Director of Labor Relations & Special Projects

The Director of Labor Relations & Special Projects at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner is responsible for managing labor relations, serving as a liaison to the NYC Office of Labor Relations, overseeing grievance processes, and leading the development of HR initiatives. The role involves collaboration with DCAS on title specifications, drafting agency policies, and ensuring compliance with personnel systems. This position also emphasizes professional development and training for staff.

To qualify as the Director of Labor Relations & Special Projects at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, candidates must have a master's degree in business, public administration, or a related field plus four years of relevant professional experience, including 18 months in a managerial role. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with five years of professional experience is acceptable. All candidates must possess executive or supervisory experience in labor relations or a related area.

The Director of Labor Relations & Special Projects plays a crucial role in promoting staff development by leading a team dedicated to creating and implementing comprehensive training programs. This initiative ensures that all employees receive the necessary guidance and resources to excel in their roles and fosters a culture of continuous learning within the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

The successful Director of Labor Relations & Special Projects at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner should have a strong familiarity with several personnel-related systems, including the NYC City Human Resources Management System (CHRMS), Payroll Management System (PMS), New York City Automated Personnel System (NYCAPS), and CityTime. These tools are essential for managing HR processes and ensuring compliance.

The work environment for the Director of Labor Relations & Special Projects at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner is collaborative and supportive, with a strong focus on community service and accountability. As part of a dedicated team, the Director engages with various stakeholders, including unions and city agencies, to create a positive and effective workplace culture.

Handling a grievance requires a careful approach. Start by listening to the employee's concerns, ensuring that you understand the specific issues. Document the conversation, investigate the grievance thoroughly, and consult relevant policies and procedures. Always aim for resolution through dialogue, keeping the lines of communication open while protecting all parties' rights involved.

Discuss your background in managing labor relations, highlighting specific experiences such as negotiating contracts or resolving disputes. Share examples of how your skills have fostered positive relationships between employees and management. Show how your expertise aligns with the mission of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

To promote compliance in human resources, I would implement regular training sessions for employees, create clear SOPs, and establish a system for monitoring compliance. Additionally, fostering a culture of accountability and openness is essential so employees feel comfortable reporting any issues or concerns. This proactive approach helps ensure compliance and builds trust.

In leading such a project, I ensured to establish clear communication from the start and set achievable goals. I coordinated meetings, maintained an open dialogue with all stakeholders, and made adjustments as necessary to keep the project on track. This experience taught me the importance of teamwork and collaboration, which is vital in the role of Director of Labor Relations & Special Projects.

I begin by assessing the needs of the staff and identifying any existing skill gaps. Collaborating with key team members, we determine the objectives of the training and design a program that is engaging and informative. After implementing the training, I evaluate its effectiveness to continuously improve the learning experience for the staff.

Data is critical in making informed decisions. I analyze HR metrics such as turnover rates, employee satisfaction, and grievance patterns to identify trends and areas for improvement. Utilizing this data allows me to develop targeted strategies that enhance labor relations and support organizational goals.

When faced with conflict, I believe in facilitating open discussions to understand both sides' perspectives. Using active listening, I guide parties towards finding common ground and developing mutually agreeable solutions. My goal is to foster a collaborative environment where conflict resolution leads to stronger relationships.

I have extensive experience navigating compliance and regulatory requirements, always ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal laws. This includes familiarization with labor standards and maintaining up-to-date knowledge on any legislative changes that impact labor relations, ensuring the organization remains compliant and minimizes risk.

To stay updated, I regularly attend professional development workshops, webinars, and industry conferences. I also subscribe to relevant publications and participate in HR networks, enabling me to keep pace with evolving labor laws and best practices that can benefit the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

My passion aligns perfectly with the mission of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. I am driven to serve the community, especially in challenging times, by ensuring fair labor practices and fostering an inclusive workplace. I see this role as an opportunity to apply my experience and contribute meaningfully to the organization.