Deputy Director, Labor Relations at The Port Authority of NY & NJ – Jersey City, New Jersey

About the Role

The Labor Relations Department is seeking an experienced leader to join our team. The Deputy Director is the head of the Port Authority's Labor Relations Department, reporting to the Chief of Human Capital. In this role you will oversee the Labor Relations Department and provide leadership in the administration and collective bargaining negotiations for 12 unions. This includes the Police, Operations, and Maintenance workforce that is critical to keep the agency's facilities safe and operational for the traveling public of the New York & New Jersey region. Over 4,300 employees are covered by these 12 collective bargaining units.

The Deputy Director is responsible for directing both the day-to-day operations of the Labor Department, along with developing and implementing a strategic mission and vision that is focused on delivering high levels of customer experience to all stakeholders. The Labor Department has an opportunity to reimagine service delivery to internal stakeholders, including agency leaders, employees, and union leadership. The Deputy Director will be expected to not only identify short- and medium-term process improvements and efficiencies but will also be expected to develop a long-term strategy and vision for the Labor Department. The Deputy Director is also expected to identify, based on both best practices and past practice, key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of the department.

The Labor Relations Department is comprised of 10 permanent employees and is supplemented with 2-3 contract staff. The group handles labor disputes and disciplines and partners with outside counsel on labor negotiations.

Responsibilities

Strategy, Advice and Counseling:

• Serve as strategic advisor to the Chief of Human Capital and agency senior leaders on matters related to the workforce and labor relations.
• Provide guidance on the potential impacts of labor-related decisions on the organization's operations and finances.
• Monitor settlement trends and other public sector labor strategies that could affect the Port Authority's workforce and labor negotiations. Direct the development of up-to-date databases on wages, benefits and contract language in comparable labor agreements.
• In conjunction with the Management & Budget Department and HR Finance, develop appropriate costing model that meets approval of agency leadership. Analyze financial data to obtain information necessary in negotiation.
• Work collaboratively with all areas of Human Resources, including Talent Strategy, Compensation, Benefits, and HR Finance to ensure alignment on decisions to achieve desired business outcomes that impact represented employees.
• Develop a long term strategy to transform the Labor Department in the area of collective bargaining and contract negotiations, process improvements and efficiencies, data collection and analysis, and service of delivery.

Training and Support:

• Conduct training for HR teams and management staff on labor laws, collective bargaining and best practices in conflict management.
• Develop materials and resources to support ongoing learning about labor relations within the organization.
• Develops appropriate communication and training programs on the changes negotiated in new labor agreements to ensure compliance and well-informed contract administration practices.
• Establish and facilitate Labor/Management Committees to promote an efficient operation while maintaining a harmonious relationship with the Union and represented employees.
• Work collaboratively with all areas of Human Resources to ensure appropriate implementation of Labor Relations decisions and practices.

Union Relations:

• Establish credibility and sound professional working relationships with union leadership to achieve Labor Relations/Human Resources and organizational goals and agency Priority & Standards.
• Negotiations:
• Working with outside counsel, negotiate collective bargaining agreements between the agency and various unions representing Port Authority employees within parameters established by the agency.
• Act as chief spokesperson through the negotiation process.
• Drafts proposals and counter proposals and keeps management apprised of negotiation status. Advise the agency on the impact of contract provisions and proposals on operational flexibility and cost effectiveness.
• Grievance Management:
• Managing the union grievance process to include working with union representatives, grievance handling, and arbitration preparation.
• Assist in preparation and presentation of fact-finding and interest arbitration proceedings where appropriate.
• Prepares and communicates contract settlement summaries (MOU) to management and other stakeholders as appropriate.

Contract Administration

• Interpret and administer labor contracts related to issues such as wages, scheduling, hours, union practices and other terms and conditions of employment.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations or a related degree and possess a minimum of 7-10 years' experience in the Labor Relations or Human Resources fields with extensive experience working with a represented workforce.
• Demonstrated success navigating in a large, complex organization with multiple unions spanning various work groups.

Desired Qualifications

• A Master's Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations, Human Resources Management, or Juris Doctorate.
• Experience working in the public sector and/or transportation.
• Progressively responsible experience in all aspects of human resources, employee relations, company/union relations and labor and employment law.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough and factual research and analysis and present findings in a clear, concise and persuasive format.
• Experience in performing economic analysis and/or accounting functions.
• Excellent written, oral communication and listening skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritize projects in time-sensitive situations paying keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff at all levels and staff at external agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team oriented, collaborative environment.

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

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