Senior Director, Labor Relations, Field Operations

MTA; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) seeks a Senior Director of Labor Relations to lead field operations labor relations for Buses, Paratransit, and related divisions in New York. This role directs Directors of Labor Relations, Field Operations, and support divisions to ensure disciplined, contract-compliant handling of disciplinary actions and grievances.

The position requires exceptional negotiation, management, and legal acumen to guide senior management, ensure alignment with

Qualifications

• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Must have litigation experience as Labor Attorney.
• Must have knowledge of Labor Law and/or Civil Service Laws, extensive knowledge of rules and regulations, working conditions and contracts for NYC transit and MaBSTOA.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiations skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within the organization, including the MTA Board.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with external agencies (Governor’s Office, NYC government, public officials).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Must have strong managerial skills to direct staff in implementing goals and direction.

Responsibilities

• Directs and supervises the daily activities of Directors of Labor Relations, Field Operations for the Department of Buses, Department of Paratransit and various Operations Support Divisions.
• Directs the administration of high-volume labor dispute resolution caseload and progressive discipline system; handles disciplinary charges and resolves grievances.
• Provides direction to Department and Division Heads and field management on labor relations issues and negotiated agreements.
• Directs training of Labor Relations team in implementing negotiated labor agreements for multiple bargaining units.
• Assists with development of divisional proposals for collective bargaining to achieve optimum settlements.
• Serves as management member for Tripartite Arbitration proceedings.
• Selects, develops and motivates personnel; provides coaching and handles performance reviews.
• Coordinates responses to information requests from stakeholders.

Skills

Labor law

Litigation

Negotiation

Management skills

Communication

Policy interpretation

Contract interpretation

Analytical skills

MS Office

Education

JD in Labor Relations or related field

Bar admission NY

10+ years labor relations experience

Job description

Description

JOB TITLE: Senior Director, Labor Relations, Field Operations

DEPT/DIV: Labor Relations

SUPERVISOR: Deputy Chief Labor Relations

WORK LOCATION: 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

HOURS OF WORK: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (7.5 hours/day) or as required

FULL/PART-TIME: FULL

SALARY RANGE: $148,527 - $185,659

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.

Opening

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Job Summary

This position is accountable for promoting a positive labor-management relationship directing the activities of the Directors of Labor Relations, Field Operations for the Department of Buses, Department of Paratransit and various Operations Support Divisions, including but not limited to Traffic Checking Operations. This position will provide guidance and direction to Senior Management of the Departments and their Divisions on discipline, contract interpretation and Authority policies and procedures, to assure consistent applications of principles of progressive discipline, as well as Authority rules, contracts and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Directs and supervises the daily activities of Directors of Labor Relations, Field Operations for the Department of Buses, Department of Paratransit and various Operations Support Divisions, including but not limited to Traffic Checking Operations under the direction of the Deputy Chief, Labor Relations.
• Directs the administration of high-volume labor dispute resolution caseload to ensure implementation and proper administration of the progressive discipline system and promote fair and equitable treatment of all employees within that system. Supervises the preparation and handling of disciplinary charges involving alleged violations of Agency rules, regulations and policies. Resolves union and employee grievances and complaints through negotiated grievance procedures.
• Gives direction and guidance to Department and Division Heads as well as field management for the Department of Buses, Department of Paratransit and operations support divisions on wide variety of labor relations issues and applicable negotiated labor agreements to facilitate business objectives and avoid serious adverse consequences.
• Directs training of Labor Relations team, departmental management and supervision in the proper implementation and administration of negotiated labor agreements for multiple bargaining units.
• Assist with development of divisional proposals for collective bargaining to achieve optimum settlements.
• Serves as management member for Tripartite Arbitration proceedings.
• Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Coordinate responses to information requests from various stakeholders.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• An equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Must have litigation experience as Labor Attorney.
• Must have knowledge of Labor Law and/or Civil Service Laws, extensive knowledge of rules and regulations, working conditions and contracts for NYC transit and MaBSTOA.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiations skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including the MTA Board.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proficient in contract and policy implementation and administration.

Required Education and Experience

• JD in Labor Relations, Public Administration, Law or an equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered in lieu of a degreeorMaster’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS)in a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Labor Relations or related field in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental entity.
• Minimum 6 years of managerial/leadership role in a large, multifaceted, fast paced organization or governmental entity or minimum 6 years of experience as a Director of Labor relations in a large, multifaceted, fast paced organization or governmental entity.
• Admission to the Bar of the State of New York and Member in good standing.

The Following is/are preferred

• Attainment of or in the process of attaining specific functional licenses or certifications in area of specialty if applicable.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining procedures.
• Experience in a large complex unionized work environment.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According 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 those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.