DEPUTY DIRECTOR, LABOR RELATIONS (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) - SHAKMAN EXEMP
Cook County Government, Chicago
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, LABOR RELATIONS (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT
Join to apply for the DEPUTY DIRECTOR, LABOR RELATIONS (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT role at Cook County Government
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, LABOR RELATIONS (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT
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Join to apply for the DEPUTY DIRECTOR, LABOR RELATIONS (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT role at Cook County Government
Overview
Cook County Department of Labor Relations is seeking a Deputy Director of Labor Relations. This leadership role supports and supervises labor relations staff, serves as a key liaison to the Director of Labor Relations, and represents the County in labor negotiations with collective bargaining units. The Deputy Director plays a vital role in developing negotiation strategies, advising on policy and labor initiatives, and coordinating with elected officials, union representatives, legal counsel, and department heads across various County agencies. This position helps shape and implement labor policies that impact Cook County employees and ensures alignment with County-wide labor strategies.
Overview
Cook County Department of Labor Relations is seeking a Deputy Director of Labor Relations. This leadership role supports and supervises labor relations staff, serves as a key liaison to the Director of Labor Relations, and represents the County in labor negotiations with collective bargaining units. The Deputy Director plays a vital role in developing negotiation strategies, advising on policy and labor initiatives, and coordinating with elected officials, union representatives, legal counsel, and department heads across various County agencies. This position helps shape and implement labor policies that impact Cook County employees and ensures alignment with County-wide labor strategies.
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.
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.
WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?
Benefits
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 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans
- Flexible Teleworking Options
- Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal 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.
SNAPSHOT OF COOK 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.
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
As the Deputy Director of Labor Relations supervises/directs the activities of staff; acts as liaison to the Deputy Bureau Chief of Human Resources/Director of Labor Relations; represents Cook County Director of Labor Relations in labor negotiations with collective bargaining groups; assists in the policy and strategy determinations behind negotiations and impact bargaining; 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 assisting the Director of Labor Relations in developing negotiation strategies for all bargaining units including but not limited to Cook County Health and Hospital System groups, the Office of the Chief Judge, Sheriff's Office, Office of the State's Attorney, Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Assessor's Office, Recorder of Deeds, Treasurer's Office and other Offices Under the President. Assists the Deputy Bureau 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.
Typical Job Duties
- Oversee the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. Develops in concert with the Director of Labor Relations, policy and strategy for the timely completion of bargaining. Develops and maintains close working relationships with union officials, labor attorneys, elected officials and other interested parties to drive bargaining to successful completion.
- 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 Director of Labor Relations at such gatherings.
- Addresses a wide range of issues related to collective bargaining agreements with respect 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 Bureau of Human Resources.
- Acts as liaison on behalf of and represents the Deputy Bureau Chief with matters related to the Cook County Health and Hospital System, the Office of the Chief Judge, Office of the State’s Attorney, Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Sheriff’s Office, Assessor’s Office, the Recorder of Deeds, Treasurer’s Office, County department heads, and other interested parties.
- Works with the Deputy Bureau 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.
- Analyzes proposed and existing collective bargaining agreements, and other documents, materials, records, negotiations and points of discussion taking place at the bargaining table. Reviews and interprets union proposals and performs insightful analysis with recommendations for possible modifications in the County’s position and policies.
- Works with the Director of Labor Relations 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.
- During and after completion of bargaining, evaluates impact of contractual language on Cook County policies. Drafts policies, letters, and memorandum to provide insight for change in Cook County policies and/or current and/or future collective bargaining agreements.
- 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.
- 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.
- Knowledge of the Illinois Labor Relations Act, and other employment related laws, policies and matters such as the Family and Medical Leave Act and Equal Employment Opportunity laws.
- 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.
- Knowledge of the law pertaining to local and municipal government in Illinois, particularly with respect to Cook County government.
- 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 Bargaining Policy 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.
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher and
- Four (4) years of Labor Relations, Human Resources, or directly related experience or
- An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Six (6) years of Labor Relations or Human Resources experience.
- Four (4) years of previous management or supervisory experience.
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or Labor Relations or a Juris Doctorate (JD).
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 for inquiries about this position.
Job Posting
Jul 18, 2025, 9:30:54 PM
Organization
Offices Under the President
Seniority level
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Job function
Human ResourcesIndustries
Government Administration
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