Career Center

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

Looking for a: Attorney
Practice Area: Labor & Employment
Job Type: Full-Time
Starting Salary: $97,000
Job Duration: Permanent
Job Description:

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 an individual with strong management and legal skills to serve under the general direction of the Court Executive 3b (Assistant Director of Human Resources). The selected individual will represent management in labor and employee relations matters, including representing the Judiciary in all matters pertaining to the negotiation and administration of Judiciary labor contracts. The position requires an understanding of management principles and prerogatives, including the practical implications of contract proposals and operational responsibilities.

This position directs the staff and operations of the Administrative Office of the Courts’ Labor and Employee Relations Unit within the Human Resources Division. Staff in this Unit develop management contract proposals and assess labor contract proposals in coordination with Judiciary representatives; provide guidance to managers and Human Resources staff statewide on contract administration, grievances, imposition of discipline, and referrals for employee advisory services; conduct training in related areas; develop Human Resources policies for recommendation and statewide implementation; and coordinate statewide labor/management committees as well as serve as a resource to trial court labor/management committees.

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, you will be required to have high speed home internet access.

Example of Duties:

* Provide statewide guidance to the vicinage HR Offices as well as Central Office management regarding Labor & Employee Relations policies on matters that include discipline, grievances, performance advisories, ADA accommodations and terminations
* Manage the programs and staff in the AOC Human Resources Labor & Employee Relations unit which includes implementing leadership strategies and policy directives, allocating resources, prioritizing work, defining work objectives, and providing direction to accomplish the goals of the unit
* Formulate policies and procedures for the Labor & Employee Relations unit that can create efficiencies for the unit and for the Judiciary as a whole
* Plan and oversee the implementation of applicable projects & programs such as tuition reimbursement
* Coordinate with management, union representatives, and attorneys to negotiate and develop and revise the terms of all Judiciary collective bargaining agreements
* Participate on various working groups and committees in an effort to improve various Judiciary programs, policies, & procedures
* Provide direction on the monitoring of compliance of the Judiciary’s performance advisory system
* Coordinate with Counsel to the Administrative Director regarding formal labor and employment law litigation or hearings, and with other appropriate entities regarding labor and employee relations matters

Salary range is $96,989.82 – $145,172.94. 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 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; 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.

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

Residency Law: Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act,” all persons newly hired by the Judiciary must establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey.

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.

To Apply:

Applicants can apply online by November 21, 2023 at:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/njjudiciary/jobs/4259601/chief-labor-and-employee-relations-court-executive-2b?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

For additional information please visit www.njcourts.gov and reference Job # 2023-08844, Chief, Labor and Employee Relations (Court Executive 2B).

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

Location: Trenton, New Jersey
Posted On: November 3, 2023 at 10:19 am