Senior Labor Relations Specialist; Department Of Labor Relations - Shakman Exempt

SENIOR LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) – SHAKMAN EXEMPT

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Cook County Department of Labor Relations seeks a Senior Labor Relations Specialist to support labor relations functions across the County. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Labor Relations, this role supervises Labor Relations Specialists and represents County management during contract negotiations, impact bargaining sessions, and arbitration matters. The position partners with department heads to shape negotiation strategies, supports Labor Counsel and external attorneys on arbitration and labor disputes, and oversees the preparation and Board approval of union contracts and wage scales.

The position also ensures accurate implementation of wage agreements and provides expert guidance on complex labor relations matters.

• 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.

$124,878 - $137,837 per year.

• 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 Millennium 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.

Under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Labor Relations, supervises the Labor Relations Specialists and serves as a spokesperson on behalf of County management during contract negotiations and impact bargaining sessions, documenting proceedings. Collaborates with department heads to identify issues to be addressed through collective bargaining and coordinates first‑line management meetings to formulate negotiation strategies. Coordinates assistance for the Labor Counsel, the State's Attorney's Office, and outside counsel on matters related to arbitration and unfair labor practice charges.

Oversees the preparation of union contracts and wage scales for Board approval. Directs and coordinates the implementation of wage components with appropriate County departments and offices as necessary.

• Supervises and directs Labor Relations Specialists in conjunction with the departmental director.
• Participates in collective bargaining negotiations as a representative for the County, developing proposals and tentative agreements. Works closely with the Deputy Director of Labor, Labor Counsel, outside counsel, department heads, and elected officials to…