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. 

The Department of Labor builds partnerships between management and the labor organizations representing City employees. The department also oversees matters related to the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and workplace anti-harassment policies, FMLA, ADA, and other EEO areas. As the City’s main point of contact for the labor community, we: 

• 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. 

• Administer and enforce the City’s worker protection laws. 

The Department of Labor includes the Office of Employee Relations, the Office of Labor Relations, the Office of Worker Protections, the Office of Labor Standards, and the Living Wage Working Group. 

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 Relations 

• Office of 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 transparency of EEO policies, harassment protocols, and HR compliance programs. 

• Approve and guide training initiatives for managers and employees on workplace policies, leadership development, and professional growth. 

• Advocate for policy updates and new initiatives that promote workforce diversity, pay equity, and fairness in City contracts. 

• Establish and oversee high-level policies and enforcement priorities that advance equitable and inclusive workplace practices. 

• Monitor and guide the resolution of high-profile or sensitive employee complaints with integrity and transparency. 

• Oversee worker education and employer compliance programs, ensuring accessibility and measurable impact. 

Community Engagement and Customer Service: 

• Collaborate with external vendors to deliver labor relations services on time and within budget, ensuring alignment with City objectives. 

• Engage with community organizations, labor groups, and advocacy partners to maintain open communication channels, address workforce concerns, and foster positive labor relations citywide. 

• Oversee the vendor selection, contract negotiations, and performance management processes, ensuring adherence to quality standards and fiscal responsibility. 

• Lead public awareness campaigns to educate the community about labor rights, policies, and available services, enhancing transparency and public trust. 

• Collect and analyze community feedback to identify opportunities for improvement in labor services, resolving concerns proactively and driving service excellence. 

• Act as a liaison during high-stakes labor disputes or conflicts, coordinating with legal experts, external advisors, and community stakeholders to ensure timely and effective resolution. 

• Facilitate training sessions and workshops with external experts, ensuring City employees and stakeholders have access to up-to-date labor information, rights awareness, and support resources.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge: 

• Labor and Employment Law: Comprehensive understanding of EEO laws, affirmative action, collective bargaining agreements, union operations, and labor relations regulations to ensure compliance and proactive leadership in workforce matters. 

• Industry and Regulatory Knowledge: Expertise in interpreting and applying the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), with a deep understanding of financial implications of labor agreements, including wage structures, benefit costs, and fiscal impacts. 

• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Proficiency in navigating federal, state, and local labor laws, standards, and regulatory requirements related to workplace equity, labor protections, and employee rights. 

• Strategic Workforce Planning: Ability to develop and implement strategic workforce plans that align with organizational objectives, address emerging labor trends, and promote long-term workforce sustainability. 

• Understanding of the Davis-Bacon Act, Philadelphia Code Chapter 17-107, EEO regulations, and worker protection laws (e.g., Paid Sick Leave, Wage Theft, Fair Workweek Standards). 

• Deep knowledge of principles and strategies to promote workforce diversity and economic equity in labor practices. 

• Expertise in crafting and implementing high-level labor and employment policies aligned with legal and ethical standards. 

Skills: 

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate teams, foster a culture of accountability and innovation, and align departmental goals with Citywide strategic priorities. 

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders, union representatives, city officials, and community members, ensuring clarity and transparency in all interactions. 

• Negotiation: Skilled in union contract negotiations, labor dispute resolutions, and policy discussions, with a focus on achieving mutually beneficial agreements that align with City goals. 

• Project Management: Proficiency in labor-related project planning and execution, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and measurable outcomes. 

• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex labor issues, identify root causes, and develop practical and innovative solutions to address challenges effectively. 

• Decision-Making: Capacity to make timely, well-informed decisions grounded in thorough analysis, sound judgment, and consideration of risks and benefits. 

• Interpersonal Relations: Strong relationship-building skills to collaborate across departments, resolve conflicts, and build consensus around shared objectives. 

• Customer Service: Commitment to delivering responsive, transparent, and stakeholder-focused services, addressing concerns with professionalism and courtesy. 

Abilities: 

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate trends, forecast challenges, and develop forward-thinking strategies to address labor and workforce priorities. 

• Adaptability: Capacity to navigate shifting priorities and dynamic environments while maintaining a focus on organizational goals. 

• Ethical Leadership: Dedication to maintaining integrity, transparency, and fairness in all labor-related processes and decision-making. 

• Innovation: Willingness to explore new tools, practices, and technologies to enhance operational efficiency and promote continuous improvement in workforce management. 

• Results Orientation: Focused on achieving measurable outcomes, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-impact services and projects that align with City objectives. 

Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field. Advanced degree preferred. 

10 years of progressive experience in labor relations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or deputy director role, managing labor relations strategies with a deep understanding of federal, state, and local labor laws, compliance requirements, and labor regulations affecting public sector organizations. 

Proven experience negotiating high-stakes contracts, including collective bargaining agreements, grievance processes, and policy formulation in a unionized environment. 

Demonstrated ability to lead labor relations through organizational changes, workforce restructuring, and high-stress scenarios, balancing organizational goals with employee relations 

We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply. 

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume.

Salary Range: $177,898- $222,372 

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].