Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

Location: New York, NY Category: Staff Posted On: Tue Mar 24 2026 Job Description:The Employee & Labor Relations Specialist supports the Employee & Labor Relations function by assisting with the administration, coordination, and analysis of labor relations activities. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Human Resource Management & Labor Relations, this role supports grievance processes, investigations, and contract interpretation while ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements and employment laws. The Specialist plays a key role in maintaining timely resolution of labor matters, supporting institutional operations, and promoting effective employee relations across the college.Essential FunctionsLabor Relations SupportProvide labor relations support to the Director and Assistant Vice President by assisting with the administration of employee and labor relations activities.Provide basic guidance on collective bargaining agreement interpretation, grievances, mediations, and arbitrations under direction.Stay current with applicable labor and employment legislation.Investigations, Grievance & Arbitration SupportOrganize and support activities related to disciplinary actions, grievances, complaints, appeals, and other employee relations matters.Maintain systems to track and ensure timelines for contractual and legal processes are met.Assist with coordination of witness interviews and collection of documentation for fact-finding investigations.Attend grievance-related meetings and support case documentation and follow-up.Administrative & Operational SupportDevelop and maintain schedules for labor management meetings, investigatory meetings, and other employee relations activities.Attend meetings, prepare draft minutes, verify content, and distribute finalized documentation.Maintain confidential employee relations files, records, and databases in accordance with institutional policies and retention standards.Maintain strict confidentiality of all information and documentation within scope of the role.Reporting & DocumentationResearch, analyze, and prepare statistical and narrative reports related to employee and labor relations matters.Prepare descriptive and evaluative reports and correspondence on disciplinary actions, grievances, and investigations for leadership review.Generate reports and provide preliminary analysis of case-related data and trends.Projects & Continuous ImprovementCoordinate and support ongoing continuous improvement initiatives and special projects, as assigned.Provide labor relations support and assistance to departments under direction of leadership.Stakeholder CommunicationCommunicate with faculty, staff, and leadership regarding employee relations matters.Prepare clear, professional written correspondence and documentation.Support collaborative relationships across departments and stakeholders.The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position; other duties may be assigned consistent with the classification of the position.Job RequirementsMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Public Administration, or related field.Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in employee or labor relations.Experience working in a unionized environment and interpreting collective bargaining agreements.Experience supporting workplace investigations and grievance processes.Preferred QualificationsExperience in higher education or public sector environment.Familiarity with arbitration, mediation, and formal disciplinary procedures.Experience with HRIS systems and case management tools.Knowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesStrong knowledge of employment laws and regulations (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, NLRA).Understanding of labor relations principles, contract interpretation, and grievance handling.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and documentation.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity.Ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including unions and leadership.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems.Additional InformationPlease note all offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the background check process.SalarySalary: $83,882.26 - $89,894.36 per year; commensurate with experience and qualifications.Hiring Salary: $83,882.26 per year with step increments per Salary Schedule 94C, after one year of service and annually thereafter.Work ScheduleDays/Hours: M-F, 9am-5pm, in person; work schedule subject to change based on needs of the department.BenefitsThe Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) provides comprehensive employee benefit programs designed to help keep our faculty and staff and their families healthy, safe, happy, and productive. Our programs also include a variety of components to help our employees improve the quality and balance of their work and family lives, and to help them prepare for their futures.Retirement PlansHealth Care Plan and Dental PlanEmployee Assistance ProgramFlexible Spending AccountCommuter Benefit PlanFIT Tuition Exemption ProgramPaid Time Off (Vacation, Personal, Sick and Holidays)4-day Summer WorkweekQualifying Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) ProgramFor a full list of FIT benefits, visit our benefits webpage.Pay Equity by State EmployersPursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.Visa SponsorshipThis position is not eligible for visa sponsorship by the Fashion Institute of Technology.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) StatementFIT is firmly committed to creating an environment that will attract and retain people from a range of backgrounds. FIT is firmly committed to creating a learning and working environment that encourages, utilizes, respects, and appreciates the full expression of every individual's ability. The FIT community fosters its mission and grows because of its rich, pluralistic experience. FIT is committed to prohibiting discrimination, whether on the basis of race, color, creed, age, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, uniformed service, height, weight, any lawful source of income, status as a victim of domestic violence or as a victim of sex offenses or stalking, whether children are, may be or would be residing with a person or conviction or arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. FIT is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, including the opportunity for upward mobility for all qualified individuals. Applications from veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged. Inquiries regarding FIT's non-discrimination policies may be directed to the Chief Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, 212.217.3360.Annual Security ReportThe safety and well-being of FIT's students, faculty, staff, and visitors is of paramount importance. Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, FIT publishes an annual report containing crime statistics and statements of security policy, accessible here: Safety Statistics. A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request by contacting Public Safety's administrative office number at (212) 217-4999.Physical Requirements And Work EnvironmentThe working conditions for this position will be primarily in an office space. The physical requirement for this position will require frequent sitting, occasional standing, occasional bending or twisting, occasional walking, occasional pulling, pushing, or reaching, frequent repetitive motions, and occasionally lifting 20 lbs. or less.