Deputy Director, Labor Standards

DC Department of Employment Services; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) seeks a Deputy Director of the Labor Standards Bureau in Washington, DC. This executive role leads programs protecting workers, ensuring fair compensation, and promoting safe workplaces, with responsibility for Wage-Hour, Workers’ Compensation, and related Victims' programs.

In this position, you will provide strategic direction, engage with stakeholders, and oversee performance, budget, and grant activities, ensuring alignment with agency goals

Qualifications

• Experience in labor standards program management or supervisory roles.
• Knowledge of Workers' Compensation Act and related labor laws (District of Columbia).
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills with public sector experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee program design, coordination, and evaluation to align with agency goals.
• Represent DOES in public forums and advise on major Labor Standards issues.
• Provide leadership to senior staff to ensure timely objectives and performance.

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

Job description

This position is located in the Office of the Deputy Director for Labor Standards within DOES, which oversees Workers’ Compensation, Wage Hour, Occupational Safety and Health, Disability and Crime Victims Compensation, and Hearings and Adjudication. As Deputy Director of the Labor Standards Bureau, the role supports DOES’s mission to promote economic growth by training workers, connecting job seekers with employers, ensuring fair compensation, and fostering safe workplaces. The position leads programs that protect workers with job-related injuries or impairments, uphold employer rights under the Workers’ Compensation Act, and administer the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Program for eligible crime victims.

Duties and Responsibilities

In the Director’s absence, may serve as Acting Director, receiving guidance from senior District leadership. Oversees program design, coordination, and evaluation to ensure effective service delivery and alignment with agency goals. Interprets policies, represents DOES in public forums, advises on major issues, and speaks on all Labor Standards matters. Serves on the Executive Staff, providing analysis, problem-solving, and strategic direction for Wage-Hour, Workers’ Compensation, and Occupational Safety and Health programs. Provides leadership to Associate Directors and the Chief of Hearings to ensure timely and efficient achievement of objectives. Builds and maintains relationships with federal, regional, District, labor, business, and community stakeholders. Oversees special studies, required reports, personnel management matters, performance reviews, grievance resolution, budget recommendations, and annual grant applications.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

A juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school and legal experience is preferred. Working knowledge of Workers' Compensation Act and amendments, the District of Columbia Wage-Hour Law, the District of Columbia Wage Payment and Wage Collection Law, the District of Columbia Minimum Wage Act of 1918, as amended, Title XXIII of the D.C. Law 2-100, regulatory and procedural guides including D.C. Codes and regulations relative to Occupational Safety and Health, District and Federal standards, specifications and regulations, and recommendations of the National Safety Council are all highly desirable.