NYSUT
New York State United Teachers
 

Manager of Human Resources

Based in Latham, NY

 

New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) is seeking a veteran HR professional with union experience to lead a department that, in concert with other departments, oversees employee relations, pension administration, and healthcare benefits for NYSUT staff and retirees. The Manager of HR is a pivotal leadership position responsible for supporting the organization through effective implementation, administration, and compliance. This position reports to the President through director-level leadership.

NYSUT employs approximately 400 full-time and 16 part-time employees, including Management, Confidential, and unionized staff whose working conditions are governed by three separate collective bargaining agreements covering professional staff, hourly administrative staff, and attorneys.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform the overall administration and supervision of NYSUT’s employee relations work, and the compensation, benefits and retirement programs that provide services to active and retired staff and their eligible dependents.
• Develop and implement new approaches and procedures within the department to support organizational operations and objectives. 
• Serve on the NYSUT Cabinet interacting in support of the NYSUT Officers and the NYSUT Board of Directors.
• Develop and maintain a productive relationship with NYSUT staff, retirees and bargaining units.
• Lead transformational workforce succession planning, recruitment and onboarding.
• Direct and develop the HR department of 2.5 staff (assistant, specialist, hourly assistant) plus oversight of 2 unionized compensation/retirement staff. 
• Attend all major organizational events and meetings. 

Competencies/Duties/Responsibilities:

• Interpersonal/Relational — Managing with union values to foster positive workplace relationships (staff, retirees NYSUT Cabinet, Board, Officers). 
• Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining —Administering staff contracts & support negotiations, assisting with the handling of grievances, arbitration preparation.
• Leadership & Influence — Planning/delegating and carrying out goals set by leadership, and resolving problems in a manner that properly balances organizational needs with those of the staff member or retiree. 
• Business Knowledge: Use strategic judgement in managing risk, compensation/payroll, benefits (self-funded and insured medical, life, AD&D, disability, FSA 125, visions & dental plans, EAP, CMM) and pensions (defined benefit and contribution plans, 457 plan and 401 K plan), leave programs, and assuring compliance with benefits regulation, federal and state labor laws, EEO, FMLA, ADA, wage and hour regulations, workplace policies.
• Analytical & Decision-Making Skills — Oversight of HR Information System, Governmental reporting, actuarial data and security related to confidential HR files/data/records.

Values, Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree. 
• 10 or more years HR management and supervisory experience required. 
• Commitment to enforcing union values. 
• Competence to build and effectively manage interpersonal relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge and understanding of health and other benefit issues, plan design, evolving regulations and compliance requirements. 
• Experience with compensation and retirement plan oversight. 
• Experience bargaining and administering collective bargaining agreements, managing grievances and arbitration discipline and discharge processes in a unionized environment.
• Strong analytical, written, verbal and presentation skills. 
• Available to work uneven hours and travel when needed.
• Valid driver’s license.
• SHRM or CEBS endorsed certifications preferred. 
• Transition: 5-month overlap/onboarding with retiring NYSUT HR Manager for knowledge transfer

Competitive Salary and Benefits: 

• Salary range: $150,000 – 160,000 commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans, life and long-term disability plans, and retirement plans
• Generous Paid Time Off (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.

TO APPLY: 
To be considered for this position, please provide the following:

• A letter of application, which specifically addresses how accomplishments in your career have prepared you to meet the essential functions and requirements presented in this position. 
• A résumé that includes the month and year of start and end dates of employment for each position.

Email materials to Debra Schwoch-Swoboda, Unionsearch, Managing Partner: dswoboda@unionsearch.org

For confidential inquiries or questions, email dswoboda@unionsearch.org

Deadline for application review July 31, 2026.

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 over 700,000 members 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.