About the role
Description
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:
Contract administration
Grievance procedures
Labor arbitration
NLRB matters
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:
Pension funds
Health & welfare funds
Apprenticeship and training funds
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:
Collective bargaining
Apprenticeship and workforce development
Labor-management cooperation
Industry promotion
Develop strong working relationships with:
NFSA member contractors
Union leadership
Association committees
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.
Requirements
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.