NEOGOV · 3 weeks ago
Labor Relations Specialist
Holyoke Community College is housed on a multi-million-dollar campus and serves over 9,000 students annually. The Labor Relations Specialist is responsible for leading and managing employee and labor relations functions across the college, ensuring fair application of policies and serving as a trusted advisor on various employee-related issues.
GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Serves as the college’s primary contact for employee and labor relations matters
Interprets and administers all collective bargaining agreements (AFSCME & MCAAA, CBAs); provide guidance to management and staff on contractual obligations and rights
Assists with investigating employee complaints and workplace concerns, ensuring impartiality, consistency, and compliance with internal policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations
Provides coaching and counsel to supervisors and employees in concert with the Director of Restorative Practices and Mediation (DRPM) on performance management, corrective actions, and employee engagement strategies; design and conduct trainings on labor relation topics as needed
Coordinates and supports labor negotiations; prepare proposals, analyze data, and participate in bargaining sessions as needed
Works with the DRPM to monitor trends and proactively identify and resolve employee relations issues before escalating
Manages the grievance and arbitration process in partnership with college leadership and legal counsel
Works with the People & Talent team to analyze employee and labor relations data, trends, and metrics to provide insights and recommendations to management. Prepare reports and presentations as needed
Collaborates with People & Talent colleagues to ensure policy compliance, risk mitigation, and positive employee experiences
Works with the Director of Development to assess, design, develop, implement, and evaluate training to supervisors on employee and/or labor relations best practices, to include, but not limited to contract administration and conflict resolution
Maintains thorough and confidential documentation of all employee relations activities
Stays current with employment laws, regulations, and labor relations developments, ensuring the college’s practices remain compliant and effective
All other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, Labor Relations, Pre-Law, Business Administration, or related field
Labor Relations and Arbitration knowledge is required
3-5 years of experience in labor relations, including considerable experience in working with collective bargaining agreements, contract administration, and counseling management
3-5 years of employee relations and performance coaching or management
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
Masters degree in related field
Previous experience in a higher education environment is highly desired
Specialized experience in handling grievances, negotiations, employment law, and employee relations
SHRM or HRCI certification
Bilingual
Benefits
Comprehensive State benefits package
Company
NEOGOV
NEOGOV is the leading provider of workforce management software uniquely designed for the public sector, education, and public safety.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$700MKey Investors
Warburg Pincus
2025-07-28Secondary Market· $700M
2025-07-28Acquired
2021-06-02Private Equity
Recent News
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2025-11-14
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2025-10-31
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