Director, Employee and Labor Relations

About Tufts Medicine

Tufts Medicine is an innovative, mission-driven health system that unites the best of academic and community medicine to deliver exceptional, connected, and accessible care. Our system includes Tufts Medical Center, the principal teaching hospital of Tufts University and Tufts University School of Medicine, as well as Lowell General Hospital, Lowell General Hospital - Saints Campus, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital (opening Fall 2025), Tufts Medicine Care at Home, Tufts Medicine Integrated Network, and a network of 2,300 physicians across Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. We treat the most complex conditions, keep our communities healthy, and bring research breakthroughs to life.

Work Location Remote with occasional onsite at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA

Job Overview

This position is responsible for the system-wide management of the organizations Labor Relations functions as well as oversight of the Employee Relations function at Tufts Medical Center. The role is charged with jointly developing the strategic direction of both Employee and Labor relations with input from other HR leadership and stakeholders, and carrying out goals and directives throughout the Organization. The role also works closely with the Tufts' Physician Organization and medical residents. This role also partners closely with executive leadership, human resources teams, operational leaders, and union representatives to foster a respectful, legally compliant, and collaborative workplace culture. This position is responsible for continuous organization and process improvement for assigned functions and processes. This position plays a critical role in balancing organizational goals with employee and union interests, ensuring fair and consistent employment practices, and mitigating organizational risk.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations or a related field.

Eight (8) or more years of related experience in Labor and Employee Relations.

Experience managing in a unionized environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or JD in a related field, such as Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or a related field.

Ten (10) or more years of related experience in Labor and Employee Relations and / or Human Resources.

Certification in Human Resources (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CHRL, AWI-CH).

Process improvement certification (e.g., six-sigma).

Duties and Responsibilities : The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Provides strategic consultation to executives, operational leaders, and HR partners on complex labor and employee relations matters.

Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of system-wide labor and employee relations strategies, policies, and practices.

Serves as a thought partner in organizational change initiatives, ensuring alignment with labor agreements and workforce engagement strategies.

Directs, supervises, mentors, and develops a team of Employee and Labor Relations and Compliance staff.

Resolves grievances and other personnel problems within position responsibilities.

Plans and organizes a program of employee and labor union relations to prevent and mediate employee disputes and grievances.

Advices and guides HR Business Partners and other leadership with the interpretation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and Human Resources policies.

Participates and facilitates mediation with employees and union representatives, identifying legal issues for referral to legal counsel.

Participates as a member of negotiating team for MNA and 1199SEIU contract negotiations. Drives needed operational changes to support operational changes necessary to implement changes to the collective bargaining agreement.

Ensures hospital-wide compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and accrediting standards, which impact the broad range of human resources programs.

Serves as primary liaison to legal counsel in addressing legal issues e.g. employment, labor relations, mitigation & avoidance.

Identifies legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting human resources functions and ensure policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance. This includes, but is not limited to, providing and implementing best practices; audit processes, and staying current with industry changes to ensure Tufts Medical Center remains compliant; creating and leading teams to improve and streamline compliance systems as needed.

Oversees and directs the organization's labor relations function, including collective bargaining strategy and negotiations for multiple bargaining units in consultations with the System-Director of Employee and Labor Relations.

Monitor changes in labor and employment law and advise leadership on potential impacts.

Ensures all labor and employee relations activities comply with applicable employment laws, labor regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies.

Develops and delivers training to leaders, HR partners, and employees on respectful workplace practices, contract interpretation, investigations, and conflict resolution.

Fosters a high-performing, collaborative team culture focused on service excellence, equity, and accountability.

Leads process improvement initiatives in consultation with subject matter experts and other stakeholders to drive standardization and continuous improvement of labor and employee relations processes and tools.

Develops and maintains Employee and Labor relations dashboard to capture relevant data and proactively identify trends.

Physical Requirements

Normal office setting.

Skills & Abilities

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Proven track record in facilitation, public speaking, training, presentation and communication.

Solid knowledge and understanding of Employment and Labor Law.

High level of proficiency and demonstrated effectiveness in problem solving and implementing new programs related to increased department and organization operating efficiency.

Ability to work independently, handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Moderate to advanced computer skills needed including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets presentation software, and database design.

Interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with all levels of personnel in discussions and explanations of complex information and to gain cooperation with individuals and groups while effecting timely progress and change, and motivating staff.

Demonstrates strong commitment and drive to achieve results; provide leadership in dealing with obstacles and opposition and have strong analytical skills to measure the impact and benefits of improvements in overall HR service delivery and operations.

Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and political savvy.

Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Demonstrated ability to lead and influence at all levels of an organization.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Excellent understanding of process improvement principles.

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on supporting the design, development, and implementation of human resource programs and policies, including recruitment, training and development, compensation and benefits, mobility, talent acquisition, diversity, talent management & organization development and employee / labor relations. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Employee / Labor Relations duties : Manages interactions and relationships with employees and labor unions, implements measures to increase employee morale, motivation and satisfaction, investigates and resolves complaints, grievances, and disputes, represents management in union / labor relations including the negotiation, interpretation, and administration of collective bargaining agreements, diversity / equal employment opportunity programs, training, and compliance, and advises management on strategies that ensure a productive and harmonious workplace. A management role that supervises employees focusing on tactical, operational activities within a specified area, with the majority of time spent overseeing area of responsibility, planning, prioritizing and / or directing the responsibilities of employees. Goal achievement is typically accomplished through performance of direct and / or indirect reports. A role that manages experienced professionals who exercise latitude and independence in assignments. Responsibilities typically include : policy and strategy implementation for short-term results (1 year or less), problems faced are difficult to moderately complex, and influences others outside of own job area regarding policies, practices and procedures.

At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals, while rewarding the important work you do every day.

The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals.

Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth-one of the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it.

Pay Range

162,773.52 - $207,541.52

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