Director – Faculty Relations bei The Culinary Institute of America

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process. 

The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!

As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Faculty Relations is a key leader in fostering a productive, collaborative, and compliant working relationship with faculty across all CIA campuses. The Director leads collaborative efforts designed to promote faculty excellence by providing guidance to full-time faculty and ensuring, in collaboration with school deans and associate deans, that they are supported in their professional development needs and aspirations. The Director also collaborates with Academic Affairs leadership across all campuses in promoting faculty understanding of and adherence to the standards of the Faculty Handbook, coordinates with Human Resources on areas of shared responsibility at all CIA campuses, and guides faculty through the probation and rank & promotion processes. This role serves as the primary liaison and is responsible for overseeing faculty labor relation matters, including the administration of the collective bargaining agreements, grievance handling and contract negotiations. The Director works closely with Academic Affairs leadership, legal counsel and union representatives to ensure fair and consistent application of contractual and institutional policies.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Faculty Advocacy & Relationship Management – build relationships with and serve as a support liaison for faculty:
  • Act in an “ombudsperson” role for faculty by establishing strong working relationships with faculty across all campuses and acting as a resource for support and guidance.
  • Foster constructive relationships with faculty and faculty union leadership to proactively address issues and promote effective communication.
  • Collaborate with Deans, Associate Deans, and faculty, as needed, to interpret policies and assist with problem-solving on any challenges that arise.
  • Assume the leading role in vetting any disputes that may arise between faculty, academic administrators and deans, or other CIA departments, and attempt to move these toward resolution or, where warranted, referral when Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination Policy or Title IX implications arise.
• Labor Relations & Contract Administration – manage relationships with faculty unions, administer collective bargaining agreements, and ensure contract compliance:
  • Foster and maintain effective working relationships with faculty unions, union representatives and faculty leadership to support a collaborative labor-management environment.
  • Serve as the college’s lead advisor and subject matter expert on faculty-related employee relations matters, including labor relations, disciplinary process and grievance resolution.
  • Advise academic leadership on the interpretation, application, and administration of the faculty collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), policies and procedures.
  • Collaborate with Academic Affairs leadership on implementation and management of faculty collective bargaining agreements, including discussions toward resolution of complaints, grievances and potential agreement noncompliance.
  • Participate in faculty contract negotiations, providing institutional input, tracking proposals, and supporting negotiation strategy.
• Employee Relations Programs – manage employee relations processes for both unionized and non-unionized faculty:
  • Manage faculty disciplinary process, including progressive discipline, faculty improvement plans, and terminations. Address all conduct and performance issues promptly and consistently with past practices, ensuring sufficient documentation is in place for all issues and resolutions. 
  • Address and resolve student complaints regarding faculty.
  • Manage legal claims related to Academic Affairs or faculty, including coordination with relevant internal offices and outside counsel as appropriate.
  • Coordinate with Human Resources as needed on matters related to faculty accommodations, leave of absences and benefits.
• Faculty Development & Support Programs – manage faculty growth and development activities, including training, sabbaticals, and funding opportunities:
  • Oversee administration of the faculty professional development proposal process, sabbatical applications, and tuition reimbursement programs, and support and counsel faculty on these opportunities.
  • In collaboration with the Vice President of Academic Affairs, oversee the development, administration and implementation of faculty training and development as needed to support the Academic Affairs Division, including the scheduling of programs at Faculty Seminar and Student Special Projects Days.
  • Support the Faculty Rank & Promotion review process at all campuses, ensuring that all required communications, obligations and deadlines are met, and facilitating faculty understanding of all elements of the process.
  • Manage faculty probationary processes, including tracking of evaluations and probationary period deadlines.
  • Manage performance appraisal process for post-probationary faculty, including timely completion of appraisals by Deans and Associate Deans, and provision of feedback to faculty.
• Academic Policies & Publications – manage the communication of institutional policies that impact faculty:
  • In collaboration with the Vice President of Academic Affairs, assume responsibility for updates of Academic Affairs publications specific to faculty including, but not limited to, the Faculty Handbooks for all campuses. Update all applicable policy documents for assigned Academic Affairs and faculty policies.
  • Advise and collaborate with Deans and Associate Deans on academic policies, procedures and contractual obligations pertaining to faculty.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFCATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, or significant work experience in lieu thereof.

Experience:

• Seven to ten (7-10) years of progressive experience in faculty relations, academic affairs, human resources, or a related area.
• Demonstrated experience working in a unionized setting, including direct responsibility for interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements and participating in grievance or disciplinary processes.
• Working knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and compliance requirements related to higher education, including Title IX, ADA, and labor/employment law.

PREFERRED QUALIFCATIONS

• Graduate degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources, Industrial Relations or related area of study.
• Experience in a higher education setting strongly preferred.
• Experience developing or revising institutional policies and procedures related to faculty or academic administration.
• Experience in a multi-campus or distributed organizational environment is preferred.
• Experience working in the food, beverage or hospitality industries an asset.
• SPHR or PHR designation.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Proven success in managing complex faculty or staff concerns, including conflict resolution, mediation, and supporting leadership through high-stakes or sensitive situations.
• Experience collaborating with academic leadership, HR professionals, or faculty governance bodies to advance organizational objectives.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to actively listen, convey complex ideas persuasively, and produce clear, concise documentation.
• Strong conflict resolution and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, mediate disputes, and foster constructive dialogue across diverse constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, institutional policies, and employment regulations to advise and support faculty and leadership.
• Proven responsiveness and collaboration skills, with a strong ability to partner across Academic Affairs, Human Resources, and faculty leadership to address issues and advance institutional priorities.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic academic environment, manage multiple priorities, and engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Regular work requires the use of a computer, sometimes in excess of eight (8) hours per day.
• Must be available to work nights and weekends as required due to business needs.
• Able to travel occasionally to other CIA locations due to business needs.