Employee & Labor Relations Manager

OPEN TO CURRENT RTA EMPLOYEES ONLY
Non-Represented Employment Opportunity
To apply for this exciting career opportunity, please visit norta.com/jobs

This bulletin is posted to establish or add to a qualified list of candidates
This classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority.
This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
The Regional Transit Authority gets people moving around New Orleans. Our transit services bring hard-working commuters to their jobs, students to their schools, and fun seekers to entertainment, shopping areas, and restaurants. We provide mobility to residents of the city as well as tourists, taking them to and from their hotels to historical neighborhoods and countless attractions. RTA's system includes 5 streetcar lines, 30 bus routes, 2 ferry routes, and paratransit services. Our passengers take more than 19 million rides every year.
REPORTS TO
Chief Human Resources Officer

TITLES OF POSITIONS REPORTING DIRECTLY TO THIS JOB
None
JOB SUMMARY
Manages activities within the Employee and Labor Relations Department, fostering positive relationships with union leadership, and ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions upon request

• Administers RTA employee and Labor Relations programs
• Acts as management representative in interactions with union officials on matters about management?s decisions regarding disciplinary action, promotions, demotions, transfers, separations, layoffs, and wage and salary adjustments
• Advises professional staff in the interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and personnel policies
• Serves as a liaison and provides support to chief negotiator during contract negotiations; may serve as chief negotiator during some contract negotiations
• Provides resolution of grievances through the grievance procedure, including arbitration
• Serves as an arbitration advocate
• Develops policies, practices, and systems to assist in the proper administration of collective bargaining agreements and grievance avoidance
• Designs and directs the delivery of labor/employee relations training and information programs
• Develops and recommend changes to the labor contracts, procedures, and practices
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports to management, the Board of Directors, and outside agencies
• Coordinates RTA action during union campaigns, representation elections, or work stoppages
• Develops strategies, goals, proposals, and policies for the labor and employee relations unit
• Serves as the primary contact and liaison for intake and assessment of employee complaints
• Conducts initial interviews and gathers information for employee relations matters such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other concerns; informs appropriate HR staff when the additional investigation is required
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations related to EEO, collective bargaining, unions, Labor Relations, and human resources
• Plans, develops and administers department budget
• Establishes and implements department goals and objectives
• Supervises, trains, mentors, and motivates assigned employees
• Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of RTA are carried out

OTHER FUNCTIONS
Performs other job-related duties which are in keeping with the goals and objectives of RTA.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Public or Labor Relations, Business Administration, Law, or related field; Master's or Law Degree in a related field preferred.
An equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
EXPERIENCE
Six years of relevant experience or three years of relevant supervisory-level experience in labor and/or employee relations or human resources management, including experience in labor contract negotiations.
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS/DEMANDS
A valid Louisiana Driver's License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions

Must provide proof of being fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine before the start date.

Must submit to a criminal background check, the results of which must meet hiring criteria for the role.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift to 15 pounds at times. Normal office environment.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Theories, principles, and practices of employee and Labor Relations management, contract negotiations, and collective bargaining agreements
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing public sector labor/employee relations
• Financing and budget principles
• EEO and affirmative action principles and goals
• Modern management theory
• Applicable business software applications
• Planning, organizing, and managing the work of a labor/employee relations department
• Mediating, negotiating, and maintaining effective and cooperative relationships with management and unions
• Determining strategies to achieve goals
• Establishing and implementing policies and procedures
• Identifying and analyzing problems, recommending solutions, and evaluating outcomes
• Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Preparing comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Interacting professionally with various levels of RTA employees and outside representatives
• Supervising, training, mentoring, and motivating assigned staff
• Compile, analyze, and interpret complex data
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements
• Make financial decisions within a budget and plan financial and staffing needs
• Represent RTA before the public
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EEO STATEMENT
NORTA is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions are based on job-related standards and must comply with the principles of equal employment opportunity.
Employment Type: Full Time