Cook County Government
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, LABOR RELATIONS - LITIGATION (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) -
Cook County Government, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
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.
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 Job Duties
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, Skills and Abilities
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate (JD).
Four (4) years of labor relations, human resources, litigation, or directly related experience.
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 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.
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.
Benefits
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; 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 $158,400 – $193,600 per year.
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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 Job Duties
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, Skills and Abilities
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate (JD).
Four (4) years of labor relations, human resources, litigation, or directly related experience.
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 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.
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.
Benefits
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; 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 $158,400 – $193,600 per year.
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