Deputy Director, Labor Relations - Litigation; Department Of Labor Relations - Shakman Exempt

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.

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.

• 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.
• As…