Director of Labor

Position Summary

The Director of Labor is the primary point-of-contact for the Citys labor community and is responsible for labor policy.  The Director of Labor manages negotiations and grievance resolution with the Citys internal bargaining units ensures that City vendors meet any prevailing or living wage requirements applicable to their contract; and conducts outreach and enforcement related to paid sick leave wage theft and related issues.

Essential Functions

Leadership and Strategic Planning:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Department of Labor setting strategic goals and objectives aligned with the departments mission and the Citys overarching priorities.
• Develop and implement comprehensive workforce plans to enhance the effectiveness resilience and sustainability of the Citys workforce.
• Collaborate with City leadership stakeholders and community partners to identify and address emerging labor needs and priorities.
• Analyze labor relations trends and patterns translating insights into proactive proposals and actionable strategies.
• Serve as the technical expert and principal advisor to leadership on all labor-related matters offering informed guidance and solutions.

Divisional Oversight:

• Provide strategic direction and oversight to Deputy Directors managing:
  • Office of Employee and Labor Relations
  • Office of Worker Protections
  • Office of Labor Standards
  • Living Wage Working Group
• Conduct management training programs on Positive Employee Relations (PER) and other critical labor topics.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance by monitoring and advising on federal state and local labor laws and policies.
• Foster and maintain constructive relationships with union leadership and agents overseeing union contract negotiations and implementation.
• Prepare for and guide City leadership in responding to labor disputes strikes work stoppages and other organized activities advising on resolution strategies employee relations and public/media communications.
• Oversee the enforcement and compliance of key labor laws including:
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Wage Theft Prevention
  • Fair Workweek Standards
• Lead initiatives to educate employers and employees on labor compliance requirements and standards.
• Analyze enforcement data to identify systemic labor challenges and develop strategic initiatives to address them.
• Ensure the development enforcement and transparency of EEO policies harassment protocols and HR compliance programs.
• Approve and guide training initiatives for managers and employees on workplace policies leadership development and professional growth.
• Advocate for policy updates and new initiatives that promote workforce diversity pay equity and fairness in City contracts.
• Establish and oversee high-level policies and enforcement priorities that advance equitable and inclusive workplace practices.
• Monitor and guide the resolution of high-profile or sensitive employee complaints with integrity and transparency.
• Oversee worker education and employer compliance programs ensuring accessibility and measurable impact.

Community Engagement and Customer Service:

• Collaborate with external vendors to deliver labor relations services on time and within budget ensuring alignment with City objectives.
• Engage with community organizations labor groups and advocacy partners to maintain open communication channels address workforce concerns and foster positive labor relations citywide.
• Oversee the vendor selection contract negotiations and performance management processes ensuring adherence to quality standards and fiscal responsibility.
• Lead public awareness campaigns to educate the community about labor rights policies and available services enhancing transparency and public trust.
• Collect and analyze community feedback to identify opportunities for improvement in labor services resolving concerns proactively and driving service excellence.
• Act as a liaison during high-stakes labor disputes or conflicts coordinating with legal experts external advisors and community stakeholders to ensure timely and effective resolution.
• Facilitate training sessions and workshops with external experts ensuring City employees and stakeholders have access to up-to-date labor information rights awareness and support resources.

Required Competencies Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Labor and Employment Law: Comprehensive understanding of EEO laws affirmative action collective bargaining agreements union operations and labor relations regulations to ensure compliance and proactive leadership in workforce matters.
• Industry and Regulatory Knowledge: Expertise in interpreting and applying the Labor Relations Act (LRA) and Pennsylvania public sector labor laws with a deep understanding of financial implications of labor agreements including wage structures benefit costs and fiscal impacts.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Proficiency in navigating federal state and local labor laws standards and regulatory requirements related to workplace equity labor protections and employee rights.
• Strategic Workforce Planning: Ability to develop and implement strategic workforce plans that align with organizational objectives address emerging labor trends and promote long-term workforce sustainability.
• Understanding of the Davis-Bacon Act Philadelphia Code Chapter 17-107 EEO regulations and worker protection laws (e.g. Paid Sick Leave Wage Theft Fair Workweek Standards).
• Deep knowledge of principles and strategies to promote workforce diversity and economic equity in labor practices.
• Expertise in crafting and implementing high-level labor and employment policies aligned with legal and ethical standards.

Skills:

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate teams foster a culture of accountability and innovation and align departmental goals with Citywide strategic priorities.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders union representatives city officials and community members ensuring clarity and transparency in all interactions.
• Negotiation: Skilled in union contract negotiations labor dispute resolutions and policy discussions with a focus on achieving mutually beneficial agreements that align with City goals.
• Project Management: Proficiency in labor-related project planning and execution ensuring timely delivery budget adherence and measurable outcomes.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex labor issues identify root causes and develop practical and innovative solutions to address challenges effectively.
• Decision-Making: Capacity to make timely well-informed decisions grounded in thorough analysis sound judgment and consideration of risks and benefits.
• Interpersonal Relations: Strong relationship-building skills to collaborate across departments resolve conflicts and build consensus around shared objectives.
• Customer Service: Commitment to delivering responsive transparent and stakeholder-focused services addressing concerns with professionalism and courtesy.

Abilities:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate trends forecast challenges and develop forward-thinking strategies to address labor and workforce priorities.
• Adaptability: Capacity to navigate shifting priorities and dynamic environments while maintaining a focus on organizational goals.
• Ethical Leadership: Dedication to maintaining integrity transparency and fairness in all labor-related processes and decision-making.
• Innovation: Willingness to explore new tools practices and technologies to enhance operational efficiency and promote continuous improvement in workforce management.
• Results Orientation: Focused on achieving measurable outcomes meeting deadlines and delivering high-impact services and projects that align with City objectives.
• Team Building: Skilled in empowering and developing high-performing teams fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where staff can thrive and contribute effectively to shared goals.
• Visionary Leadership: Ability to articulate and enact a clear vision for the Department of Labor.

Qualifications :

Bachelors degree in Labor Relations Human Resources Human Resources Management Public Administration Business Administration or a closely related field. Advanced degree preferred.

10 years of progressive experience in labor relations with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or deputy director role managing labor strategies with a deep understanding of federal state and local labor laws compliance requirements and labor regulations affecting public sector organizations.

Proven experience negotiating high-stakes contracts managing worker protections Equal Employment Opportunity policies and regulations including collective bargaining agreements grievance processes or policy formulation in a unionized environment is required.

Demonstrated ability to lead the Department of Labor through organizational changes workforce restructuring and high-stress scenarios balancing organizational goals with employee relations.

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 resume.

Salary Range: $177898 - $222372

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 well-being 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 non-medical non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing 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 at or send an email to

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

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