Director of Labor Relations

About Holyoke Community College

Holyoke Community College is housed on a multi-million-dollar, 135-acre campus, equipped with state‑of‑the‑art technology in specialized learning facilities. HCC serves over 9,000 students annually, and provides a variety of recreational and cultural activities, from sports programs to music festivals, for students and community members alike. The college's strongest assets continue to be an innovative spirit, a sincere concern for students and a commitment to strive for even greater success. These are the values which have created a tradition of excellence spanning more than six decades, and which are enabling Holyoke Community College to meet today's challenges.

Mission

Educate. Inspire. Connect.

Values

Kindness, Inclusion, Trust, Innovation & Collaboration

Kindness, inclusion and trust are the foundation of the work that we do together. Innovation and collaboration enable us to explore and implement the ideas that will shape our future.

Position Overview

The Director of Labor Relations is responsible for leading and managing employee and labor relations functions across the college. This position ensures fair and consistent application of policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and employment laws. It serves as a trusted advisor and business partner to administrators, supervisors, and employees on a wide range of issues, including employee discipline, performance management, grievances, contract negotiations, and conflict resolution. The director serves as the college’s primary contact for employee and labor relations matters.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and administer all Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) – the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Massachusetts Community College Council (MCCC); provide guidance to management and staff on contractual obligations and rights.
• Manage all impact bargaining between the college and unions.
• Draft Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs), side letters, and settlement agreements with support of the Massachusetts Community College’s general counsel.
• Represent the college in all labor charge meetings.
• Manage employee relations matters, including investigations of employee complaints and workplace concerns (outside the scope of Title IX/Affirmative Action) and the grievance, mediation, and arbitration processes, ensuring impartiality, consistency, and compliance with internal policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws and regulations, in partnership with college leadership and legal counsel.
• Provide coaching and counsel to supervisors and employees in concert with the Director of Restorative Practices and Mediation (DRPAM) on performance management, corrective actions, and employee engagement strategies.
• Coordinate and support labor negotiations; prepare proposals, analyze data, and participate in bargaining sessions as needed.
• Partner with the DRPAM to monitor trends and proactively identify, address, and resolve employee relations issues before escalation.
• Collaborate with People & Talent colleagues to analyze employee and labor relations data and trends, develop actionable insights and reporting for management, and advance policy compliance, risk mitigation, and positive employee experiences.
• Collaborate with the Director of People Development to assess, design, develop, implement, and evaluate training to supervisors on employee and/or labor relations best practices, including contract administration and conflict resolution.
• Maintain thorough and confidential documentation of all employee relations activities.
• Stay current with employment laws, contractual language, M.G.L. 150E regulations, and labor relations developments, ensuring the college’s practices remain compliant and effective.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, Labor Relations, Business, or related field.
• 7‑10 years of experience in labor and employee relations, including considerable experience in working with collective bargaining agreements, contract administration, and performance improvement management.
• Knowledge of mediation and arbitration practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft and other Human Resources software, i.e., HRIS systems.
• Ability to multitask and work independently on projects.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group and population.
• Effective communication and people skills; must be able to work in a team‑driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) Degree.
• Higher Education experience.
• SHRM or HRCI certification.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Full‑time, Non‑Unit Professional Position

Salary Range: $102,685.63 - $113,372.30/year (Grade 8), plus a comprehensive State benefits package.
Hours: 37.5 hrs./week.
Funding Source: State.

Additional Details: Please note a skills assessment or presentation may be required as part of the interview process.

Applications received by July 1, 2026, will receive priority consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

Disability Accommodations

Holyoke Community College is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Office of People and Talent at (413) 552‑2554.

Background Check

• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check which will include CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information).
• All candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States. HCC is not sponsoring H1B Visa.

Holyoke Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies. The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexual violence shall be referred to the College’s Affirmative Action and/or Title IX Coordinator, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.