaining activities.
• Experience with Workday or comparable HRIS systems.