Director of Labor Relations

Scroll down to find the complete details of the job offer, including experience required and associated duties and tasks. Full-time employment opportunity with a dynamic and multi-faceted resource for economic development in the St. Louis region.

About Us Since 1950, we have partnered with private and public organizations on hundreds of projects that have created thousands of jobs on both sides of the Mississippi River. BSD operates with a focus on making a positive impact on the region and the nation, better connecting the Bi-State area to the rest of the world. We are impacting neighborhoods, large and small, in Illinois and in Missouri, with investments that are shaped by our unique perspective of the region and its potential.

Why Work Here

Join a company committed to making a positive impact in the community

Receive a competitive salary

Enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on your first day

Earn 4 weeks of paid time off (PTO) each year

Take advantage of 10 paid holidays annually — plus a floating holiday to celebrate your birthday

Contribute to our company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan

Access supplemental benefits through Unum, including off-the-job accident, critical illness, short-term disability, whole life, and hospital indemnity insurance

Participate in our wellness program, which includes free health screenings

Use our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and resources

Bi-State Development is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Get exclusive gym discounts at Club Fitness, The Edge Fitness Clubs, and OneLife Fitness at Ballpark Village

Work out anytime at one of our nine onsite gyms, available 24/7

Enjoy free MetroLink and MetroBus access

Save with discounted cell phone plans

Let us support your well-being and professional growth while making a difference!

Pay Range: $128,000 – 151,150

The Role The Director, Labor Relations is responsible for providing guidance and advising on all labor relations matters, serving as primary resource in negotiations, and overseeing contract administration. This position partners with management and bargaining representatives to foster collaborative relationships, align with organizational goals, and provide consultation and training to operational leaders.

Responsibilities

Ensure labor relations practices are cost-effective, compliant with collective bargaining agreements (CBA) and agency policies, and minimize arbitration and litigation.

Represent the Agency as Negotiator in CBAs, meeting negotiation goals established by the Board of Commissioners.

Build and sustain positive relationships with employees and their bargaining representatives.

Serve as subject matter expert on labor and management issues, advising leadership and staff.

Lead arbitration strategy, prepare and present cases, and manage outside legal counsel.

Serve as primary human resource in all aspects of labor relations, including negotiations, disciplinary actions, investigations, performance management concerns, attendance programs, and sensitive/high-risk leaves.

Represent the Agency in employee matters before government agencies while mitigating unnecessary arbitration and litigation.

Lead and facilitate the management negotiating team in developing bargaining strategy, drafting proposals, and analyzing the economic impact of agreements.

Administer CBAs with on-site unions to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant treatment of employees.

Partner with operational leaders and HR to train managers on contract adherence, policies, and procedures.

Provide consultation and raise issues where organizational or CBA goals conflict with actual practices.

Foster a culture of trust and positive employee relations by being approachable, confidential, and fair.

Manage conflict and complex issues effectively at all organizational levels.

Collaborate with Communications to represent the Agency in media matters related to labor agreements.

Monitor expenditures, prepare accurate budgets, and develop labor relations informational resources.

Researches and benchmarks industry practices, identifies root causes of issues, and recommends solutions to minimize risk.

Stay current on employment laws and regulations (EEO, ADA, FLSA, FMLA, etc.) and ensure Agency compliance.

Analyze data and trends to identify risks, support workplace changes, and enhance employee relations strategies.

Collaborate with Absence/Risk Management on sick leave matters.

Serve as a Pension Plan Trustee, ensuring plan assets are managed in participants’ best interests.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Proven track record in executing labor relations principles and administering CBAs.

Skilled in leading management negotiating teams to achieve strategic goals.

Professional in fostering collaboration and partnership with employees and union leadership.

Experience in developing policies, procedures, and evaluating program effectiveness.

Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.

Proficient in mediation and conflict resolution techniques to address labor relations issues.

Experience in conducting internal investigations with urgency, objectivity, and confidentiality.

Ability to manage budgets effectively and allocate resources strategically.

Adept at balancing multiple priorities and workstreams across complex and diverse environments.

Collaborative partner with proven ability to build trust and engage across all organizational levels.

Education and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required. Masters or JD strongly preferred. SHRM-CP or CLRP preferred.

Experience: 10 years in labor relations with multi-contract, multi-union, and complex environments; 5 years in leadership.

Field: Employment law, Human Resource Management, or related field.

Compensation Disclosure: Bi-State Development is committed to ensuring all employees are compensated fairly. The salary range provided reflects our current expectations for this position. However, final base salary or offer may vary depending on several factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, business needs, and budgetary considerations. Bi-State Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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