Director, Academic Labor & Employee Relations

Title: Director Academic Labor & Employee Relations
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Vice President & Provost
Campus Location: Normal IL

Job Summary

The Director Academic Labor and Employee Relations provides strategic and operational leadership to the Academic Labor & Employee Relations (ALER) section in the Provosts Office. The ALER section will plan negotiate and administer labor contracts for ISUs academic bargaining units; ISU currently has four academic bargaining units covering approximately 685 Tenured and Tenure Track Faculty 550 instructional and clinical Non-Tenure Track Faculty 125 Lab School employees and 450 Graduate Teaching addition to management and oversight of academic labor contracts the ALER section will consult with supervisory staff regarding performance issues for Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty Non-Tenure Track Faculty Faculty Associates at the Universitys laboratory schools and Graduate Assistants.

The duties performed in this role are professional sensitive and related to public relations. Exceptional judgment is required for union contract negotiations grievance administration and discipline. The successful candidate must be able to shift priorities quickly and be comfortable with ambiguity. Problem resolution research/ investigation analytical and persuasive skills are vital in this role.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$135000 - $155000

Required Qualifications

1. Advanced degree (J.D. included).
2. Experience working in a labor relations environment.
3. Experience serving as a chief spokesperson in union negotiations.
4. Experience administering collective bargaining agreements including contract interpretation and grievance processing.
5. Experience administering performance management including coaching and counseling supervisors on discipline steps up to and including the termination/discharge process.
6. Demonstrated ability to address sensitive issues with integrity and in an unbiased and effective manner.
7. Must reflect the collegiality competence and professionalism of a senior administrator in the Division of Academic Affairs.
8. Must be capable of consistently exercising professional judgment that represents the mission values and priorities of the University and the Office of the Provost.
10. Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
11. Demonstrated experience organizing analyzing and interpreting data and a strong attention to detail.
12. Demonstrated experience effectively managing multiple priorities and constant interruptions on a daily basis and shifting priorities as problems arise.
13. Must have the ability to meet deadlines work independently demonstrate initiative and self-identify the tasks and workflow necessary to accomplish broader objectives.
14. Must have the ability to use Microsoft Office Outlook Word Excel and PowerPoint and have adequate keyboarding skills to allow for the efficient creation of work product

Preferred Qualifications

1. A record of accomplishment as a scholar or teacher at an accredited University with a doctoral degree or other terminal degree appropriate for the individuals academic discipline.
2. Leadership experience in academic administration (e.g. Chair Director Assistant/Associate Dean or Dean).
3. Knowledge of academic collective bargaining agreements the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act (IELRA)/the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (IELRB) and current trends in labor relations.
4. Experience in higher education human resources.
5. Experience in higher education labor relations.
6. Experience conducting compensation analysis.

Work Hours

A fast-paced productive office environment where work demands may extend beyond traditional hours of operation. The core work hours of this position are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Proposed Starting Date

April 1 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume / C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference List
Writing Sample - Please provide a writing sample from a labor or employee relations capacity such as a grievance response or letter. Sensitive information can be redacted.

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on Apply

Special Instructions for Applicants

Applicant must possess an Advanced degree (J.D. included) at the time of application.

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits including health dental vision and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here: Information for Applicants

Meghan Lugo

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable an employment history review based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system please call Human Resources at .