Assistant Director, CAA

Pacific Maritime Association • Long Beach, CA

8d • $150,000 - $210,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

This labor relations role requires strong research, communication, judgment, and a commitment to professional growth. The Assistant Director reports to the Director, Contract Administration and Arbitration in Oakland. The role interprets and implements the ILWU-PMA Pacific Coast Longshore and Clerks Agreement (PCL&CA) and the Pacific Coast Walking Boss and Foremen’s Agreement (PCWB&FA), applying arbitration precedents and agreements to help resolve coastwide labor issues. The Assistant Director also supports programs that promote work continuity and consistent contract administration. The role supports coastwide implementation of the Technology Framework and related longshore automation projects in alignment with established procedures and organizational goals. The role advises PMA staff and member company representatives on labor relations matters, including operational changes, new technologies, and automation. The role supports arbitration preparation, case load management, and contract bargaining by working with the Director, CAA, Area Management team, and Employer Bargaining Committees to develop positions and bargaining proposals.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of the ILWU-PMA Pacific Coast Longshore and Clerks Agreement, Pacific Coast Walking Bosses/Foremen Agreement, dispatching procedures, registration rules, and grievance procedures.
• Experience managing grievances and preparing arbitration matters.
• Ability to clearly communicate the employer position on collective bargaining agreement matters.
• Sound understanding of labor and employment laws, including the NLRA, ADA, FMLA, and related requirements.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across groups.
• Professional, positive, and results-oriented approach to problem solving.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information and sensitive matters.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and sustain productivity in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with peers, staff, management, and external contacts.
• Ability to apply logical and analytical thinking to complex problems.

Nice To Haves

• JD is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze collective bargaining agreements and interpret contract intent and meaning to guide labor relations policies and practices.
• Interpret collective bargaining agreements regarding grievances, management practices, and other contractual matters.
• Represent the organization on issues arising under the Technology Framework.
• Prepare and present local and coast-level arbitrations. Work with PMA staff to develop arguments and positions, with oversight of matters with coastwide implications, including the Technology Framework.
• Prepare time-sensitive communications and coordinate meetings with ILWU locals and PMA member companies.
• Develop programs to implement contract provisions.
• Research, plan, and develop labor relations procedures and policies.
• Support area management in achieving Association-wide and local labor relations objectives.
• Research and prepare materials for labor contract negotiations.
• Advise the Director, CAA and area management on Technology Framework and long-shore automation issues. Partner with local labor relations staff to maintain coastwide consistency on grievances, arbitration, mediation, and related labor relations matters.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage through the ILWU-PMA Welfare Plan, with no employee premiums and minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
• A 401(k)-retirement plan with employer matching.
• Tuition reimbursement for professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level