Principal Labor Relations Specialist

DescriptionPosition at The Port Authority of NY & NJAbout the Role The Labor Relations Department is looking for a Principal Labor Relations Specialist to join their team. In this role, reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Labor Relations, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to work on a variety of labor relations functions in support of the agency’s represented workforce. This role is of a hybrid nature, where the individual will handle his or her own docket of matters, including discipline, grievances, and improper practice charges, as well as providing support to the department related to negotiations, both impact and collective bargaining. Key to success in this role will be the ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across the agency and with union leadership. Note – Candidates who have relatives who are Port Authority or PATH employees represented for collective bargaining cannot be considered for this position. ResponsibilitiesSpecific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Contract Interpretation, Research, and NegotiationsSupport the negotiation team and perform bargaining-related functions as assignedConduct research and analysis on emerging labor issues and agency precedent, policies, and procedures using various sources – synthesis into memoranda for use by leadership and staffAssist in the negotiations and drafting of successor collective bargaining agreementDraft polished memoranda, side letter agreements, and position statements on discrete and complex labor issuesProvide the Port Authority’s functions and staff with proper interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements and labor-related issues regarding contract language, work rules, past practices, unit work, law and policies; develop contractlanguage for agreementsServe as a point of contact, coordinator, and representative of the department in special assignments requiring LRD participationDevelop, update, and maintain a database/repository of agency’s prior labor decisions for use by department as well as development of other resources and tools to improve accessibility to precedent Dispute Resolution and Disciplinary Matters Under direct supervision of the Senior Labor Relations Executive (grievances and improper practices) or Labor Relations Executive (discipline): Maintain a docket of grievances, improper practices, and disciplinary cases in adherence with all contractual timeframes. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: InvestigationAnalysis, identification of issuesContractual, policy, rule, and case researchSite visits and collaboration with stakeholders Coordinate and lead prior to attorney assignment Recommendations for disposition and conclusions on liability/exposureDrafting of memoranda, responses, and chargesService of documentsUnion engagement and negotiation of settlement termsDrafting of settlement documents Attendance and participation at hearings and conferences, including putting on the agency’s case in certain disciplinary mattersImplementation of disposition termsRecord keeping and tracking of mattersAssist with inquiries regarding contractual provisions, procedures, and mattersConduct ad hoc research projects as directedCompile data to identify trends and areas for improvement and action Track and analyze key performance indicators for reporting to leadership General Prepare and conduct training sessions to Port Authority staff on various labor topics and/or emerging issuesDevelop and prepare labor guidance and communications for use by stakeholders Develop and maintain relationships with union representatives Any other related work pertinent to the Labor Relations Department’s dynamic and fast-paced function. Minimum QualificationsJuris Doctor or Master’s Degree in Labor and Employment Relations or a related fieldMinimum three years demonstrated, progressively responsible experience in labor relations, human resources, business administration, law, and/or investigations. This experience should include experience in legal research and drafting, the ability to understand/interpret union contracts, and knowledge of general collective bargaining terminology/practices.Experience working in a confidential environmentProficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel and the ability to communicate and present both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise format Desired Qualifications Experience in collective bargaining and working in a unionized environment.Knowledge of Port Authority policies, procedures, and operationsDemonstrated ability to conduct thorough and factual investigations and present findings in a clear, concise and persuasive format.Excellent analytical and complex problem solving to make quality decisions.Excellent written, oral communication and listening skills.Demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritize projects in time-sensitive situations paying keen attention to detail.Demonstrated ability to work effectively with unionized and non-unionized staff at all levels and with external contacts.Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team oriented, collaborative environmentDemonstrated ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines Selection ProcessThe application process varies by position but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check. Compensation, Benefits & On-Site Collaboration Requirements:​​In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business, and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required on business needs. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipate that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is:​ ​Minimum: $100,256 Midpoint: $130,318 Maximum: $160,394​The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offer a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.​ Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.​ ​How to Apply: Interested candidates should apply to this job by clicking on the "Apply Now" button and submitting a resume. The Port Authority of NY & NJ welcomes veteran and military spouse applications. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. About The Port Authority: Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency's network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than twenty three billion in annual wages and eighty billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center is now the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. Equal Opportunity Employer The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey/Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the Port Authority’s policy, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws, to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment and who request the Port Authority do so, unless providing the requested accommodation would result in an undue hardship to the Port Authority. Job applicants may request a reasonable accommodation (1) if they claim a disability is affecting the interview process, or (2) to ensure that if they are selected for a position, they can perform the essential job functions. To submit a request, please contact the recruiter or email the Human Resources Department’s Disability Accommodation Coordinator at [email protected]. The Port Authority will treat any request for Reasonable Accommodation by a job applicant confidentially.