Labor and Employee Relations Coordinator at GrowNYC – New York, New York

Organization Information

GrowNYC is a 54-year-old environmental nonprofit organization helping more than 3 million New Yorkers by providing essential services and taking action to make NYC a livable city, one where every person can enjoy a healthier, more sustainable life. GrowNYC Programs include:

• Our network of Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and the work of GrowNYC Wholesale ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the freshest, healthiest local food.
• We build and support community and school gardens through volunteer days, technical assistance, training, grants and more.
• We provide 70,000 children each year with programs that provide meaningful interactions with the natural environment.

Labor and Employee Relations Coordinator (Full-Time):

Position Summary

The Labor and Employee Relations Coordinator (LERC) supports GrowNYC’s Human Resources team in a broad range of employee relations functions, including interactions with union representatives and management, ensuring compliance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and coordinating HR processes across departments. Guided by the HR OPS Manager, the LERC assists with implementing and communicating employee policies, handbooks, and procedures while addressing both union-specific and general workplace matters. This includes managing employee grievances, disciplinary processes, internal disputes, and providing guidance to managers and staff on appropriate responses, as well as training leaders on HR policies, labor relations, and CBA provisions. The role also tracks employee relations data, supports performance discussions, advises on workplace practices, and contributes to fostering a positive, inclusive organizational culture.

Labor and Employee Relations Responsibilities (Include but are not limited to):

Union

• Facilitates communication and serves as a point of contact for both HR and union representatives, ensuring smooth and effective communication regarding employee concerns, policy changes, and future contract negotiations.
• Liaise with unions and union representatives
• Conducts SOP’s training and addresses any union-related inquiries
• Serves as an enforcer of company policy and CBA
• Trains new leaders with union eligible employees on the grievance and other labor-related processes
• Coordinate grievance hearings, Labor Management Committee (LMC) meetings, and other labor-related events, including preparing materials for managers and employees.

Employee Relations

• Assists in resolving employee grievances, acting as a mediator between employees and management, and ensuring fair and equitable outcomes.
• Partners with leaders and employees to assist with problem solving, explaining policies and procedures
• Investigates allegations made in grievances and/or complaints
• Prepares leaders for their grievance hearings and works with leaders on their grievance responses
• Meets with employees and leaders on performance concerns and provides guidance
• Stay current on federal, state, and local labor laws, and ensure organizational compliance
• Serves on labor related committees, providing expert advice on labor relations matters

Reporting and Data Management

• Procure and prepare supporting documentation for any disciplinary matter, grievances, etc.
• Maintain organized and trackable employee relations case files.
• Maintains spreadsheets, reports, and other information to track grievances, employee discipline processes, and performance management metrics.

Administrative Tasks

• Maintain organized and accurate employee relations case files, including grievances, disciplinary actions, and investigations.
• Draft, review, and distribute internal communications regarding policies, procedures, and labor-related updates.
• Assist in scheduling, preparing, and maintaining materials for manager training on employee relations, grievance procedures, and CBA compliance.
• Provide administrative support for onboarding/offboarding processes, HR investigations, and performance management procedures & follow through processes i.e. assigning surveys, etc.

Qualifications

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and 2 or more years performing employee relations work in a predominately unionized staff workforce or a combination thereof of interviewing and investigations experience
• Demonstrated experience in building relationships and negotiating with union representatives.
• 2 or more years of relevant HR experience
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and remain composed in challenging or sensitive situations.
• Knowledge of basic employment laws and standards
• Proficient in HRIS systems, Google Suite, Excel and other computer applications
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to analyze complex issues, provide strategic advice, and make sound recommendations.
• Knowledge of Labor laws / collective bargaining

Ideal Requirements

• Certifications such as PHR or SPHR are highly desirable.
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources
• Experience of grievance procedure

Schedule

The position will be expected to work primarily Monday-Friday 9am-5pm 35-40 hours per week, on-site at GrowNYC’s office in downtown Manhattan (three days). In-office presence is required every Wednesday.

Compensation

This position pays $60K-70K per year and includes full benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, incentive savings plan, paid time off, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and potential for parental leave for full-time regular employees who have been employed with GrowNYC for 175 days and FSA programs). This position is non-union eligible/not a part of the bargaining unit.

Location

100 Gold Street New York, NY. Occasional visits to the Wholesale Food HUB located at 298 Halleck St Bronx, NY and participation in other employee-related events.

Applications

Qualified candidates for the Labor and Employee Relations Coordinator position should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references.

Interviews will take place on a rolling basis. Due to the volume of employment applications received, GrowNYC is unable to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate. No phone calls or recruiters or recruiting agencies, please.

Application deadline is April 12th, 2026.

Contact

GrowNYC

P.O. Box 2327

New York, NY 10272

212-788-7900

For additional information, please see our website: grownyc.org

GrowNYC is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer and hires without regard to race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation or physical disability.