Labor Relations Senior Specialist

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in‑person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus.

Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range: $75,000 - $85,000

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

S5

Exempt

Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Full‑time

Not Applicable

The Labor Relations Sr Specialist supports the administration of a positive, effective, system‑wide labor and employee relations program that promotes labor relations strategies. Rely on experience and sound judgment to address daily issues in the context of collective bargaining agreements and employment relationships for such unit staff. Supports the Labor Relations team while working independently. Adept at prioritizing and meeting shifting needs.

Establishes strong, collaborative relationships with Union counterparts. Establish strong, trust‑based relationships with management and non‑management staff/faculty across the University. Advises managers and supervisors on employee relations matters, including performance management, discipline, and termination. Collaborate with the University Leave Administrator, Office of Risk Management, and the Office of Equal Opportunity to administer leaves, reasonable accommodations, and Workers’ Compensation. Designs and delivers professional training to managers and supervisors.

Participates in the grievance & arbitration process. Conducts confidential workplace investigations. Serves on the University team for contract negotiations. Serves as a subject matter expert on the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements and generates comprehensive reports. The Labor Relations Sr. Specialist will support bargaining units that require fully on‑premise work, therefore, remote and hybrid working arrangements are not considered for this role.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Labor Relations, or a related field.
• 4-6 years’ experience in HR, labor or employee relations, or related work.
• Experience in labor and/or employee relations in an academic setting is desirable.

• Human Resources and/or labor relations experience, or legal experience in labor and/or employment law.
• Knowledge of key employment and labor laws (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, NLRA, ADA, NY PFL, EEOC Regs. etc.).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively across levels.
• Proactive self‑starter; is adept at finding creative solutions to challenging issues.
• Skilled at conflict resolution, informal mediation, and negotiation.
• Must be detail‑oriented, adept at multi‑tasking, able to prioritize effectively, and work efficiently in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Ability to work independently but also function as part of a team.
• Exceptional writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to conduct confidential workplace investigations and prepare detailed, well‑written investigation reports.
• Proficiency in using PowerPoint;
  Microsoft Office Products, particularly Outlook, Word, Visio, and Excel; ability to run Hyperion data queries.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others across levels.
• Travel between campus locations throughout the work day is required.

• Administe…