SENIOR LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT
About The Position
The Cook County Department of Labor Relations is seeking an experienced Senior Labor Relations Specialist. Under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Labor Relations, this position supervises Labor Relations Specialists and represents County management as a spokesperson during contract negotiations and impact bargaining sessions, documenting proceedings. The role collaborates with department heads to identify collective bargaining issues and coordinates management meetings to develop negotiation strategies. It also coordinates support for Labor Counsel, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and outside counsel on arbitration and unfair labor practice matters. The position oversees preparation of union contracts and wage schedules for Board approval and coordinates implementation of wage provisions across relevant County departments and offices. Cook County Government serves residents across the region through services and programs including health care and urban planning. This position is located in downtown Chicago’s Loop District. The role is classified as Shakman-exempt, at-will, and exempt from the County’s career service rules. Employees who do not already live in Cook County must establish residency there within six months of hire.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, and four years of business administration, public administration, labor relations, or directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Skill in directing and supervising staff.
- Knowledge of County policies, protocols, and technical terminology used in County union labor agreements.
- Extensive knowledge of Cook County labor relations functions, principles, techniques, contract terminology, and office practices and procedures.
- Thorough knowledge of business communication principles, contract language, and labor-relations procedures.
- Skill in resolving labor-management contractual negotiation disputes.
- Skill in analyzing labor agreement text for accuracy and intent.
- Ability to use diplomacy and maintain confidentiality when communicating with arbitrators, attorneys, County employees and managers, and union representatives.
- Ability to conduct research and provide accurate documentation and statistical data for union contract negotiations.
- Ability to communicate effectively with tact and professionalism, gather information, ask relevant questions, and clearly convey County policies and procedures in person and by telephone.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Labor, or Human Resources, or a Juris Doctorate.
- Six years of business administration, public administration, or labor relations experience.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and direct Labor Relations Specialists in conjunction with the departmental director.
- Represent the County in collective bargaining negotiations, developing proposals and tentative agreements.
- Work with the Deputy Director of Labor, Labor Counsel, outside counsel, department heads, and elected officials to identify issues and develop collective bargaining strategies.
- Oversee grievance resolutions and collective bargaining agreement disputes.
- Analyze collective bargaining agreements for clarity and intent and recommend contract-language revisions to the Deputy Director of Labor Relations as appropriate.
- Review unfair labor practice charges and arbitration cases and provide assistance to the State’s Attorney’s Office, elected officials, and Labor Counsel before hearings.
- Direct and coordinate implementation of collective bargaining agreement terms and conditions, including cost-of-living adjustments, reclassifications, salary upgrades, and other economic provisions.
- Coordinate with County departments, including the Comptroller, Budget Office, Bureau of Technology, and Human Resources, to implement collective bargaining agreement provisions.
- Monitor and coordinate timely preparation of resolutions for the County Board and Cook County Health and Hospital System Board to approve wages and contracts.
- Review correspondence from trade organizations about annual trade-rate changes, including prevailing rates, and direct implementation of those changes with appropriate County departments.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical plans
- Prescription drug benefit
- Dental plans
- Vision plan
- Additional voluntary benefit plans
- Flexible teleworking options
- Paid time off, including 13 designated paid holidays, at least 15 vacation days annually, and paid sick leave
- Pension plan
- Life insurance
- Dependent day care flexible spending accounts
- Commuter benefits
- Discounted parking
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
- Deferred compensation
- Education tuition stipend
- Health care flexible spending accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- MyHealth Connections wellness program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
