Plays a pivotal role in fostering positive relationships between management and employees. This position requires an experienced professional with a solid understanding of labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, and experience navigating complex union environments. This position will be responsible for ensuring fair and equitable treatment of employees while also representing the City’s best interests during negotiations, grievances, lawsuits and investigations.

This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Serves as a trusted advisor to both management and employees on matters related to labor or employee relations. Provides guidance and support to promote positive working relationships and effective communication.
• Interprets and enforces collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to ensure compliance by both management and employees. Investigate grievances filed by employees. Mediates discussions and facilitates resolutions in accordance with established policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
• Provides direction and policy interpretation to department managers in managing their respective Human Resources responsibilities to ensure compliance and consistency within the City.
• Reviews discipline and conducts formal investigations regarding policy violations and provide recommendations.
• Stays abreast of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations to ensure compliance in all labor relations activities and assess their potential impact on labor relations strategies.   Creates, updates and implement Citywide polices.  Works closely with the legal department to guide management and employees on relevant legal matters.
• Leads labor relations efforts throughout the City, which includes labor relations and negotiations with 10 bargaining units, including conducting research and cost analysis for all aspects of the negotiation process.  Develops strategies to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes while safeguarding the City’s interests.
• Collaborates with staff to update, develop and implement policies and procedures. Ensures consistency and adherence to best practices at they relate to labor relations across all departments.
• Maintains open lines of communication with union leadership and representatives. Addresses concerns, provide updates on relevant issues, and foster a collaborative working relationship.
• Conducts training sessions for management and staff on labor relations topics, including collective bargaining, contract interpretation, conflict resolution, disciplinary procedures and compliance with labor laws.
• Maintains accurate documentation and records of all labor relations activities, including negotiations, grievances, and arbitration proceedings. 
• Collaborates with senior leadership to develop long-term labor relations strategies aligned with the City’s goals and objectives. Provides input on budgetary considerations and resource allocation. Develops reports and presentations to communicate findings to stakeholders.

Education/Experience:  

Required Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in labor relations, preferably in a municipal or public sector environment.  
Demonstrated knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining principles, and dispute resolution techniques.
Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to build trust and rapport at all levels of the organization.
Analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
Ability to work independently, handle multiple priorities, and maintain strict confidentiality.
 
Preferred Experience in heavily unionized environment. Knowledge of local government organization, policies and procedures. SHRM, IPMA or CLRP certification.  
 
Certificates and Licenses:  Illinois Driver’s License. PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP, IPMA-CP, CLRP preferred.  
 
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
 
Work is performed in an office setting and at various facilities and outdoors locations. Traveling between worksites in town and occasional travel to other locations for meetings is required.