Description

OVERVIEW

Cook County Department of Labor Relations is seeking a Deputy Director, Labor Relations - Litigation to provide strategic legal and operational leadership on complex labor relations matters. This role serves as a key advisor to County leadership, overseeing labor negotiations, litigation strategy, and policy implementation. The Deputy Director coordinates the work of Labor Relations staff, represents the County in negotiations with multiple collective bargaining units, and collaborates with union and management stakeholders to develop and execute negotiation strategies. The position also supervises labor counsel in arbitration matters, reviews disciplinary and grievance decisions, and provides expert guidance on labor-related policies and compliance.

Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois' population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.

This position may be eligible for a signing bonus.

Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

WHYPURSUEACAREERWITH COOK COUNTY?

In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:

• Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation 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.

SALARY RANGE: $158,400 - $193,600 / YEARLY

SNAPSHOTOFCOOK COUNTY

• Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
  • 2nd largest county in America
  • Larger than 27 states
• Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
  • Nearly 80% unionized workforce
  • 15 unions represented
  • 63 separate collective bargaining agreements
• Highway - Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
• Land - Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
• Safety - Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.

LOCATION

Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.

ROLE SUMMARY

Acts as legal advisor and counsel to the County in all matters related to the authority of the Human Resources Bureau. Deputy Director of Labor Relations coordinates the activities of Labor Relations staff; acts as liaison for the Deputy Chief of Human Resources/Director of Labor Relations and may represent the Deputy Chief in their absence; represents Cook County in labor negotiations with collective bargaining groups; and works closely with elected officials, union officials, outside labor counsel and Cook County department heads to organize, schedule, negotiate, and execute labor negotiations. Shall be responsible for developing negotiation strategies for all bargaining units including physicians, nurses, Sheriff's Law enforcement groups, and the Public Defender's Office. Reviews hearing officers' decisions in third-step employee grievance and disciplinary matters. Supervises and directs Labor Counsel in developing strategies related to arbitrations. Assists the Deputy Chief, Bureau Chief of Human Resources and department heads in the evaluation, formation, and implementation of policy directives and initiatives affecting employees of Cook County. Consults with the Deputy Chief in the direction of outside counsel in matters of highest confidentiality.

TYPICAL JOBDUTIES:
• Assumes primary responsibility for labor negotiations with new and existing collective bargaining units; develops strategy for labor negotiations; conducts all related liaison activities between management, outside legal counsel and labor unions to coordinate and ensure the orderly progression of deliberations and represents the Deputy Chief at such gatherings.
• Addresses a wide range of issues related to job classification, transfers and layoffs, and other matters requiring an in-depth understanding of and interaction with County management and other areas of the Human Resources Bureau.
• Acts as liaison on behalf of and represents the Deputy Chief with matters related to the Office of the Chief Judge, Health and Hospital System, Office of the State's Attorney, Sheriff's Department, Assessor, other elected officials, County department heads, and other groups and agencies.
• Works with the Deputy Chief in the coordination and supervision of the Labor/Employee Relations staff in department matters, and in doing so exercises a key role in the formulation, implementation, and enforcement of labor and employee policies for Cook County.
• Reviews hearing officers' decisions in third-step grievance and disciplinary matters; formulates strategy, supervises, and coordinates Labor Counsel in arbitration matters; supervises and coordinates Labor Relations personnel.
• Analyzes proposed and existing collective bargaining agreements, conducts research of case law and other documents and materials and records all relevant deliberations and points of discussion taking place at the table. Reviews and interprets union proposals and conveys insightful analysis with recommendations for possible modifications in the County's position and policies.
• Works with the Deputy Chief and outside legal counsel to negotiate with labor unions and explain to unions, elected officials and department heads the County's proposals and positions in a wide variety of matters including, but not limited to, wages, benefits, working conditions, job classification, uniform and pay differentials, and work rules.
• Assists in the evaluation, formation and implementation of policy directives affecting employees of Cook County including but not limited benefits, work rules and personnel rules.
• Provides legal advice and counsel to Deputy Chief, Bureau Chief of Human Resources and other County Officials on all matters related to the Bureau of Human Resources.
• Assists and advises bureau chiefs, department heads, and supervisors on all labor matters including employee discipline, policy interpretation, policy implementation, and department organization.
• Oversees matters related to the Employee Appeals Board and act as Representative of the Employee Appeals Board.
• Works with outside counsel and retained experts on a variety of employment related issues, including the Affordable Care Act and benefit plan designs, health care, pension and other post-employment benefits.
• Provides advice and counsel on employment-related laws, policies, and matters such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Affordable Care Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity laws.

KNOWLEDGE,SKILLSANDABILITIES:
• Knowledge of the law pertaining to local and municipal government in Illinois, particularly with respect to Cook County government.
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly and effectively understand and utilize Cook County policies, protocols, and technical vernacular used throughout each union labor agreement with the County.
• Skill in working directly and independently with elected officials, department heads, outside counsel, and labor groups to arrive at negotiated settlements in a wide range of matters, including salaries, benefits and working conditions.
• Ability to effectively coordinate, supervise and direct the Labor Relations staff in department matters.
• Skill in resolving labor/management contractual disputes.
• Skill in analyzing labor agreements and effectively interpreting the terms, conditions and intent represented therein.
• Skill in the use of diplomacy and confidentiality while communicating with arbitrators, attorneys, elected officials, department heads, management, employees and union officials.
• Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy, to conduct oneself in a professional manner; ability to convey information and explain or describe County policy and procedure to others.
• Knowledge of the law pertaining to local and municipal government in Illinois, particularly with respect to Cook County government.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate (JD) and
• Four (4) years of labor relations, human resources, litigation, or directly related experience and
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Six (6) years of Labor Relations, Human Resources or Litigation experience.
• Four (4) years of previous management or supervisory experience.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary Work

Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order and the Cook County Personnel Rules, this position is exempt from the County's career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt Position, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County.

Please contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position.