Deputy Director of Workplace Relations

U.S. Judicial Branch; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading governmental branch seeks a Deputy Director of Workplace Relations to manage workplace conduct matters across the judiciary. This key role involves conflict resolution, mediation, and providing guidance on employment disputes within the legal framework. Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor degree and extensive experience in federal civil rights law.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of legal work experience, particularly in civil rights.
• Admission to practice before the highest court of any U.S. state.
• Extensive engagement with federal civil rights laws.

Responsibilities

• Implement and direct conflict resolution and mediation.
• Oversee the work of the Office of Workplace Relations.
• Provide expert guidance on the EDR complaint process.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Mediation Skills

Communication Skills

Legal Knowledge

Problem Solving

Education

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school

Job description

The Deputy Director of Workplace Relations (DDWR) is an expert on workplace conduct matters for judges, court unit executives (CUEs) and judiciary employees. The DDWR works with the Director of Workplace Relations (DWR) to initiate and direct conflict resolution, voluntary mediation, and to provide expert guidance of the formal EDR complaint process throughout the circuit.

Duties

The DDWR functions with a high degree of independence and discretion, with broad direction from the DWR. The DDWR also plays an important leadership role in the Office of Workplace Relations (OWR), overseeing the work of the Office and its staff as designated or as directed by the DWR.

• Under the direction of the Director of Workplace Relations (DWR) and in collaboration with other members of OWR, implement all aspects of the EDR Policy and related employment policies throughout the circuit.
• Serve as an "alter ego" to the Director of Workplace Relations in directing and resolving workplace conduct matters for judges, court unit executives, and judiciary staff, and acting in a leadership and / or supervisory role to OWR staff as needed and as directed by the DWR.
• Provide confidential advice to employees pursuant to the EDR Policy.
• Direct and resolve workplace conduct matters. Serve as mediator of employment disputes in court units throughout the circuit and resolve issues through facilitated negotiations.
• Develop and direct training for judges, CUEs, supervisors, EDR Coordinators, and judiciary personnel on equal employment opportunity rights and responsibilities, policies, recruitment and selection practices, and other workplace issues.
• Serve as an expert on EDR, EEO and related issues for committees of the circuit judicial council, the court of appeals, and applicable judicial council committees. Conduct research, analyze alternatives, prepare appropriate recommendations, and identify courses of action on matters submitted to judicial council committees.
• Provide sound advice, guidance and recommendations to managers, supervisors, unit executives, and judges based on well-supported facts and consistent with applicable policies, procedures, practices, and standards.
• Serve as an employment dispute resolution coordinator, if appointed.
• Develop and initiate employment surveys and track and analyze data and identify trends. Make recommendations to the chief circuit judge, circuit executive, and judicial council based on in- depth analysis.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

Required skills :

• Comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of Employment Dispute Resolution, fair employment practices, employment law, and other employment policies.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable employee rights, protections, procedures, relevant employment laws, and their applicability to the judiciary.
• Extensive knowledge of judiciary employment policies, guidelines, processes, and reports, and their applicability to each court unit. Knowledge of best practices in preventing and addressing abusive conduct in the workplace.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court rules and procedures, precedents, and government regulations. Knowledge of mediation processes.
• Skill in and ability to analyze and quickly synthesize complex information. Skill in analyzing, refining, and narrowing issues through settlement discussions. Skill in collaborative problem solving and consensus building. Skill in identifying unexpressed problems and analyzing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Knowledge of court culture and workplace dynamics within the judiciary.
• Knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, the Code of Conduct for United States Judges, and court confidentiality requirements. Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing at the highest professional level. Skill and ability to listen and quickly understand and assess information, ideas, and interpersonal dynamics. Ability to synthesize the results of legal research and convey those results (orally and in writing) in a clear, concise, and objective manner.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications :

• This position calls for a minimum of five years of legal work experience in public service, business, or a law firm. At least three of the five years of experience should include extensive engagement with federal civil rights laws (e.g., Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, VAWA, etc.), their state law equivalents, or work in other relevant areas of employment or civil rights law.
• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school.
• Admission to practice before the highest court of any U.S. state, commonwealth, territory, or possession.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience working directly with judges and court staff in a judiciary employment environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential information in a variety of contexts and to maintain strict confidentiality in complex situations
• Skill in collaborative problem solving and consensus building.
• Experience in workplace investigations and dispute resolution processes or their equivalent.
• Skill in strategic planning for short- and long-term training programs.
• Superior writing, speaking, listening, and presentation skills.
• Advanced ability to think critically and strategically, and to develop and implement innovative programs and practices.
• Exceptional emotional intelligence and track record of building strong working relationships with colleagues in diverse roles.