External Labor Relations Advisor

Company Description

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.

Agency Description

The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) works to modernize city government and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of City services. The CAO oversees seven City departments and offices, innovating and strengthening their administrative functions and supporting their resident-facing operations to evaluate, plan, and continually improve their service delivery. 

The eight City departments and offices that report to the CAO include: Department of Records, the Office of Administrative Review (OAR), the Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT), the Office of Talent & Employee Success, the Office for People with Disabilities, Procurement Department, PHL Service Design Studio, and Strategic Transformation. 

Job Description

Position Summary 

The External Labor Relations Advisor serves as an advisor to the Mayor’s Office on organized labor issues occurring outside of City government. The position monitors labor activity across the region, develops relationships with labor organizations, industry associations, employers, and community stakeholders, and provides strategic analysis regarding labor developments that may affect municipal operations, economic stability, workforce availability, infrastructure, and residents. The Advisor serves as an “early warning” resource for executive leadership and coordinates cross-departmental responses to labor-related issues impacting the City. This role works closely with the Director of Labor.  

Essential Functions 

• Monitor labor negotiations, strikes, lockouts, organizing campaigns, and other labor activities involving private-sector employers, regional authorities, utilities, healthcare systems, educational institutions, transportation providers, and nonprofit organizations. 

• Assess the potential operational, economic, and community impacts of labor actions on City services and residents. 

• Identify emerging labor trends that may affect workforce development, economic mobility, public safety, transportation, housing, or critical infrastructure. 

• Provide regular labor intelligence briefings to the Mayor, Chief of Staff, and executive leadership. 

• Prepare executive summaries, issue briefs, and strategic recommendations regarding significant labor developments. 

• Develop response strategies and contingency recommendations during labor disputes with significant public impact. 

• Build and maintain productive relationships with labor unions, labor federations, worker advocacy organizations, employer associations, chambers of commerce, workforce organizations, and industry leaders. 

• Facilitate communication between City leadership and external labor organizations when appropriate. 

• Coordinate with departments including Commerce, Managing Director's Office, Emergency Management, Transportation, Public Safety, and Community Empowerment to assess operational impacts of labor actions. 

• Assist departments in preparing continuity plans when external labor actions may affect City operations or service delivery. 

• Analyze labor market trends, collective bargaining developments, workforce shortages, and employment policies affecting Philadelphia's economy. 

• Research state and federal labor legislation and evaluate potential impacts on the City. 

• Support development of initiatives that strengthen partnerships between organized labor, employers, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations. 

• Prepare briefing materials, and situational updates for executive leadership. 

• Coordinate messaging related to significant labor developments in partnership with communications staff. 

• All other duties as assigned.  

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge 

• Thorough knowledge of labor relations principles, collective bargaining processes, labor law, and organized labor structures. 

• Knowledge of labor organizations, labor federations, and workforce trends affecting public and private sector employers. 

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal labor and employment laws and regulations. 

• Knowledge of municipal government operations and the potential impacts of labor actions on public services. 

• Knowledge of workforce development, economic development, and employment policy issues. 

• Knowledge of Philadelphia's labor landscape, major employers, critical infrastructure, and key industries is preferred. 

Skills 

• Exceptional strategic analysis and critical thinking skills. 

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills with diverse organizations and constituencies. 

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 

• Strong research, policy analysis, and issue-briefing skills. 

• Skilled in preparing executive-level reports, presentations, and briefing materials. 

• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. 

• Ability to analyze complex labor developments and translate information into actionable recommendations. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 

Abilities 

• Ability to monitor and interpret emerging labor trends and assess potential impacts on City operations and residents. 

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling politically sensitive or confidential matters. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with labor organizations, employers, elected officials, community organizations, and executive leadership. 

• Ability to facilitate collaboration across City departments and external stakeholders. 

• Ability to communicate complex labor and policy issues clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

• Ability to remain calm and effective during labor disputes, emergency situations, and other high-profile events. 

• Ability to work independently while exercising initiative, professionalism, and sound judgment. 

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Human Resources, Business Administration, Economics, Law, or a closely related field. 

A Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA), Labor Relations, Public Policy, Business Administration (MBA), or Juris Doctor (JD) is preferred. 

At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in labor relations, labor policy, workforce development, public administration, government relations, legislative affairs, economic development, or a closely related field. 

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $90,500 - $113,000

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 8 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 faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx