Senior Director for HR Partnerships & Labor Relations

The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) seeks a Senior Director for Human Resources Partnerships & Labor Relations.  

UMass Amherst is the flagship institution for the Commonwealth, ranked #26 among the over 700 public colleges and universities included in U.S. News and World Report's annual survey. The University is a major doctoral-degree granting university with prolific research activity, global reach and a growing reputation for excellence and innovation.   

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor & Chief Human Resources Officer, the incoming Senior Director serves as a senior member of the Human Resources team and oversees a portfolio that includes employee and labor relations and the HR business partners. Senior Director has the opportunity to shape relationships with unions and other campus partners, providing the foundation for ongoing positive negotiations and contract outcomes and delivery of excellent human resources support. The successful candidate will build credibility with constituencies across campus, create consensus and create and implement successful strategies. This person will be seen as a professional, credible, results-oriented leader, who collaborates to improve employee relations and experiences.

The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking, strategic, collaborative, skilled and innovative leader with proven experience in labor relations. The senior director will display integrity in behavior and decision-making and will demonstrate a commitment to understanding multiple perspectives. 

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s degree or JD is preferred.
  • Minimum seven years of progressive responsibility in human resources. 
  • Experience in public sector labor relations. 
  • Preferred Higher Education experience or large public university, healthcare, or non-profit.
  • Knowledge of Massachusetts labor laws and regulations.

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited and can be directed to WittKieffer consultants Ben Haden, Lisa Meyer and Melinda Morton at UMassAmherstHR@wittkieffer.com.

Additionally, Melinda Morton may be contacted at 617-653-4141.

Candidates should provide, as two separate documents, a resume and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile, available at wittkieffer.com. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Lisa Meyer

Ben Haden

Melinda Morton