Deputy, Employee and Labor Relations

Title: Deputy Chief, Employee and Labor Relations
Department: Office of Talent
Reports To: Chief Talent Officer
Salary Range: $128,954 - $168,387

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?

Job Summary

Plans, develops and directs a comprehensive and expanding employee and labor relations services program. Serves as a chief resource to management in the interpretation of management and labor rights, prerogatives, and obligations within the framework of established labor contracts and agreements. Acts as the liaison between labor and management negotiating teams. Assists administrators in the implementation and integration of school policies and contractual obligations. Manages and oversees investigations into complaints of serious employee misconduct within the School District of Philadelphia, with a focus on complaints that touch on a protected status. This includes coordinating with district leaders and school administrators to address such complaints from staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders on sensitive matters related to employee and student behavior. Manages and oversees investigations related to allegations of misconduct based on a protected status, including investigations under Title IV and Title IX in a timely manner consistent with Board policy and law. Provides training and support to District staff on staff responsibilities to prevent discrimination and harassment. Supervises investigators and labor relations officers, reviews and approves all investigative reports issued, and may directly investigate certain complaints.

Essential Functions

• Reviews and evaluates the work of subordinates through general staff meetings and individual conferences regarding grievances, contractual issues and disciplinary matters.

• Directs and reviews contract interpretation and management; reviews and interprets policies and procedures within the framework of existing laws, acts, Board of Education Action Items, and personnel procedures; serves as chief resource to management on the interpretation of contract language and obligations through staff development meetings, individual conferences and telephone contacts.

• Assists management in the implementation of school policy and contractual obligations; provides the methodology for processing grievances; prepares arbitration and step two grievance hearings; attends employee discipline conferences as an advisor to administrators; provides backup information necessary to support management’s stance on issues; prepares briefs in conjunction with the Office of General Counsel detailing the effects of arbitration decisions and contract matters on employee relations and human resources policies and operations.

• Serves as liaison between various unions and the District in the resolution of ongoing problems and issues; acts as liaison between labor and management contract negotiating teams; attends and participates in highly sensitive labor management discussions; advises negotiators on writing contract language; studies and analyzes current national trends and decisions in collective bargaining; develops relationships with other public sector labor relations organizations through networking and membership in professional organizations; exchanges information regarding current trends in labor relations activities with District negotiators.

• Oversees the assignment of newly established job classifications to appropriate bargaining or meet and confer units.

• Manages the district’s response to all reports of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation based on protected categories against employees and students, including assigning investigations and coordinating resources and supportive measures.

• Manages, oversees, and may conduct investigations for allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation based on protected categories against employees and students.

• Manages a team of investigators to ensure quality and timely investigations.

• Supervises and leads a team of investigators, ensuring each investigation is conducted thoroughly, adheres to established protocols, and is completed within designated timelines.

• Provides guidance and oversight to the team to ensure consistency in investigative practices, the quality of findings, and compliance with relevant laws and district policies. Regularly monitors progress, offers feedback, and ensures investigators have the resources and support needed to carry out their work efficiently.

• Develops, implements, and monitors effective training and compliance programs.

• Develops, implements, and maintains a comprehensive, consistent, and effective investigative process for the department and ensures all investigations are completed in a timely manner consistent with Board policy and applicable state, local and federal regulations, including under Title VI and Title IX.

• Maintains accurate tracking, records, data, and reporting of all investigations.

• Provides weekly data/status reports to the Deputy Superintendent of Operations and other district executive/cabinet leaders as required.

• Manages and directs investigations into serious allegations of employee misconduct, ensuring thorough documentation and adherence to district protocols.

• Leads department efforts to stay updated on all ongoing investigations, ensuring compliance with Board policy, administrative procedure and standards, and applicable federal regulations, including Title IX regulations.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master's degree in legal studies, criminal justice, risk management, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution is required. A Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school is strongly preferred.

• At least five years of full-time, paid, professional experience addressing various compliance issues impacting K-12 public school entities or similar large and complex organizations.

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting investigations of complaints based on a protected status, with a deep understanding of the formal grievance process outlined by Title IX and other applicable laws and regulations.

• Supervisory experience is required, with a proven track record of managing teams effectively.

• Experience in the practice of employment law, law enforcement investigations, or a related field is preferred.

• Coursework or experience in human resources, administration, or related areas is also preferred.

• Alternative combinations of relevant education, experience, and training that provide the necessary skills to perform effectively in this role will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of:

• Demonstrated ability to:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Nondiscrimination

The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.