Senior Manager - Trials and Investigations

Senior Manager - Trials and Investigations

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation's largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:

This position has the direct responsibility to manage and oversee the work of the Managers, Trials & Investigations, and Assistant Managers, Trials & Investigations within the LIRR Labor Relations Department, including the work to support the major operating departments of Transportation, Stations, Maintenance of Equipment, and Engineering. The position ensures effective and timely processing of investigations and trials pursuant to the collective bargaining agreements and the Railway Labor Act. This position is charged with providing advice to department heads and senior staff to ensure the consistency and standardization of employee disciplinary action and dispute resolution among the various departments at the LIRR.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible to assist the Director – Trials & Investigations to manage, supervise and coordinate the day-to-day activities of two high-volume trial offices, including the work of the Managers, Trials & Investigations (3) and Assistant Manager, Trials & Investigations (1) including the oversight of departmental investigations involving employee misconduct, the writing of accurate and timely disciplinary charges, trials, and labor-management dispute resolution.
• Review, investigate, and provide oversight regarding all disciplinary charges and departmental reports alleging violations that require disciplinary action. Instruct department managers in the proper procedures to be followed in preparing appropriate documentation and in the utilization of other investigatory techniques. Determine when trial waivers are appropriate and recommend appropriate penalties based on disciplinary history and strength of evidence.
• Provide direction to departmental managers and senior management within each department on how to effectively handle and manage labor-management issues and dispute resolution.
• Review, conduct, and address all complicated and sensitive investigations, trials, and departmental issues of a highly visible nature. Ensure fair resolution to such issues while maintaining and protecting the interests of the agency. Ensure equitable and consistent treatment across all departments. Ensure all witnesses are prepared and that all relevant documentation and evidence are available and produced at trial/investigation.
• Coordinate training programs for managers within departments to enable them to interpret union contracts as well as competently handle and investigate misconduct, absence control trials, drug and alcohol trials, rules and safety violations, and proper follow-up procedures.
• Recommend, create, or modify policy/procedures relating to employee disciplinary action for the departments as well as the agency, as needed. Responsible for making changes to and enforcing labor-management policies. Ensure maintenance of the disciplinary database(s) and analyze data.
• Represent the Labor Relations Department at internal meetings concerning policy updates and changes.
• Assist the Director – Trials & Investigations in the selection, development, and motivation of personnel within the department. Provides career development for subordinates. Provides prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Reviews performance of staff. Creates a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must have detailed knowledge of labor agreements, appeals, grievances, and trial procedures.
• Familiarity with legal rules of evidence and trial preparation.
• Strong investigatory and interrogation skills.
• Ability to prepare and present findings clearly and persuasively.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, presentation, critical thinking/problem solving, decision-making, negotiating, and judgment skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor's Office for New York State, the New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders. Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Must have the ability to successfully coordinate and manage diverse issues simultaneously.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Law, or a related field required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible Labor Relations experience, including investigations, trials, dispute resolution, and case settlement, or 5 years with an advanced degree (e.g., JD or Master's in a related field).
• Demonstrated supervisory and/or leadership abilities.

The Following is/are preferred:

• Law Degree with experience in trials and/or administrative hearings.
• Knowledge of the Railway Labor Act and railroad operations.
• Experience performing investigation and trial work at the LIRR is preferred.
• Experience in labor-management dispute resolution.
• At least 3 years in a managerial and/or leadership role.
• Prior experience working in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body.
• Familiarity with the MTA's policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA's collective bargaining procedures.

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.