Director Office of Employee relations

Code: 65388 State Unclassified Range: M98 (FY 2027) Work week NL: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the administrative direction of the Governor and the Governor's Employee Relations Policy Council, of which the Director is a member, directs the activities of the State's employee relations program and acts as the agent of the Governor in conducting collective negotiations with employee organizations and in appearing before the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission and any other board, commission, court or agency in matters regarding employee relations. Makes recommendations for and formulates employee relations policies and is responsible to effect them throughout the State. Coordinates State policies with certain local government, bi-state and other public authorities and assists them in policy formulation; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Plans and directs State employee relations program
• Consistently is responsible for addressing in many forms statutory changes, case law changes, union, growth and maturity
• Recommends and formulates employee relation policies and directs their application throughout the State service.
• Plans, organizes and schedules meetings of the Governor's Employee Relations Policy Council concerning matters of State policy.
• Determines negotiability issues and appropriate employee' units for collective negotiations.
• Provides guidance and advises the Governor, Governor's Office, State Treasurer and other appropriate officials in solving labor problems that develop in the State, quasi-public sector and private sector such as, nursing homes and hospitals.
• Directs the preparation for and represents the State in negotiation and execution of collective bargaining agreements. Coordinates the subordinate departments of the State in the uniform interpretation and administration of such agreements.
• Analyzes union demands as to economic and operational impact. Coordinates with all elements of State management, advising them with regard to alternatives, priority of needs and options to be considered in determining the appropriate posture for negotiations.
• Responsible for coordinating, developing and negotiating various, fringe benefits such as The Prescription Drug Program, Dental Program, Temporary Disability Plan, Vision Care Program, Deferred Compensation Plans, etc.
• Represents the State in dispute, settlement situations which may be heard before the Public Employment Relations Commission or other governmental commission or office or in court proceedings resulting therefrom.
• Administers and is responsible for-training management in labor relations matters such, as: Contract interpretation; contract administration; grievance procedure; conduct of hearings; unfair practice avoidance; handling disciplinary or arbitration investigations; effective, even-handed management techniques and many others.
• Develops recommendation for and drafts legislation consistent with commitments made in negotiated agreements and in conformity with the socio-economic environment and objectives of the State government and maintains liaison with elements of the Legislature, as may be required.
• Analyzes, interprets and assesses pertinent laws, rules and regulations and appropriate case decisions as to their effect or potential influence upon the policy, procedures or posture of the State government in the employee relations field.
• Acts to insure consistency in policy and procedure and provide effective liaison, assistance and guidance to the employee relations function of county and municipal governing bodies, and bi- State and other public authorities.
• Makes a continuing study of all phases of employee relations trends and provides this information to appropriate management activities.
• Conducts Data Research on salary comparisons, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment.
• Conducts or provides advice and assistance in the development of appropriate management training programs designed to increase the effectiveness of employee relations personnel in the State departments.
• Confers with the Division of Budget and Accounting on budgetary, fiscal and payroll processing matters, especially as they effect labor relations.
• Prepares and directs the preparation of periodic progress and special reports containing analyses, conclusions and recommendation for submission to the Governor.
• Interprets the purpose, policy and procedures of the Governor's Employee Relations Policy Council, to state employees and others.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Directs the establishment and maintenance of the essential records, reports and files.

Education

Prefer a Master's degree in business administration, labor management relations, or related field.

Experience

Eight (8) years' experience in, managing a large and complex labor relations program. Three years of which shall have been as a chief labor relations negotiators.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in, New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

<b>Knowledge and Ability</b>

Thorough knowledge: of the organization, and activity of all departments of the State including agencies such as welfare boards, New Jersey Transit, and including Rutgers, NJIT and CMDNj; with particular emphasis on personnel and fiscal policy.

Thorough knowledge of the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act, Public Employees Relations Commission. Rules and Regulations, New Jersey Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations, the National Labor Relations Act and a multitude of other New Jersey statutes relating to labor relations, public administration, education, higher education, administrative procedure, contracts and evidence.

Thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations and procedures concerning arbitrations, mediations and fact-finding and knowledge of all precedent, setting decisions from PERC and/or courts having some bearing on those forums.

Thorough knowledge in, negotiations strategy and technique.

Thorough knowledge of legal precedents concerning labor relations set by Commission and by court decisions in neighboring states.

Thorough knowledge of all economic and non-economic settlements resulting from collective negotiations in New Jersey and neighboring states in both the public and private sector.

Thorough knowledge of CPI and other economic indicators, and cost analysis for pricing economic demands and proposals.

Thorough knowledge of EEOC, Affirmative Action and OSHA rules, regulations and precedents, as they relate to labor relations and contract negotiations.

Thorough knowledge of the State' s budget procedure.

Thorough knowledge of acceptable personnel practices, training program etc. that are the current. state of the art in the private and public sectors

Thorough knowledge of group insurance practices and, other employee benefit programs that are the current state of the art in the private and public sector.

Thorough knowledge of the New Jersey legislative process.

Thorough knowledge of the history of unionization, union structure, union constitution, by-laws, etc. as they relate to labor relations and contract negotiations.

Ability to successfully manage the technical preparation and aid the Office of Attorney' General with, presentation of arbitration, unfair practice and representation proceeding hearings and trials, and participant negotiations concerning settlement on such, matters.

Ability to direct independent labor relations research and analysis opinions and writing relative to public sector labor relations and interpret same in trends related to policy determination of the Office of Employee Relations.

Ability to evaluate recommendations for change in the PERC law, its rules, regulations, policy and procedures.

Ability to direct preparation, of extensive correspondence and to review contents of collective negotiations agreement and similar documents for their effectiveness and appropriateness with the State's labor relations program

Ability to serve as chief spokesman on behalf of the State in major contract negotiations, mediation and fact-finding.

Ability to develop and implement thorough training programs in, the labor relations field.

Ability to write comprehensive memorandum and represent the. Office. at oral presentations.

Ability to work harmoniously with subordinates, supervisors, representatives of labor organizations and other interested parties.

Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret basic laws and regulations.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such. persons may not be eligible.