Reporting to the Chief Human Resource Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor, the Senior Director for Labor Relations provides strategic leadership in all aspects of labor relations and collective bargaining across all University of Kansas campuses. This role encompasses responsibility for six collective bargaining agreements and involves direct negotiation responsibilities, including serving as first or second chair negotiator, as well as coordination of related activities, policies, programs, and services. Key responsibilities include interpreting and drafting policies and collective bargaining agreements; developing strategic labor programs; conducting studies and making recommendations on institutional labor and employment policies; and providing expert guidance on corrective actions, employee separations, grievances, and investigations.

This position requires regular collaboration with a wide range of university stakeholders, including Human Resources professionals, the Office of Faculty Affairs for the Lawrence campus, the Office of the Provost for the Lawrence campus, General Counsel, supervisors, union stewards, employees, and other members of the campus community. The Senior Director will also work closely with the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs in Lawrence to provide oversight and guidance to the Academic Labor Relations Specialist, whose focus is on contract administration activities and processes for faculty and unclassified academic staff.

The successful candidate must demonstrate strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively both independently and in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The position is based on the Lawrence campus, with flexibility for a hybrid work schedule and travel expectations to other campus locations for collective bargaining activities. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Human Resource Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor.

25% - Labor Relations Strategy and Collective Bargaining

• Leads and participates in collective bargaining negotiations, serving as first or second chair negotiator for assigned bargaining units.
• Develops and implements collective bargaining strategies, parameters, and procedures.
• Participates in negotiation teams for the development of new unions or as assigned.
• Coordinates with key university leaders and departments, including Office of Faculty Affairs, Office of the Provost, KU Chief of Police, KUMC Chief of Police, VP of Operations, Office of General Counsel, and Human Resources, to support bargaining efforts.
• Manages documentation related to labor discussions and collective bargaining, ensuring timely and compliant postings and records.
• Provides dotted-line supervision and strategic guidance to the Academic Labor Relations Specialist regarding faculty and academic staff bargaining agreements.

20% - Policy Development, Interpretation, and Compliance

• Interprets and provides guidance on collective bargaining agreements to ensure University-wide administrative compliance.
• Collaborates on the development and revision of policies and processes aligned with labor agreements and university objectives.
• Responds to and resolves policy-related inquiries from HR, departments, employees, and job applicants.
• Reviews and advises on disciplinary actions (suspensions, demotions, layoffs, discharges) for union-covered employees to ensure compliance with law and policy.
• Manages communication and documentation with KU General Counsel, Kansas Board of Regents, and Public Employee Relations Board (PERB).
• Leads or coordinates compliance reporting activities related to labor agreements, employment law, and agency requirements, ensuring timely and accurate submissions to internal and external stakeholders.

20% - Investigations and Dispute Resolution

• Leads or participates in internal investigations related to employee conduct and labor disputes.
• Coordinates with General Counsel and HR to review legal cases as needed.
• Provides dispute resolution services such as mediation, conciliation, negotiation, and arbitration.
• Serves as a liaison and advisor in resolving workplace disputes.
• Participates in grievance-related activities in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and university policy.
• Manages local efforts related to employment litigation and government agency charges under the direction of counsel.

10% - Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement

• Advises managers, supervisors, HR Partners, and employees on employee and labor relations matters.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with union stewards and bargaining unit members.
• Provides support and guidance to employees regarding university policies and processes.
• Facilitates clear and consistent communication across departments on labor relations topics.

10% - Training and Education

• Identifies training needs related to labor and employee relations across the university.
• Plans, develops, and delivers formal training programs to university leadership, supervisors, and employees on relevant topics.
• Supports professional development and capacity-building in labor relations best practices.

10% - Program Development and Organizational Improvement

• Researches emerging employee and labor relations trends and issues.
• Recommends and implements university-wide initiatives and programs to enhance labor relations effectiveness.
• Develops responsive strategies to address organizational needs in a dynamic labor relations environment.

5% - Other Duties

• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Engages in professional development activities to support ongoing growth and effectiveness in the role.

• This position may require occasional evening or weekend work to meet deadlines or attend meetings.
• The role involves working in an office environment on the University of Kansas, Lawrence Campus, with frequent interaction with faculty, staff, and union representatives, with opportunity for some hybrid work.

• Bachelor's degree in human resource management, labor law, organizational behavior, or related field, and ten years of directly related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience (an advanced degree may substitute on a year-for-year basis).
• Demonstrated expertise in labor and employee relations, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and state/federal employment laws
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in dispute resolution techniques and conducting investigations.
• Demonstrated experience managing collective bargaining agreements and confidential matters.
• Supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• A Master's degree in the listed areas above or JD is preferred.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; strong presenter experience.
• Experience managing projects across multiple units or campuses.
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills; ability to interpret complex labor relations scenarios.
• Familiarity with administrative and adversarial hearing processes.
• Experience developing and delivering employee education and training programs.
• Advanced knowledge of public sector labor relations and collective bargaining practices.
• Awareness of emerging trends in public sector labor relations and ability to translate them into practice.

A complete application will include:

• a cover letter detailing how you meet the required qualifications;
• an up-to-date resume; and
• a list of 3 professional references.

First review of this position will be Monday, June 16, 2025 and will continue until the position has been filled.

Terri Osborn
[email protected]

Starts at $130,000

Monday June 16, 2025

Monday August 4, 2025