Director, Labor Relations

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 139,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) seeks a Director of Labor Relations, Field Operations to oversee labor/management relations across multiple Bus/Subway divisions and Operations Support. You will interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements, policies, rules, and practices, and guide management on disciplinary actions and grievances.

You will also lead pre-arbitration hearings, prepare responses, and supervise staff while fostering a fair, compliant work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of related experience, 4 in supervisory/leadership roles.
• Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage disciplinary processes across divisions; advise leadership on investigations and charges.
• Negotiate resolutions of labor disputes within contractual parameters.
• Represent divisions in pre-arbitration hearings and participate in arbitration case preparation and presentation.

Skills

Leadership

Facilitation

Communication

Organization

Stakeholder management

Decision making

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations

Master's degree may substitute for 2 years of experience

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Job description

Description

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.

Approved AI Disclosure Language

AI-Enabled Recruiting Tools

The MTA may use AI-enabled recruiting tools as part of the recruiting process for this position. Jobvite Talent Fit, an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT), uses artificial intelligence to compare information in your resume and application materials against the qualifications, skills, experience, and requirements identified in this job posting to assist recruiters in evaluating candidate qualifications. Jobvite Auto Talent Rediscovery is an AI-enabled sourcing tool that evaluates previously submitted candidate profiles and application materials maintained within the MTA's Jobvite recruiting system to identify individuals whose qualifications may align with current job opportunities and who may be considered for outreach and invitation to apply. These tools assist recruiters and do not make employment decisions. All employment decisions include independent human review. Additional information about Talent Fit and the applicable bias audit is available at [e-mail].

You may opt out of AI-assisted evaluation by submitting a request to [e-mail].

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.