NYSUT
New York State United Teachers
 

Labor Relations Specialist
UUP

Based in Western New York

 

Title: Labor Relations Specialist, UUP
Department: UUP Western New York
Category: PSA, Category A
Salary: $119,843
Date: October 15, 2025

Overview
UUP is the bargaining agent for more than 35,000 faculty and professionals employed at the 29 state operated campuses and 4 major health science centers (Buffalo, Syracuse, Downstate – Brooklyn, and Stony Brook) of the State University of New York (SUNY). UUP is a NYSUT Local comprised of 33+ chapters statewide. 

The primary responsibilities of the Labor Relations Specialist, UUP are to promote the image and vision of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT, NEA-AFT) and the American Labor Movement, advocate on behalf of affiliates and members and the institutions in which they work, support the growth and strength of UUP chapters, and to provide services to chapters. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Promote the image and goals of UUP, NYSUT, and the American Labor Movement by facilitating chapter participation in activities in the political and legislative arenas.
• Conduct labor relations activities including contract administration (including grievance arbitration) and legal advocacy.
• Frequently conduct training and leadership development programs for both assigned chapters and for UUP leadership events. 
• Responsible for developing and promoting strategic approaches for chapters in their interaction with their members for advocacy, enrollment and retention. 
• Regularly collaborate with UUP organizing staff to support and promote maximum member enrollment and retention within assigned chapters. 
• Develop and maintain a hands-on relationship with chapters; assist in building community and campus coalitions that further the goals of UUP and its members.
• Ensure that chapters identify all workplace issues as opportunities for organizing and engaging members, particularly when there is no apparent legal solution.
• Be committed to the process of life-long learning and demonstrate a desire for continuous professional self-improvement and knowledge attainment.
• Develop an understanding of the work life of members and assist chapter unions in recognizing responsibilities in both professional issues and union activities.
• Work with chapter affiliates in the capacity of consultant, communicator, trainer and facilitator in the resolution of chapter issues; gather, assimilate and distribute information.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Accountable to NYSUT through the UUP Staff Director

Qualifications

• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills, including public speaking
• Pro-union and advocate for the rights of working people
• Energetic self-starter
• Ability to establish and maintain positive work relationships with supervisor, co-workers and others 
• Flexible regarding work responsibilities and working conditions
• Willing to travel and work irregular hours
• Bachelor’s degree or appropriate experience
• Ability to effectively manage electronic communications and social media
• Experience representing higher education employees preferred
• Experience in representing employees in disciplinary investigations/grievances preferred

NYSUT- Who are we? 
NYSUT is a statewide labor organization affiliated with more than 1,200 local unions, each representing its own members. NYSUT is affiliated with two national unions, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA). NYSUT represents nearly 700,000 people who work in, or are retired from, New York's schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities, including teachers, teacher aides and assistants, college and university faculty and professional staff, school bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, cafeteria workers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. NYSUT’s policy is to ensure an equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by the law. 

NYSUT is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. NYSUT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people are encouraged to apply. 

At NYSUT, we believe in creating a work environment free of barriers and bias, where individual outlooks and talents are respected and valued. 

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive salary and excellent benefits, including comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans, life and long-term disability plans, and retirement plans 
• Generous PTO plan 
• Work-life balance 
• Collaborative and supportive work environment with a diverse group of experienced professionals 
• Opportunity to work in a highly respected organization, make a meaningful difference in the lives of working people, and be a proud part of the labor movement at the local, state, and national levels. 

How to Apply: 
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé to hr@nysut.org by October 25, 2025.

www.nysut.org