Senior Director, Labor Relations, Field Operations

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

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is looking for a Senior Director of Labor Relations in New York to oversee labor relations activities across various departments. This role demands strong leadership to manage labor disputes and guide directors in high-pressure situations.

Ideal candidates will possess a JD in Labor Relations and have over 10 years of relevant experience, including substantial management experience. The position includes a substantial salary range of $145,615 to $182,019 and requires proven negotiation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Labor Relations or a related field.
• Admission to the Bar of the State of New York in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise daily activities of Directors of Labor Relations.
• Manage high-volume labor dispute resolution cases.
• Resolve union and employee grievances.

Skills

Labor Law knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Managerial skills

Analytical capabilities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

JD in Labor Relations or related field

10+ years of experience in Labor Relations

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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: $145,615 - $182,019

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. It provides guidance and direction to Senior Management on discipline, contract interpretation, and Authority policies and procedures, ensuring consistent application of the progressive discipline system and Authority rules, contracts and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Direct and supervise the daily activities of Directors of Labor Relations, Field Operations for the Department of Subways, Operations Support Divisions and Law Department under the direction of the Deputy Chief, Labor Relations.
• Direct the administration of a high‑volume labor dispute resolution caseload to ensure proper implementation of the progressive discipline system and promote fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Supervise the preparation and handling of disciplinary charges involving alleged violations of Agency rules, regulations and policies, and resolve union and employee grievances through negotiated grievance procedures.
• Give direction and guidance to Department and Division Heads and field management on a wide variety of labor relations issues and negotiated labor agreements to facilitate business objectives and avoid adverse consequences.
• Direct the training of the 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.
• Serve as a management member for Tripartite Arbitration proceedings.
• Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department, provide career development, coaching and counseling, review performance, and maintain a professional environment that respects individual differences.
• Coordinate responses to information requests from various stakeholders.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Litigation experience as a Labor Attorney.
• 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 negotiation skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Ability to work with all internal levels within the organization, including the MTA Board.
• Ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies such as the Governor’s Office, New York City government, elected officials and other state or federal agencies.
• Ability to work effectively in a high‑profile, high‑pressure environment.
• Strong managerial skills to direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing short‑ and long‑term goals.
• Ability to complete projects efficiently.
• Analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, 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.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Labor Relations or a related field in a large, multi‑faceted, fast‑paced organization or governmental entity.
• Minimum 6 years of managerial/leadership role in a large, multifaceted organization or 6 years of experience as a Director of Labor Relations in a large organization.
• Admission to the Bar of the State of New York and good standing membership.

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, procedures and collective bargaining process.
• 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 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”).

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.