Labor Relations Specialist Jobs
Labor Relations Specialist jobs are open across manufacturing, healthcare, government agencies, and higher education, at every level from entry-level representative to senior director, with specializations in collective bargaining, grievance management, and contract administration. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 151+ Labor Relations Specialist jobs
Who we are:
As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.
The National Labor Relations Director is responsible for developing and leading QTS’s national labor relations strategy in support of the company’s growth, development, construction, and operational objectives. Serving as the enterprise subject-matter expert for labor relations within External Affairs, this role monitors the national labor environment, identifies emerging risks and opportunities, and develops strategies that support consistent, effective engagement across QTS markets.
The Director partners closely with Regional External Affairs leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to assess labor dynamics affecting current and future markets, major development and construction activity, workforce availability, and business continuity. The role provides strategic guidance on complex or high-impact labor matters and coordinates national priorities with regional execution.
This leader builds and maintains productive relationships with labor organizations, industry associations, contractors and other external stakeholders while providing senior leaders with timely insights regarding labor trends and developments that may affect business objectives.
What You Will Do: (Job Responsibilities)
- Develop and execute a comprehensive national labor relations strategy aligned with QTS growth, development, construction, operational, and External Affairs priorities.
- Establish a consistent enterprise approach to identifying, assessing, escalating, and addressing significant labor-related issues.
- Monitor national and multi-market labor trends and translate developments into actionable insights for business and External Affairs leaders.
- Identify emerging labor-related risks and opportunities that could influence market expansion, development activity, construction, operations, or QTS’s external stakeholder relationships.
Regional Partnership & Execution
- Serve as the national labor relations subject-matter expert to Regional External Affairs leaders and regional labor relations resources.
- Provide strategic guidance on complex or significant regional labor issues and support escalation when matters have broader business implications.
- Partner with regional teams to develop market-specific labor engagement strategies while driving consistency with national objectives.
- Identify patterns and emerging issues across regions and develop scalable approaches, tools, and best practices.
External Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with labor leaders, trade organizations, industry associations, workforce organizations, contractors, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Represent QTS in appropriate national labor and industry forums.
- Build constructive relationships that support QTS development, construction, workforce, and operational objectives.
- Support stakeholder strategies surrounding significant development projects or markets where labor considerations may materially affect business execution.
Strategic Counsel & Risk Management
- Advise External Affairs and business leaders on labor dynamics that could affect development timelines, construction activity, market entry, workforce considerations, operating continuity, or company reputation.
- Develop proactive strategies to address emerging labor issues and reduce business risk.
- Coordinate with appropriate internal partners on significant labor-related matters to ensure business, workforce, legal, and external-affairs considerations are appropriately aligned.
- Prepare executive-level recommendations, assessments, and briefing materials regarding significant labor developments.
Cross-Functional Partnership
- Partner with Legal, People Services, Development, Construction, Procurement, Operations and other appropriate functions on labor-related matters that intersect with business strategy.
- Support development and market-entry planning by providing insight into relevant labor environments and stakeholder considerations.
- Collaborate with Government Relations and policy leaders when labor issues intersect with legislative, regulatory, or broader public-policy priorities.
- Ensure national labor strategy complements QTS’s broader government relations, community engagement, economic development, and stakeholder strategies.
What You Will Need to Be Successful: (Required Qualifications, Education, Experience, Certifications)
- Bachelor’s degree in labor relations, Industrial Relations, Business, Public Policy, Political Science, Human Resources, Law, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in labor relations, government affairs, external affairs, workforce strategy, labor policy, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience working with labor organizations and senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to develop strategy and navigate complex labor and stakeholder environments across multiple markets or jurisdictions.
- Strong understanding of organized labor, labor-management dynamics, workforce issues, and the broader policy environment affecting large-scale development and operations.
- Experience advising senior leaders on complex, sensitive, or high-impact issues.
- Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes across a matrixed organization without relying on direct reporting authority.
- Strong executive communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and relationship-building capabilities.
- Ability to travel nationally as business needs require.
Nice to Have: (Preferred Qualifications, Education, Experience, Certifications)
- Advanced degree in Industrial and Labor Relations, Law, Business Administration, Public Policy, Human Resources, or a related discipline.
- Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure, construction, energy, utility, technology, telecommunications, real estate development, or data-center environments.
- Experience working with building trades, labor organizations, contractors, industry associations, or workforce-development organizations.
- Experience supporting complex development or construction projects across multiple U.S. markets.
- Demonstrated success building labor strategies that balance business objectives, stakeholder relationships, workforce considerations, and reputational risk.
In accordance with applicable law, the following represents a reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation for this role if hired in Virginia. Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.
The estimated pay range for this role, if based in Virginia, is:
$168,236.25 - 253,475.95
Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.
In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees:
- Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Every employee is bonus or commission eligible
- Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays
- Stock Purchase Plan (SPP)
- 11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked
- Pet and Legal Insurance
- Q-Rest Sabbatical Program
- Q-Anniversary Service Award Program
- Parental Leave
- Military Benefits Package
- QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
- QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
- QTS Crisis Fund
- Wellness Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
QTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Learn more: Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.
The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here:
Know Your Rights (English)
Know Your Rights (Spanish)
QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to talentacquisition@qtsdatacenters.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
Who we are:
As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.
The National Labor Relations Director is responsible for developing and leading QTS’s national labor relations strategy in support of the company’s growth, development, construction, and operational objectives. Serving as the enterprise subject-matter expert for labor relations within External Affairs, this role monitors the national labor environment, identifies emerging risks and opportunities, and develops strategies that support consistent, effective engagement across QTS markets.
The Director partners closely with Regional External Affairs leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to assess labor dynamics affecting current and future markets, major development and construction activity, workforce availability, and business continuity. The role provides strategic guidance on complex or high-impact labor matters and coordinates national priorities with regional execution.
This leader builds and maintains productive relationships with labor organizations, industry associations, contractors and other external stakeholders while providing senior leaders with timely insights regarding labor trends and developments that may affect business objectives.
What You Will Do: (Job Responsibilities)
- Develop and execute a comprehensive national labor relations strategy aligned with QTS growth, development, construction, operational, and External Affairs priorities.
- Establish a consistent enterprise approach to identifying, assessing, escalating, and addressing significant labor-related issues.
- Monitor national and multi-market labor trends and translate developments into actionable insights for business and External Affairs leaders.
- Identify emerging labor-related risks and opportunities that could influence market expansion, development activity, construction, operations, or QTS’s external stakeholder relationships.
Regional Partnership & Execution
- Serve as the national labor relations subject-matter expert to Regional External Affairs leaders and regional labor relations resources.
- Provide strategic guidance on complex or significant regional labor issues and support escalation when matters have broader business implications.
- Partner with regional teams to develop market-specific labor engagement strategies while driving consistency with national objectives.
- Identify patterns and emerging issues across regions and develop scalable approaches, tools, and best practices.
External Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with labor leaders, trade organizations, industry associations, workforce organizations, contractors, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Represent QTS in appropriate national labor and industry forums.
- Build constructive relationships that support QTS development, construction, workforce, and operational objectives.
- Support stakeholder strategies surrounding significant development projects or markets where labor considerations may materially affect business execution.
Strategic Counsel & Risk Management
- Advise External Affairs and business leaders on labor dynamics that could affect development timelines, construction activity, market entry, workforce considerations, operating continuity, or company reputation.
- Develop proactive strategies to address emerging labor issues and reduce business risk.
- Coordinate with appropriate internal partners on significant labor-related matters to ensure business, workforce, legal, and external-affairs considerations are appropriately aligned.
- Prepare executive-level recommendations, assessments, and briefing materials regarding significant labor developments.
Cross-Functional Partnership
- Partner with Legal, People Services, Development, Construction, Procurement, Operations and other appropriate functions on labor-related matters that intersect with business strategy.
- Support development and market-entry planning by providing insight into relevant labor environments and stakeholder considerations.
- Collaborate with Government Relations and policy leaders when labor issues intersect with legislative, regulatory, or broader public-policy priorities.
- Ensure national labor strategy complements QTS’s broader government relations, community engagement, economic development, and stakeholder strategies.
What You Will Need to Be Successful: (Required Qualifications, Education, Experience, Certifications)
- Bachelor’s degree in labor relations, Industrial Relations, Business, Public Policy, Political Science, Human Resources, Law, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in labor relations, government affairs, external affairs, workforce strategy, labor policy, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience working with labor organizations and senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to develop strategy and navigate complex labor and stakeholder environments across multiple markets or jurisdictions.
- Strong understanding of organized labor, labor-management dynamics, workforce issues, and the broader policy environment affecting large-scale development and operations.
- Experience advising senior leaders on complex, sensitive, or high-impact issues.
- Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes across a matrixed organization without relying on direct reporting authority.
- Strong executive communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and relationship-building capabilities.
- Ability to travel nationally as business needs require.
Nice to Have: (Preferred Qualifications, Education, Experience, Certifications)
- Advanced degree in Industrial and Labor Relations, Law, Business Administration, Public Policy, Human Resources, or a related discipline.
- Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure, construction, energy, utility, technology, telecommunications, real estate development, or data-center environments.
- Experience working with building trades, labor organizations, contractors, industry associations, or workforce-development organizations.
- Experience supporting complex development or construction projects across multiple U.S. markets.
- Demonstrated success building labor strategies that balance business objectives, stakeholder relationships, workforce considerations, and reputational risk.
In accordance with applicable law, the following represents a reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation for this role if hired in Virginia. Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.
The estimated pay range for this role, if based in Virginia, is:
$168,236.25 - 253,475.95
Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.
In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees:
- Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Every employee is bonus or commission eligible
- Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays
- Stock Purchase Plan (SPP)
- 11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked
- Pet and Legal Insurance
- Q-Rest Sabbatical Program
- Q-Anniversary Service Award Program
- Parental Leave
- Military Benefits Package
- QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
- QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
- QTS Crisis Fund
- Wellness Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
QTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Learn more: Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.
The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here:
Know Your Rights (English)
Know Your Rights (Spanish)
QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to talentacquisition@qtsdatacenters.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
See All 151+ Labor Relations Specialist Jobs
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Find JobsLabor Relations Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Cox Automotive14
- California School Employees Association10
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene6
- Kaiser Permanente5
- NYC Health + Hospitals4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Insurance
- Science & Research
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in labor relations specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, or a related field
- Experience administering or negotiating collective bargaining agreements
- Working knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act and applicable labor law
- Ability to investigate and resolve employee grievances through established procedures
- Strong written communication skills for drafting contract language and arbitration briefs
- Experience representing management or labor in mediation, arbitration, or unfair labor practice proceedings
Tips for Your Labor Relations Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to contract language
Highlight specific agreements you've negotiated or administered, including the scope of bargaining units and contract duration. Generic HR resumes get filtered out fast. Hiring managers want to see that you've worked directly with collective bargaining agreements.
List your certifications and labor law knowledge
Certifications like SPHR or CLRP signal specialized expertise beyond general HR. Call out your familiarity with the National Labor Relations Act, Railway Labor Act, or public-sector labor statutes, depending on the sector you're targeting.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists labor relations specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter by sector before you apply
Public-sector and private-sector labor relations roles require different legal knowledge and union structures. Target your search by industry so you're not sending the same resume to roles with fundamentally different compliance environments.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Expect to walk through a real or hypothetical grievance from filing through arbitration. Practice articulating how you balanced management interests against employee rights without letting a dispute escalate to a work stoppage.
Negotiate with documentation ready
When you receive an offer, come prepared with concrete examples of cost savings or dispute resolutions you've led. Labor relations roles carry measurable organizational impact, and quantifying yours strengthens your negotiating position.
Labor Relations Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most labor relations specialists?
Cox Automotive, California School Employees Association, and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are hiring the most labor relations specialists right now, with openings concentrated in California, New York, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Healthcare systems, public utilities, and large manufacturers tend to post the most consistent volume.
How many labor relations specialist jobs are remote?
About 87% of labor relations specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though on-site presence is still common given the nature of union negotiations and grievance hearings. Policy-focused roles and those tied to multi-site organizations are the most likely to offer schedule flexibility.
How do you become a labor relations specialist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, industrial relations, or a related field. Build foundational experience in HR or as a union steward, then move into roles that involve contract administration or grievance handling. Many practitioners pursue advanced degrees or certifications in labor law to advance into senior bargaining and arbitration roles.
Can you get hired as a labor relations specialist with little experience?
Entry-level labor relations roles do exist, particularly in large public-sector agencies and unionized manufacturers that run structured HR rotations. Internships with labor law firms, union organizations, or government labor boards build relevant exposure. Coursework in labor law and demonstrated writing ability for policy documents helps compensate for limited direct experience.
What does the labor relations specialist interview process look like?
Most processes include an initial screening call, a panel interview with HR leadership and legal or operations stakeholders, and at least one scenario-based round where you walk through a grievance or negotiation situation. Some employers ask for a writing sample such as a contract clause or arbitration brief. Government positions may require a structured exam or scored interview.
Where can I find and apply to labor relations specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to labor relations specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your background and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 151+ Labor Relations Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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