Director of Labor

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Department of Labor builds partnerships between management and the labor organizations representing City employees and investigates and enforces certain worker rights.  The Department’s three offices—the Office of Employee and Labor Relations, the Office of Labor Standards, and the Office of Worker Protection:

• handle negotiations between City unions and City management;
• respond to unfair labor practice charges filed against the City;
• investigate complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination from any City employees, applicants, former employees, or members of the public;
• represent the City in union disputes;
• make sure employers with City contracts pay prevailing wages;
• resolve minimum-wage waiver requests; and
• administer and enforce the City’s worker protection laws.

The Department includes the Living Wage Working Group.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Director of Labor is the primary point-of-contact for the City’s labor community and is responsible for labor policy.  The Director of Labor manages negotiations and grievance resolution with the City’s internal bargaining units, ensures that City vendors meet any prevailing or living wage requirements applicable to their contract; and conducts outreach and enforcement related to paid sick leave, wage theft, and related issues.

Essential Functions

Leadership and Strategic Planning:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Department of Labor, setting strategic goals and objectives aligned with the department's mission and the City’s overarching priorities.
• Develop and implement comprehensive workforce plans to enhance the effectiveness, resilience, and sustainability of the City’s workforce.
• Collaborate with City leadership, stakeholders, and community partners to identify and address emerging labor needs and priorities.
• Analyze labor relations trends and patterns, translating insights into proactive proposals and actionable strategies.
• Serve as the technical expert and principal advisor to leadership on all labor-related matters, offering informed guidance and solutions.

Divisional Oversight:

• Provide strategic direction and oversight to Deputy Directors managing:
  • Office of Employee and Labor Relations
  • Office of Worker Protections
  • Office of Labor Standards
  • Living Wage Working Group
• Conduct management training programs on Positive Employee Relations (PER) and other critical labor topics.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance by monitoring and advising on federal, state, and local labor laws and policies.
• Foster and maintain constructive relationships with union leadership and agents, overseeing union contract negotiations and implementation.
• Prepare for and guide City leadership in responding to labor disputes, strikes, work stoppages, and other organized activities, advising on resolution strategies, employee relations, and public/media communications.
• Oversee the enforcement and compliance of key labor laws, including:
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Wage Theft Prevention
  • Fair Workweek Standards
• Lead initiatives to educate employers and employees on labor compliance requirements and standards.
• Analyze enforcement data to identify systemic labor challenges and develop strategic initiatives to address them.
• Ensure the development, enforcement, and