Assistant Director of Employee Relations
Today• Boston, MA
Job Description
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is looking for leaders, thinkers, creators and innovators. We are a diverse workforce that reflects the diverse population that we serve. The mission of the Human Resources Division (HRD) is to attract, develop and retain a high performing workforce in order to ensure the delivery of constituent services across the Commonwealth. The Assistant Director of Employee Relations is responsible for all labor management activities with assigned employee unions.
Primary Duties Include:
- Serving as lead negotiator representing the Commonwealth in collective bargaining negotiations;
- Maintaining a positive, responsive, and productive working relationship with union and agency representatives;
- Conferring with state agency management to determine agency priorities;
- Developing bargaining strategies for obtaining designated objectives;
- Writing and analyzing collective bargaining proposals and counter proposals; and
- Providing guidance to agency management on labor relations matters.
- Serve as Management Chair/Trustee on designated Health and Welfare Trust Funds.
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Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Public Administration, Industrial/Labor Relations or a Juris Doctor degree.
- Demonstrated oral advocacy and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated creative problem solving and analytical abilities.
- A strong understanding of the principles of sound labor relations, including a strong foundation in interest-based negotiations.
- Ability to analyze and respond to labor relations inquiries in a sound, well-reasoned manner within appropriate and frequently limited timeframes.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing priorities.
- The selected candidate should possess at least 5 years of progressively responsible labor relations experience, including experience as lead negotiator and /or legal advocate.
- A strong understanding of Massachusetts public sector collective bargaining, including familiarity with MGL chapter 150E is strongly preferred.
Qualifications
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Client-provided location(s): Boston, MA
Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-250007TM
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
Posted: 2025-12-02T18:35:36
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Volunteer Time Off
Financial and Retirement
- Pension
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program