Director, Labor Relations

MTA Headquarters; Mobile (AL); Hybrid; USD 139,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

MTA Headquarters in New York, NY is seeking a Director of Labor Relations, Field Operations to lead labor/management relations across multiple Bus/Subway divisions and Operations Support departments. This role ensures the consistent interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements, and represents the division in pre-arbitration hearings.

The incumbent will guide management on disciplinary charges, respond to grievances, and provide research-backed written responses, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations or related field.
• Minimum 8 years related experience, of which 4 years must have been in a supervisory/leadership position.
• Master’s degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience.
• Familiarity with MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining agreements.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the Division’s disciplinary process, advising General Managers and department managers on action and charges.
• Provide guidance regarding responses to labor disputes; negotiate resolutions within contractual parameters.
• Represent the Division in pre-arbitration hearings and participate in arbitration case preparation and presentation.
• Review attendance records and related investigations; advise on employee availability and disciplinary strategy.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations and ensure consistent application of labor relations agreements and policies Authority wide.
• Supervise support staff and manage timely processing of disciplinary and grievance matters; ensure hearings notices and system tracking.
• Develop and motivate staff; provide coaching and career development; handle disciplinary actions when necessary.

Skills

Leadership

Facilitation & mediation

Communication

Organizational skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical problem solving

Drafting contractual language

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations

Master’s degree (substitution for 2 years of experience)

Juris Doctorate (J.D)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Description

Position at MTA Headquarters

JOB TITLE: Director of Labor Relations, Field Operations

SALARY RANGE: $139,190 to $144,627

DEPT/DIV: Labor Relations

SUPERVISOR : Senior Director, Labor Relations, Field Operations

LOCATION: 2 Broadway , 13th floor, New York, NY 10004

HOURS OF WORK: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (7 1/2 hours/day)

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.

SUMMARY :
The Director of Labor Relations, Field Operations, is responsible for managing labor/management relations across multiple Bus/Subway divisions and/or Operations Support departments. This role ensures the consistent interpretation, administration, and application of collective bargaining agreements, as well as department/division policies, rules, regulations, and practices.
The incumbent will represent the division(s) and serve as a hearing officer during pre-arbitration hearings, actively participating in case preparation and presentation at arbitration. Additionally, the Director provides guidance to all levels of management within the division on employee availability, drafting disciplinary charges, and responding to grievances, including researching and preparing written responses.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Direct and manage the Division’s disciplinary process, including advising General Managers, Division Chiefs, and departmental managers in assessing appropriate action and drafting disciplinary charges; recommend and provide guidance regarding necessary investigations.
• Provide advice and guidance regarding Departmental responses to contract and other labor disputes; negotiate the resolution of labor disputes within contractual parameters.
• Represent the Division(s) and serve as hearing officer for all pre-arbitration hearings provided for under the various Collective Bargaining Agreements and agency policy where applicable; research and prepare written responses on behalf of the General Managers, Chief Officers, or other Departmental/Division Chiefs; participate in the preparation and presentation of cases at arbitration.
• Direct and manage review of attendance records, sick documentation, and related investigations; provide advice and guidance to General Managers and other divisional managers regarding employee availability issues, including appropriate strategy and disciplinary charges, where appropriate.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations and implementation of labor contracts; ensure overall and consistent application of labor relations agreements and policies Authority wide.
• Supervise support staff and administer work. Manage and direct the timely processing of disciplinary and grievance matters and ensure timely notice of hearings and accurate system tracking.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for the discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review the performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

COMPETENCIES

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships.
• Advanced facilitation, mediation, advocacy, and interpersonal skills to cope with conflicting points of view, function under pressure while demonstrating integrity, fair-mindedness, and a persuasive, confident persona.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and come to direct solutions through independent decision making.
• Proficiency in drafting contractual language, grievance decisions & internal/external correspondences.
• Strong knowledge of public sector labor law.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 8 years related experience, of which 4 years must have been in a supervisory/leadership position.
• Master’s degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience.

PREFERRED:

• Five (5) years of labor relations experience.
• A Juris Doctorate (J.D)
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining agreements.

OTHER INFORMATION:
Pursuant 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 with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.