Director of Labor Relations & Associate Counsel at National Fire Sprinkler Association – Linthicum Heights, Maryland

The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) is the leading national trade association representing the fire sprinkler industry. NFSA advocates for fire safety, advances training and workforce development, and supports contractors across the United States.

Through its labor relations and collective bargaining activities, NFSA represents approximately 200 union fire sprinkler contractors nationwide, impacting the livelihoods of more than 40,000 skilled tradespeople and their families.

Our mission is simple but powerful: save lives and protect property through the widespread acceptance of fire sprinkler systems.

NFSA is seeking an experienced labor relations attorney to serve as Director of Labor Relations & Associate Counsel in our Labor/Legal Department. This senior role combines labor law practice, collective bargaining leadership, and national industry policy work.

The Director will play a key role in multi-employer collective bargaining negotiations, provide labor relations guidance to unionized contractors, and serve as a management trustee on Taft-Hartley employee benefit funds.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of labor law, construction industry relations, and national workforce policy.

The position reports directly to the NFSA President and works closely with the Director of Legal Services & General Counsel and Labor/Legal Department staff.

Responsibilities include:

Collective Bargaining & Labor Relations

• Establish relationships with our union contractors and fire sprinkler fitter unions. Coordinate meetings, bringing union contractor members together in preparation, execution, and review of contract negotiations.
• Serve as lead spokesperson or negotiating team member in multi-employer collective bargaining negotiations with union representatives nationwide.
• Develop collective bargaining strategies, negotiation plans, and economic analyses.
• Draft and revise collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provisions and amendments.
• Conduct industry and labor market research to support bargaining positions.

Labor Law & Contractor Support

• Provide guidance to contractors regarding:

1. Contract administration
2. Grievance procedures
3. Labor arbitration
4. NLRB matters
5. Union-management relations

• Support NFSA members in navigating complex labor relations issues in the construction industry.

Taft-Hartley Benefit Fund Governance

• Serve as a management trustee on multiple Taft-Hartley benefit funds, including:

1. Pension funds
2. Health & welfare funds
3. Apprenticeship and training funds
4. Labor-management cooperation programs

Legal Research & Association Policy

• Research and draft association policies, governance documents, and labor relations guidance.
• Participate in public policy review and legislative analysis affecting the construction and fire protection industries.
• Prepare legal memos, statistical reports, and industry analyses.

Industry Leadership & Committee Engagement

• Support and participate in NFSA committees related to:

1. Collective bargaining
2. Apprenticeship and workforce development
3. Labor-management cooperation
4. Industry promotion

• Develop strong working relationships with:

1. NFSA member contractors
2. Union leadership
3. Association committees
4. NFSA Board of Directors

Internal Legal & Operational Support

• Prepare meeting agendas, minutes, and supporting documentation.
• Draft member communications and industry guidance.
• Maintain departmental records and documentation.
• Assist NFSA leadership on strategic labor and legal initiatives.

Required

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active bar membership in at least one U.S. state
• 7+ years of experience practicing labor law or labor relations
• First chair experience with collective bargaining negotiations
• Experience with:

o Unionized workforce environments

o Contract administration and grievances

o Labor arbitration

o NLRB issues

Preferred

• Experience in construction industry labor relations
• Experience with multi-employer bargaining
• Experience serving as counsel or trustee for Taft-Hartley benefit plans
• Background working with trade associations or employer organizations

Professional Skills

• Excellent legal writing and communication skills
• Strong analytical and quantitative abilities
• Demonstrated leadership in multi-stakeholder environments
• High level of professional judgment, integrity, and discretion
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365

Travel Requirements

This position requires regular nationwide travel, including periodic overnight stays, to support collective bargaining negotiations, fund trustee meetings, and industry events.

Work Location

NFSA prefers this position to be based at its headquarters in Linthicum Heights, Maryland (Baltimore metro area). Hybrid or remote arrangements may be considered for highly qualified candidates.