Labor Relations Strategy Director — Remote-Eligible

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 145,615 - 182,019; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is seeking a Senior Director of Labor and Employee Relations to lead strategy, policy interpretation, and collective bargaining guidance for its union-represented workforce. The role reports to the Chief Employee Relations & Administrative Officer and will oversee risk assessment, investigations, and cross-agency collaboration.

Responsibilities include directing grievances and arbitration processes, developing LR strategies, and mentoring staff to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Labor or Industrial Relations or related major.
• Minimum 13 years of employee and/or labor relations experience.
• Minimum 5 years managing a diverse staff.
• Minimum 5 years of in-depth knowledge of Collective Bargaining Agreements and their application.
• Minimum 5 years of familiarity with drafting and preparation of Contracts and Proposals.
• Preference for Master’s degree and JD in related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and interpretation of current labor agreements, work practices, policies, and procedures; and advise, counsel, and risk assess to departmental heads for MTA-HQ’s workforce.
• Interact and direct employee and labor relations staff on employee-related issues.
• Lead and direct grievance, discipline, arbitration processes for represented staff.
• Collaborate on Employee & Labor Relations strategies to meet long-term efficiency goals.
• Collaborate with Agency LR leads to ensure consistent policy application across the MTA.
• Serve as lead LR staff at inter-agency meetings as required.
• Direct internal workforce investigations referred by MTA IG, MTA DDCR/EEO, MTA Compliance, NYS Ethics and Commissions, and DOL.
• Directs and oversees all employee relations functions for represented workforce.
• Cultivate and grow positive relationships with labor unions across the MTA.
• Develop procedures conforming to CBAs for represented employees.
• Manage DOL FMLA inquiries and responses as directed.
• Develop and manage ER and LR training for managers and supervisors.
• Assist senior executives on special projects to improve working environments.
• Encourage positive communications between employees and managers.

Skills

Conflict resolution

Arbitration knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Stakeholder communication

Management skills

Analytical skills

Microsoft Office

Interpersonal skills

High-pressure environment

Education

BA/BS in Labor or Industrial Relations

Master’s degree in Labor/Industrial Relations

JD in Related Field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is seeking a Senior Director of Labor and Employee Relations to lead strategy, policy interpretation, and collective bargaining guidance for its union-represented workforce. The role reports to the Chief Employee Relations & Administrative Officer and will oversee risk assessment, investigations, and cross-agency collaboration.

Responsibilities include directing grievances and arbitration processes, developing LR strategies, and mentoring staff to ensure