Executive Director - Labor Relations

Job Description

Job Title

Position Title: Executive Director, Labor Relations

Location: Labor Relations and Benefits

Salary: $125,652 - $169,357

Reports to: Deputy Superintendent

Bargaining Unit: N/A (non-union)

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Telecommuting Eligibility: Hybrid. Eligible for telecommuting up to 20% (up to one (1) day per week).

Position Summary:

The Executive Director leads the District's labor relations program, policies, and procedures and is the primary point of contact for bargaining unit leaders to address questions and concerns. The Executive Director establishes and maintains exemplary labor-management relations, interprets collective bargaining agreements, administers grievance procedures, and assist all levels of management on labor matters. The Executive Director provides consultative services and represents the District, as needed on wage and hour matters, as well as unemployment insurance compliance matters. This position requires the ability to periodically work an extended and/or flexible schedule to meet the needs of the District, especially during heavy negotiation periods, which may last into the evenings and may require some work on the weekend.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor Degree and in good standing with a State Bar Association strongly preferred.
• Ten (10) years' experience in the practice of Labor Law with proven experience in the practice of labor and employment law and negotiating collective bargaining agreements required.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience with collective bargaining agreements and labor law in a K-12 setting strongly preferred.

Essential Functions

Under the direction of the Deputy Superintendent, the Executive Director shall:

Serve as chief negotiator for all collective bargaining agreements.

Coordinate the development of contract proposals; reviews and analyzes existing contracts.

Serve as the primary point of contact for the leaders of employee bargaining units and work collaboratively with those leaders to problem solve challenges and concerns.

Prepare and present regular updates on negotiations for the Superintendent and his designees.

Proactively engage with department leaders to prepare for collective bargaining matters, including soliciting feedback on key priorities and strategic objectives, as well as financial implications of proposals.

Prepare and deliver informational materials for staff as it relates to the implementation of new provisions in the agreements negotiated with all bargaining units.

Serve as the Superintendent's designee in holding special conferences to inform or bring resolution to concerns relative to specified issues as identified by either staff or the union.

Respond to grievances filed by the various collective bargaining units.

Represent the district in arbitrations filed by bargaining units or individuals.

Represent the district in responding to charges filed through the Michigan Employment Relations Commission.

Represent the district in responding to inquiries from the Michigan Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division.

Monitor the facilitation and the implementation of decisions arising out of grievances, arbitration decisions or court determinations.

Prepare responses to inquiries concerning contract interpretation, Board policy, past practice and legal issues relating to employment law.

Confer with and provide assistance to the General Counsel and consulting law firms.

Provide guidance and assistance to Employee Relations concerning corrective discipline issues.

Supervisor and evaluate assigned staff.

Provide guidance and assistance to human resources on employment matters.

Inform Deputy Superintendent, Human Resources and other staff of relevant legal developments arising out of Federal or State legislation, court decisions and arbitration decisions.

Provide ad hoc advice and counsel to school and department leaders relative to the interpretation and implementation of Agreements with bargaining units along with past practice and arbitration rulings.

Conduct or participate in labor-related training activities.

Prepare material for labor-related training activities designed to improve one's ability to carry out responsibilities.

Prepare reports and questionnaires when specific information has been requested by outside agencies.

Attend Board of Education meetings and committee meetings as required.

Fulfill other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Security Clearance:

Internal Applicants

If you are a current District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

Method of Application:

Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered.

Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested.

Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at [email protected] or phone at (313) 873-6897.

DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, citizenship, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions? Concerns? contact the Civil Rights Coordinator at (313) 240-4377 or [email protected] or 3011 West Grand Boulevard, 14th Floor, Detroit MI 48202.