Rutgers University
Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title: Senior Labor Relations Specialist
Job Category: Staff & Executive - Human Resources
Department: Office of University 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 Senior Labor Relations Specialist for the Office of University Labor Relations. Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel and the Associate Vice President for Academic Labor Relations, this position is responsible for assisting in the negotiation, interpretation, and administration of collective negotiations agreements for Rutgers University. Among the key duties of this position are the following:
Key Duties
Participates in collective negotiations and the presentation of proposals at negotiations, designs and delivers workshops on employee and labor relations subjects, and develops and administers University employee and labor relations policies and procedures.
Assists in the presentation of proposals at collective negotiations sessions, researches and prepares proposals for collective negotiations.
Leads, guides and instructs and makes work assignments to Labor Relations Specialists in the performance of their duties as authorized by the Vice President of University Labor Relations and Special Counsel for Labor Affairs.
Resolves a wide variety of complex employee – supervisor – and union‑related employee relations and labor relations issues.
Advises supervisors and employees about labor and employee relations matters.
Conducts research on existing, new, and anticipated legislation as requested.
Provides guidance on grievance procedures.
In collaboration with University Human Resources, provides recommendations for new and existing human resources policies.
Works on a regular basis with the Office of General Counsel ("OGC") on the presentation of, and strategy for, grievance and disciplinary arbitrations, PERC proceedings, and contract interpretation issues.
Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity and inclusion, and contributes to an inclusive learning and working environment (part of all key duties above).
Payment and Benefit Information FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 07
Minimum Salary: $94,492.00
Mid Range Salary: $119,604.00
Maximum Salary: $144,715.00
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
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
Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least five (5) years of progressively more complex experience in labor relations or human resources in a unionized environment.
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.
Prior experience in higher education and/or the public sector.
Experience in employee or labor relations in an academic medical center or healthcare facility.
Experience costing proposals and wages in labor negotiations.
Equipment Utilized
NetDocuments (electronic document management system) – creating, scanning, searching, and retrieving documents.
Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint.
Posting Details Posting Number: 25ST2223
Posting Open Date: 10/17/2025
Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus: Downtown New Brunswick
City: New Brunswick
State: NJ
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.
Affirmative Action / 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 value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non‑Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non‑discrimination‑statement
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Job Category: Staff & Executive - Human Resources
Department: Office of University 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 Senior Labor Relations Specialist for the Office of University Labor Relations. Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel and the Associate Vice President for Academic Labor Relations, this position is responsible for assisting in the negotiation, interpretation, and administration of collective negotiations agreements for Rutgers University. Among the key duties of this position are the following:
Key Duties
Participates in collective negotiations and the presentation of proposals at negotiations, designs and delivers workshops on employee and labor relations subjects, and develops and administers University employee and labor relations policies and procedures.
Assists in the presentation of proposals at collective negotiations sessions, researches and prepares proposals for collective negotiations.
Leads, guides and instructs and makes work assignments to Labor Relations Specialists in the performance of their duties as authorized by the Vice President of University Labor Relations and Special Counsel for Labor Affairs.
Resolves a wide variety of complex employee – supervisor – and union‑related employee relations and labor relations issues.
Advises supervisors and employees about labor and employee relations matters.
Conducts research on existing, new, and anticipated legislation as requested.
Provides guidance on grievance procedures.
In collaboration with University Human Resources, provides recommendations for new and existing human resources policies.
Works on a regular basis with the Office of General Counsel ("OGC") on the presentation of, and strategy for, grievance and disciplinary arbitrations, PERC proceedings, and contract interpretation issues.
Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity and inclusion, and contributes to an inclusive learning and working environment (part of all key duties above).
Payment and Benefit Information FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 07
Minimum Salary: $94,492.00
Mid Range Salary: $119,604.00
Maximum Salary: $144,715.00
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
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
Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least five (5) years of progressively more complex experience in labor relations or human resources in a unionized environment.
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.
Prior experience in higher education and/or the public sector.
Experience in employee or labor relations in an academic medical center or healthcare facility.
Experience costing proposals and wages in labor negotiations.
Equipment Utilized
NetDocuments (electronic document management system) – creating, scanning, searching, and retrieving documents.
Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint.
Posting Details Posting Number: 25ST2223
Posting Open Date: 10/17/2025
Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus: Downtown New Brunswick
City: New Brunswick
State: NJ
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.
Affirmative Action / 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 value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non‑Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non‑discrimination‑statement
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