Deputy Chief Labor Relations Officer (MNR)

MTA; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 204,000 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework 1 day per week

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) seeks a Deputy Chief Labor Relations Officer (MNR) to lead negotiating strategies and oversee complex labor contracts for Metro-North Railroad. You will guide executive staff, ensure disciplined contract administration, and maintain productive labor/management relationships.

The role requires deep labor relations expertise, strong negotiation skills, and a track record of leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, high-stakes governmental

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of labor relations and related laws.
• Strong negotiation and dispute resolution capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across executive, union, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Proven leadership, team development, and performance management.
• Ability to manage complex labor contracts and advise senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement negotiation strategies for MNR contracts.
• Oversee discipline, performance management, and employee relations matters.
• Lead labor policy development and bargaining strategy with executives and unions.
• Coordinate with General Counsel on contracts implementation and labor arbitration.
• Ensure productive labor/management relationships and compliant contract administration.

Skills

Labor relations expertise

Contract negotiation

Communication skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB TITLE: Deputy Chief Labor Relations Officer (MNR)

DEPT/DIV: Labor Relations MNR

SUPERVISOR: Chief Employee Relations & Administration Officer

WORK LOCATION: 420 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10170

HOURS OF WORK: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7.5 hours/day, or as required)

FULL/PART-TIME: FULL

SALARY RANGE: $204,072 - $228,081

DEADLINE: Until filled

This position is eligible for telework, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

Opening

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Job Summary

This position is accountable for developing and implementing negotiation and dispute resolution strategies for MTA Metro-North Railroad (MNR) to attain control of labor costs and increased productivity as well as to establish productive Labor/Management relationships. The Deputy Chief of Labor Relations is responsible for multiple collective bargaining agreements covering MNR employees, ensuring the consistent administration of negotiated contracts and providing expert guidance and advice to executive staff. Establishes and maintains productive Labor/Management relationships and provides direction and oversight on all employee relations matters for MTA MNR staff.

Responsibilities

• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Leads the day-to-day operations and processes of the department. Plans, recommends, and implements labor policy for MNR. Collaborates with the General Counsel and executive staff on contracts implementation and the development of labor strategies to advance the agencies’ goals. Oversees and directs major labor arbitrations and litigation. Represents the agencies in Labor Relations matters that involve external agencies, such as the National Railroad Adjustment Board, Public Law Boards, or Special Boards of Adjustment.
• Plans and prepares for labor contract negotiations with the Presidents, Chairman, Deputy Chief of Collective Bargaining, and MTA HQ. Attends high-profile arbitration hearings; labor relations actions and collaboration with unions. Develops short- and long-term strategic plans to achieve optimal benefits and savings from contract negotiations.
• Provides direction, coordination, and supervision to the labor team to implement policy associated with all disciplinary processes, including suspensions, demotions, terminations, probationary reviews, as well as train field directors in effective dispute resolution techniques, contract grievance resolution, and the consistent application of progressive discipline.
• Ensure strict adherence to the implementation of the Employee Availability Program. Carries out special assignments in areas of expertise as directed by the Chairman, Board Members, or the Presidents.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Must have broad knowledge of labor relations
• Must possess sound knowledge of related laws, regulations, and administrative policies, including the Federal Railway Labor Act
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including the MTA Board
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area(s) of responsibility
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS); advanced study in Law, Business, or Labor Relations desirable.
• Minimum 12 years of related experience, including at least 8 years in a department head or senior leadership role in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body preferred.

The Following is/are preferred

• JD in a related field
• Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) in a related field
• Familiarity with the MTA's and MNR's policies and procedures
• Familiarity with the MNR's collective bargaining procedures
• In-depth knowledge of arbitration process, trial and/or hearing procedures
• In-depth mediation and conflict resolution skills with the ability to influence and reach satisfactory resolutions of Labor Relations issues

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.