Chief, Labor and Employee Relations (Court Executive 2B)

When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8500-member strong TEAM that operates with the highest standards of independence, integrity, fairness and quality service. You will be engaged with work that has purpose, meaning and makes a difference in lives of the public we serve. We work hard every day to build the public’s trust and confidence in our court system, which includes issues such as bail reform, marijuana decriminalization and recovery court.

Whether it be in a courtroom, an administrative office, a courthouse training room, an IT office or in the field, our Judiciary workforce is improving the lives of countless individuals and families every day. We honor the dignity and individualism of each member of our organization while fostering professionalism and continuous improvement in our work.

The Judiciary offers a strong opportunity for growth.

The New Jersey Judiciary seeks a dynamic leader with strong management and legal expertise to join our team under the guidance of the Court Executive 3b (Assistant Director of Human Resources). In this impactful role, you will represent management in all labor and employee relations matters, including leading negotiations and managing Judiciary labor contracts. You’ll be a key player in shaping contract strategies, ensuring operational alignment, and upholding management principles.

As the head of the Labor and Employee Relations Unit, you’ll direct a talented team within the Administrative Office of the Courts’ Human Resources Division. Your team will craft management contract proposals, assess labor proposals in partnership with Judiciary representatives, and provide expert guidance on contract administration, grievances, and discipline across the state. You will also lead training initiatives, develop and recommend HR policies for statewide implementation, and drive the coordination of labor/management committees, serving as a vital resource for labor relations.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence statewide HR policies and foster positive labor relations within the Judiciary.

Remote Work: The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule and this position may qualify for up to 2 days of work outside of Judiciary buildings. To participate in this program, in addition to installing a multifactor authentication app on your phone or tablet, you will be required to have high speed home internet access.

Example of Duties:

• Offer expert statewide guidance to Vicinage HR Offices and Central Office management on Labor & Employee Relations matters, including discipline, grievances, and performance advisories, ensuring consistent and fair practices.
• Lead the AOC Human Resources Labor & Employee Relations unit by driving leadership strategies, optimizing resources, setting clear priorities, and empowering staff to achieve the unit’s goals.
• Create and implement forward-thinking policies and procedures that enhance the efficiency of the Labor & Employee Relations unit and streamline processes across the Judiciary.
• Strategically plan and oversee the execution of key initiatives, such as the tuition reimbursement program, ensuring smooth implementation and impact.
• Collaborate closely with management, union representatives, and attorneys to negotiate, update, and refine Judiciary collective bargaining agreements that align with organizational objectives.
• Actively participate in working groups and committees dedicated to improving Judiciary programs, policies, and procedures, driving innovation and positive change.
• Provide direction on the compliance monitoring of the Judiciary’s performance advisory system, ensuring alignment with performance goals and standards.
• Partner with the Counsel to the Administrative Director on labor and employment litigation or hearings
• Coordinate with key stakeholders on complex labor and employee relations issues, offering expert guidance and solutions.
• Oversee the Local Title I ADA Coordinator for the Central Office.

Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position.

• Salary range is $103,395.99 $160,053.17

. For newly hired individuals, the starting salary will normally be at the minimum of the salary range.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of professional administrative and/or program management experience which shall have included responsibility for payroll processing, benefits administration, classification, salary administration, labor/employee relations, training and/or selection/recruitment, and three (3) years of supervision of staff.

Graduation from an American Bar Association approved law school, labor/employee relations experience and excellent research and writing skills are strongly preferred.

NOTE: The duties of the position will require extensive legal knowledge in the areas of New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act; the New Jersey Family Leave Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; employment -at-will; Title VII; and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

Substitution: Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional professional experience on a year-for-year basis with one year of such experience being equal to 30 semester hour credits. An Associate's degree and two (2) years of additional professional experience may be substituted for the required Bachelor's degree. A Master's degree may be substituted for one year of experience as indicated above – OR - a law degree may be substituted for two years of experience as indicated above.

To Apply:

Applicants can apply online by October 31, 2024 at:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/njjudiciary/jobs/4679997/chief-labor-and-employee-relations-court-executive-2b?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

For additional information please visit www.njcourts.gov and reference Job # 2024-10556, Chief, Labor and Employee Relations (Court Executive 2B).

Education Note: Degrees conferred outside of the United States must be evaluated by a recognized evaluation service. (See www.naces.org/members.html)

Driver's License: Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Residency Law: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), the "New Jersey First Act," all persons newly hired by the Judiciary within one year must establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Any person may request an exemption from that requirement from the Employee Residency Review Committee in the Department of Labor & Workforce Development on the basis of either hardship or employer critical need.

Authorization to Work: US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.

The Judiciary of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Ensuring an Open Door to Justice.