Director of Labor Relations

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and universally is recognized as the world's busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. The Department's main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs. FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property and the Department works to continually educate the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department's core values.

The Fire Department, City Of New York (FDNY), Seeks a Full-time Director Of Labor Relations. Reporting Directly To The Deputy Commissioner Of Management And Budget, The Successful Candidate Will

Provide guidance and strategic direction on all FDNY labor matters and be responsible for the administration of collective bargaining agreements covering civilian and uniformed employees, as well as Comptroller’s Determinations for the various trades titles. Oversee case management of civilian and uniformed grievances, arbitrations, and Improper Practice cases. Serve as a member of the contract negotiating team and conduct general background research for collective bargaining. Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of bargaining demands and programs for maintaining good labor relations. Advise and counsel executive staff regarding labor relations matters, negotiations, and the status of grievances and arbitrations. Recommend policies and programs that foster sound labor relations. Provide direction for first line supervisors and managers regarding contract interpretation and administration; work with supervisors and managers on all labor relations matters in a concerted effort to avoid labor disputes. Coordinate labor-management meetings as mandated by individual bargaining agreements, including health and safety committee activities. Manage E.O. 75 excusal for approximately 25 union officers on full-time excusal. Coordinate all Quality of Work Life (QWL) activities, including the annual Employee Recognition Ceremony and Work Well activities throughout the year. Interface and maintain a good working relationship with the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations, District Council 37, the UFA and UFOA, other collective bargaining organizations, and other City and State regulatory and oversight agencies regarding labor relations issues.

Administrative Labor Relations - 82994

Minimum Qualifications

• A master's degree from an accredited college in business or public administration, economics, labor or industrial relations, statistics or a closely related field and four years of satisfactory full-time professional experience in labor research and analysis, employee benefit design and benefit program evaluation, compensation analysis, labor economics, economic planning or a related area, 18 months of which must have been in an executive, managerial, administrative or supervisory capacity. Supervision must have included supervising staff performing professional work in labor research and analysis, employee benefit design and benefit program evaluation, compensation analysis, labor economics or economic planning; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and five years of professional experience, including the 18 months of executive, managerial, administrative or supervisory experience, as described in "1" above; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, and must possess the 18 months of executive, managerial, administrative or supervisory experience as described in "1" above.

Preferred Skills

Candidates in or eligible for other relevant civil service titles, such as Administrative Staff Analyst and Executive Agency Counsel, are also encouraged to apply. Candidate should have familiarity with municipal collective bargaining agreements, ideally including experience with uniformed personnel. Strong communication and negotiation skills. Demonstrated experience in fostering intra- and inter-agency relationships.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.