Deputy Director of Employee Relations

Position Summary

The Deputy Director of Employee Relations is a member of the executive leadership within the Department of Labor responsible for setting strategic vision operations and training for citywide departments. 

Within the OELR the Deputy is responsible for oversight of the initial training and ongoing development of employees within the Employee Relations Unit (ERU); and assigning and monitoring progress of complaint investigations. 

Externally the Deputy is responsible for successfully engaging with and communicating across all City departments; providing counsel and support to City leaders and HR professionals on EEO HR ER ADA and FMLA matters including any interaction with labor relations issues; and providing guidance and feedback on department EEO investigations.

Work with other stakeholders to revise and develop citywide policies and ensure messaging and actions are consistent with City policies and compliant with legal requirements. This role directs the work of staff within Employee Relations. Work is performed under the direction of the Department of Labors First Deputy Director who is also Director of the Office of Employee Labor Relations (OELR).

Essential Functions

• Advise managers throughout the City government on EEO HR ER ADA and FMLA matters including any interaction with labor relations issues and provide guidance and feedback on department EEO investigations.
• Advise Senior Administration Officials with respect to employee relations issues.
• Supervise staff members who conduct complaint investigations and review their subsequent reports.
• Conduct training sessions on employee and workplace investigations and related training for supervisors managers and HR professionals.
• Work with OELRs Director to develop labor and employee relations policies strategies and initiatives; meet with Managers to identify problem areas and make recommendations to address those areas of concern.
• Serve on Citys Employee Protections Advisory Council.
• Collaborate with Law Department and outside attorneys on investigations and discovery production for legal proceedings against the City.
• Monitor and analyze workload demands across the ERU ensuring effective distribution of tasks and prioritizing essential projects to maintain productivity. Step in to manage or complete tasks in cases of shortstaffing high workload or unforeseen absences supporting the team in meeting deadlines and quality standards.
• Assume accountability for the ERUs output ensuring the quality timeliness and accuracy of all reports and guidance to departments.
• Develop and conduct training advanced labor management training and specialized departmentspecific employee relations training.
• All other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws regulations and practices including expertise in addressing and preventing workplace discrimination based on race color religion sex national origin age disability and genetic information.
• Comprehensive knowledge of compliance management theory and practices.
• Knowledge of the functions organization and roles of local government.
• Familiarity with customer service principles and practices emphasizing effective service delivery.
• Proficiency in computer systems and software including Microsoft Office tools and applications.
• Knowledge of database management systems for the organization storage retrieval security and integrity of data.
• Awareness of data entry processes electronic databases and recordkeeping practices.

Skills:

• Exceptional writing skills to create clear concise and organized written reports including the development of standards and protocols for staffgenerated reports.
• Strong analytical skills to review and analyze tracking data identify trends and apply findings to improve outreach and service delivery.
• Proficiency in managing and motivating staff providing direction on goals and assignments and establishing effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders including Appointing Authorities Human Resources Professionals and internal stakeholders.
• Effective communication skills to present information to individuals and groups including diverse audiences and to ensure policy compliance and best practices in HR and employee relations (ER).
• Strong leadership skills to guide staff in the investigation of complaints and inquiries ensuring adherence to timelines and reporting protocols.
• Skill in developing and implementing electronic recordkeeping standards and protocols for organizational use.

Abilities:

• Ability to lead and manage junior staff assign work set performance goals and motivate team members.
• Capacity to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from varied backgrounds demonstrating empathy tact cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Ability to synthesize data and identify trends related to worker protection violations for organizational improvement.
• Capability to maintain accurate records and prepare comprehensive reports with written findings.
• Ability to communicate complex compliance policies effectively to City employees and other stakeholders.
• Aptitude for adapting to evolving compliance and HR practices to ensure organizational alignment with legal and ethical standards.

Qualifications :

A Bachelors Degree in Public Administration Labor Relations Human Resources or related field.

At least six years of progressivelyincreasing responsibility investigating or litigating EEO based complaints and/or providing training on EEO laws and policies or related fields with at least two years of which was in a managementlevel position.

We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information :

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter resume and references.

Salary Range: $105000$135000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTAs Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses subways trolleys and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation sick leave and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster As a qualifying employer City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses extending not only to City employees but in some cases spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial wellbeing and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22 2023 vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in nonmedical nonemergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result only employees in positions providing services that  are patientfacing medical care (ex: Nurses doctors emergency medical personnel) must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race ethnicity color sex sexual orientation gender identity religion national origin ancestry age disability marital status source of income familial status genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations ator send an email to

For more information go to: Human Relations Website: Work :

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