Position Type: Non Instructional - Admin - Central Office/Director

Date Posted: 4/28/2025

Location: Human Resource Services - 404 NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES 765 BROAD STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102 ROGER LEON, SUPERINTENDENT

DIRECTOR OF LABOR & EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

(Pending availability of funds and Board of Education approval)

The Superintendent invites qualified and interested persons to apply for the position of Director of Labor & Employee Relations

SUMMARY : The Director of Labor & Employee Relations leads the school district's labor relations efforts and oversees the administration of nine (9) collective bargaining agreements. This role serves as a key liaison between Newark Public Schools and its various bargaining units, ensuring compliance with all labor agreements, employment laws and regulations as well as district policies. The Director provides guidance on labor contract administration, dispute resolution, and labor-management relations while fostering collaboration between school district leadership and union leaders. The Director also leads workplace investigations for the school district, including investigations of, and comprehensive report writing for, affirmative action/EEO and Title IX complaints involving district employees.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS : Juris Doctorate or Master's degree from accredited college or university in labor relations, human resources, business or public administration or a related field; Human Resources Certification preferred (e.g., SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP). Minimum of five (5) years of progressive labor relations and/or HR leadership experience. Experience in K-12 public school district or with similar unionized public sector organization. Proven leadership experience, including managing labor relations teams for collective bargaining. Extensive knowledge of federal and state workplace and education laws including but not limited to: PERC, Civil Service, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, NJ LAD, N.J.S.A. 18A and N.J.A.C. 6A. Experience investigating and resolving workplace complaints (e.g., affirmative action, EEO, Intuitional Abuse, Title IX). Strong analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills with the ability to manage complex labor and HR issues. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to negotiate, influence and collaborate across all levels. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and various Human Resource platforms (e.g., PeopleSoft, Kronos, Frontline, Aesop). FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES : Supports the development and execution of a comprehensive labor relations strategy that aligns with the school district's mission and promotes a positive workplace culture. Serves as a major contributor in collective bargaining, assisting in contract negotiations with unions and coordinating with school district leadership; first chair collective bargaining experience preferred. Prepares and reviews proposals, counterproposals, and contract modifications in consultation with school district leadership. Provides guidance to school district leadership on labor relations and HR trends, policy development, and strategies for maintaining productive workforce relationships. Leads the Labor Relations team to ensure effective administration of all labor agreements, union grievance resolution/arbitrations, processing and handling of disciplinary cases, compliance oversight of HR projects and initiatives, and handling of workplace investigations. Collaborates with school district leadership to address labor-related challenges and implement strategies to mitigate any labor relations or HR issues. Serves as the subject matter expert for interpretation, application, and administration of all collective bargaining agreements. Advises school administrators, directors, managers and supervisors on labor contract provisions, employee rights, and employee discipline. Collaborates with HR teams to ensure all initiatives support broader school district policies and goals, workforce planning, and educational excellence. Maintains the union grievance process, including responses to grievances, fact-finding, and preparing positions for hearings, arbitrations, and mediations. Develops and delivers training programs on labor relations best practices, contract interpretation, and performance management. Ensures compliance with all federal and state workplace laws as well as school district policies and procedures. Attends monthly meetings of the Board's Personnel Committee, leading discussions on active union negotiations and related labor matters; attends other meetings as required. Keeps informed on labor relations trends, regulatory changes, and emerging issues, advising school district leadership on potential impacts. Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with union leaders.

REPORTS TO : Assistant Superintendent for Human Resource Services.

SALARY, EMPLOYMENT PERIOD AND UNION AFFILIATION : Salary: $110, 000-$160, 000 Employment Period: Twelve (12) Months. Union Affiliation: Unaffiliated.

HOW TO APPLY : Newark Board of Education only accepts electronic applications.

THE NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER