Deputy Director of Employee Relations

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

1d • $105,000 - $135,000

About The Position

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 city-wide 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 city-wide 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 Labor’s First Deputy Director, who is also Director of the Office of Employee Labor Relations (OELR).

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Labor Relations, Human Resources, or related field.
• At least six years of progressively-increasing 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 management-level position.
• 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 record-keeping practices.
• Exceptional writing skills to create clear, concise, and organized written reports, including the development of standards and protocols for staff-generated 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 record-keeping standards and protocols for organizational use.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 OELR’s 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 City’s 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 short-staffing, high workload, or unforeseen absences, supporting the team in meeting deadlines and quality standards.
• Assume accountability for the ERU’s output, ensuring the quality, timeliness, and accuracy of all reports, and guidance to departments.
• Develop and conduct training, advanced labor management training, and specialized department-specific employee relations training.
• All other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• 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
• As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• 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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees