Job Description:

Reporting to the Director of Employee and Labor Relations, the Assistant Director provides operational leadership and oversight for Brown University’s employee and labor relations (ELR) programs. This role is central to the university’s mission of creating a collaborative, engaged, and thriving work environment that enables every employee to be high-performing and contribute their best toward the university’s strategic goals. While serving as a champion for employee excellence, the Assistant Director ensures a policy-compliant workplace by acting as a trusted advisor to managers and HR Business Partners on matters of conduct, performance, and collective bargaining.

The Assistant Director partners with HR and campus leadership to develop and review workplace policies that promote both fairness and organizational health. They consult on departmental reorganizations and employee impacts, ensuring that structural changes align with university policies, contractual obligations, and best practices for a high performing and productive workforce.

The Assistant Director assists in the development and administration of the university’s labor relations strategies for approximately eleven staff and student bargaining units. Key responsibilities include:
● Negotiation & Advocacy: Coordinating and leading negotiations for successor contracts and ensuring compliance with existing collective bargaining agreements.
● Regulatory Oversight: Ensuring strict adherence to applicable labor and employment laws.
● Stability: Managing grievance procedures to maintain a stable, respectful labor-management environment.

In collaboration with key campus partners such as the Office of Equity, Compliance and Reporting, Office of General Counsel and Office of Internal Audit, the Assistant Director is responsible for managing the University Human Resources investigation and resolution of complex employee relations issues, including but not limited to, disciplinary actions and hotline complaints, with a focus on equitable outcomes. By providing expert coaching on performance management and facilitating conflict resolution, the Assistant Director fosters a culture where employees (managers and staff) feel supported and empowered to succeed. Additionally, the position drives operational excellence by leveraging technology for case management tracking and developing training resources that ensure university-wide policy compliance while promoting a high-performance culture.

Major Responsibilities:

• ELR Operations, Policy Implementation and Compliance

• Labor Relations Support

• Investigations and Conflict Resolution

• Training and Compliance Management

• ELR Project Management and Strategic Initiatives

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field required. Master's degree or Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive employee and labor relations and/or human resources experience, including significant experience in a position that requires knowledge and application of the principles and practices of labor and employee relations.

• Expertise and knowledge in navigating complex unionized employee work environments and negotiations. Strong technical expertise utilizing HRIS systems. Knowledge of Workday and/or Salesforce systems (preferred).

Job Competencies

• Labor Law & Negotiation Expertise: Possesses a deep understanding of federal and state labor laws (e.g., NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title IX) and ELR best practices. Demonstrates exceptional negotiation and mediation skills with a track record of achieving mutually beneficial outcomes in complex unionized environments.

• Communication & Relationship Building: Exhibits excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills to convey complex information to diverse audiences, from executive leadership to union representatives. Proven ability to build credible, influential partnerships with management, HRBPs, and employees.

• Analytical Problem-Solving & Integrity: Utilizes superior critical thinking skills to interpret complex situations and develop proactive, data-driven ELR solutions. Maintains the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality when handling sensitive employee matters.

• Operational Agility & Technical Proficiency: Results-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Proficient in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems (Workday/Salesforce), with success in leveraging data analytics and case management tools for operational efficiency.

• Inclusive Collaboration: Promotes a team culture of communication and productivity while fostering a commitment to inclusion, equity, and belonging within the ELR team and the broader university.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Brown is registered to do business.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.