SENIOR LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Cook County • Chicago, IL

136d

About The Position

The Cook County Department of Labor Relations is seeking a Senior Labor Relations Specialist to support labor relations functions across the County. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Labor Relations, this role supervises Labor Relations Specialists and represents County management during contract negotiations, impact bargaining sessions, and arbitration matters. The position partners with department heads to shape negotiation strategies, supports Labor Counsel and external attorneys on arbitration and labor disputes, and oversees the preparation and Board approval of union contracts and wage scales. The position also ensures the accurate implementation of wage agreements and provides expert guidance on complex labor relations matters.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
• Four (4) years of business administration, public administration, labor relations, or directly related experience or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Labor, or Human Resources or a Juris Doctorate (JD).
• Six (6) years of business administration, public administration, or labor relations experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and directs Labor Relations Specialists in conjunction with the departmental director.
• Participates in collective bargaining negotiations as a representative for the County, developing proposals and tentative agreements.
• Works closely with the Deputy Director of Labor, Labor Counsel, outside counsel, department heads, and elected officials to identify issues and develop collective bargaining strategies.
• Oversees grievance resolutions and collective bargaining agreement (CBA) disputes.
• Analyzes CBAs to ensure clarity of language and intent and may recommend contract language revisions to the Deputy Director of Labor Relations.
• Reviews unfair labor practice charges and arbitration cases, providing assistance as needed to the State's Attorney’s Office, elected officials, and Labor Counsel before hearings to address and resolve related issues.
• Directs and coordinates the implementation of terms and conditions of collective bargaining agreements.
• Collaborates with County departments, including the Comptroller, Budget Office, Bureau of Technology, and Human Resources, to implement cost of living adjustments, reclassifications, salary upgrades, and other economic provisions.
• Monitors and coordinates the timely preparation of Resolutions for the County Board and Cook County Health and Hospital System Board for the approval of wages and contracts.
• Receives and reviews correspondence from various trade organizations regarding annual trade rate changes, including prevailing rates, and directs the implementation of trade rate changes with the appropriate County departments.

Benefits

• Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans.
• Flexible Teleworking Options.
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal days annually; and Paid sick leave).
• Pension Plan.
• Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend.
• Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees