The Labor Relations Strategist & Special Advisor provides university-wide leadership on labor relations - partnering with Human Resources, Labor Relations teams, and executive leaders to advance fair, effective, and compliant labor-management practices. The position guides bargaining strategy, supports contract administration, and helps align decisions with institutional goals and values.

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with the Office of General Counsel, University Human Resources, Academic Human Resources (AHR), Michigan Medicine Human Resources (MMHR), the Provost's Office, Government Relations, and Public Affairs to ensure consistency across units. You'll use data and insight to anticipate issues, shape recommendations, and foster strong relationships with union partners and campus stakeholders.

This position is part-time, with flexibility to consider a full-time appointment for an exceptionally qualified candidate. This is a hybrid position; however, on-site presence is expected at least monthly for Board of Regents meetings and other critical in-person discussions with teams or labor-union leaders, as needed.

As an individual contributor reporting to our three Executive Vice Presidents, the Labor Relations Strategist & Special Advisor will provide strategic leadership and coordinate overall labor matters across the university, in partnership with the Associate Vice President for Human Resources (AVPHR/CHRO) and the three Labor Relations teams responsible for collective bargaining negotiations, recognition of new bargaining units, and contract administration. In this capacity, the individual serves as a senior advisor to the President and Executive Vice Presidents on university-wide labor relations and strategy.

NOTE: Full-time annual will be prorated for part-time appointment.

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving, and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

• Strategic Leadership & Alignment
  • Provide strategic leadership and coordination of labor relations matters across the university in partnership with HR and Labor Relations teams.
  • Regularly brief the President, Executive Vice Presidents, Board of Regents, and the AVPHR/CHRO on labor strategy, progress, and emerging issues.
  • Advise executive leadership on collective bargaining strategy, contract administration, and recognition of new bargaining units.
  • Support consistent interpretation and application of labor policies, agreements, and practices across all units.
• Advisory & Collaboration
  • Serve as a senior advisor to the AVPHR/CHRO, executive leadership, and labor relations teams on emerging labor issues, strategies, and negotiations.
  • Advise, coordinate, and provide alignment across Labor Relations teams on behalf of UHR, AHR, and MMHR to ensure consistent strategy and communication.
  • Build strong collaborative relationships with university administration, Chancellors, HR leaders, and union representatives, fostering open communication and trust.
  • Coordinate closely with internal offices where labor issues intersect, including OGC, AHR, MMHR, the Provost's Office, Government Relations, and Public Affairs.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Coordinate through Labor Relations and the Office of General Counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws, including the Board Resolution Regarding Employer Neutrality, cooperative determinations and recognition of bargaining units, and related pay and dues-deduction processes.
  • Provide timely and practical guidance on labor issues related to policy application, communications, grievances, arbitrations, dues deduction, and pay practices.
  • Support ethical, transparent, and compliant labor-management interactions.
• Analysis & Strategy
  • Analyze labor market trends, regulatory developments, and internal data to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Use HR analytics and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of labor relations strategies.
  • Identify and mitigate potential risks and operational challenges in labor relations planning and implementation.
• Communication & Education
  • Educate and advise leaders on collective bargaining concepts, contract provisions, and best practices for labor-management relations.
  • Translate complex labor issues into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership and stakeholders.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and proactive problem-solving across all labor relations activities.
• Other Duties
  • Perform related duties consistent with the responsibilities of a Labor Relations Strategist and Special Advisor.

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in human resources, labor relations, business administration, law, or a related field.
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in a governmental, higher education, healthcare, or labor organization - or a similarly complex institution - with direct experience in collective bargaining and labor strategy development.
• Labor Relations Expertise
  • Comprehensive knowledge and experience with collective bargaining agreements and effective negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making approaches.
  • In-depth understanding of labor laws and regulations, including the Michigan Public Employment Relations Act (PERA) or comparable legislation.
  • Proven ability to ensure compliance with labor-related regulations and reporting requirements.
  • Stays current on the higher-education and public-sector labor landscape - monitoring legal/regulatory changes, bargaining trends, case precedents, and peer best practices - and translates insights into actionable strategies and guidance for university leadership.
• Strategic & Analytical Skills
  • Demonstrated success managing complex labor relations issues, resolving disputes, and fostering positive relationships with unions and leadership.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including experience using HR analytics and metrics to measure the impact of labor strategies.
  • Ability to influence and collaborate at the executive level within a highly matrixed organization to align strategy and drive change.
• Communication & Relationship Management
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex labor relations concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive or high-stakes matters.
  • Strong commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and integrity in all labor relations activities.

• Advanced degree in labor relations, law, human resources, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience working within a large public higher education or healthcare system.
• Background representing management in collective bargaining or working collaboratively with union leadership.
• Demonstrated understanding of the relationship between a major public university and state/federal regulatory or governing bodies as it relates to labor relations.
• Experience leading or advising on cross-functional labor initiatives in complex, unionized environments.
• Proven commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards and integrity in labor relations strategy and execution.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.