Chief Labor Relations Officer (Administrator IX)

Position Summary

The Chief Labor Relations Officer (CLRO) leads MassDOT’s enterprise-wide labor relations strategy as a senior leader within the Human Resources Department. This role oversees the Center for Labor & Employee Relations (CLER), which includes labor and employee relations operations, collective bargaining strategy, administration of collective bargaining agreements, and union relationship management. 

The CLRO ensures that labor strategy aligns with organizational goals, fosters workforce resilience, and balances operational effectiveness with respectful, constructive union engagement.  The CLRO also drives process improvements, policy alignment, and compliance while serving as a trusted advisor to executive and senior management.

The CLER team includes the Assistant Director of CLER, Chief Labor Negotiator, CLER Manager, and a team of Labor & Employee Relations Specialists. The CLRO reports directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and follows a hybrid work schedule, with an in-person presence of three (3) days per week at the State Transportation Building or other designated MassDOT locations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Labor Relationship Management – Serve as MassDOT’s primary relationship manager with union leadership. Foster transparent, solutions-oriented labor-management dialogue and seek collaborative, proactive resolutions that support both operational objectives and positive labor outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Consultation – Build and maintain strong relationships with executive leadership, Division Administrators, Department Heads, legal counsel, HR leaders, and external partners. Provide strategic guidance on contract interpretation, discipline, grievances, risk mitigation, and organizational change initiatives.

Process Modernization and Service Delivery – Lead efforts to standardize, document, and improve core labor relations processes including grievances, discipline, and investigations. Collaborate with HR Business Partners and Centers of Expertise to streamline handoffs, reduce delays, and deliver responsive, consistent labor services.

Advice and Consultation for Senior Managers – Serve as a subject matter expert and consultative partner for senior managers and directors on the application of collective bargaining agreements. Develop practical solutions that honor contractual obligations while addressing business challenges. Works with senior level managers to provide general and specific guidance on collective bargaining agreements and their application.  Works to identify solutions to management needs that are consistent with collective bargaining agreements and obligations. 

Labor Negotiation Support – Oversees the work of the Chief Labor Negotiator on Collective Bargaining Negotiations.  Works to identify areas where collective bargaining agreements require modification to meet MassDOT needs.  Works to ensure integration of overall strategy between transactional (grievance, arbitration, and relationship work) and negotiating arms of CLER. 

Skills Development and Staff Supervision – Provide direct supervision and coaching to the CLER team. Develop individualized development plans, identify internal and external training opportunities, and support career progression and performance accountability across the unit.

Labor Relations Data, Trends and Reporting – Ensure consistent tracking and analysis of grievances, case timelines, and outcomes using LaborSoft. Use data to spot trends, prevent recurrence, and inform bargaining proposals or policy adjustments.

Pre-Hire Process 

A finalist for this position must be able to pass a comprehensive background check including a criminal record check, Department of Revenue (DOR) check, and employment references. 

About MassDOT

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Comm