Deputy Chief Labor Relations Officer(Administrator VII)
Job Description
Position Summary
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth.
MassDOT's divisions include: Highway, Aeronautics, Registry, Rail & Transit and Programs, and Planning Enterprise Services. There are approximately 4,000 employees that work in the department.
The Deputy Chief Labor Relations Officer manages the operational execution of MassDOT's labor and employee relations functions within the Center for Labor & Employee Relations (CLER), establishing unit-wide standards for case documentation, auditing, and reporting; reviewing escalated labor matters, and promoting consistent application of collective bargaining agreements throughout the agency. The role is also responsible for overseeing the implementation of LaborSoft as the official CLER case management system, ensuring standardized case tracking, improved reporting visibility, and operational accountability.
Working closely with the CLER Manager and Labor & Employee Relations Specialists, the Deputy Chief Labor Officer strengthens operational consistency, supports complex case review, and promotes transparency and continuous improvement within the CLER function while operating under the strategic direction of the Chief Labor Relations Officer.
Duties and Responsibilities
CLER Operational Leadership & Governance
Manage CLER Manager under the strategic direction of the Chief Labor Relations Officer (CLRO). Establish standardized procedures for grievance handling, investigations, disciplinary review, and contract administration to ensure consistent and compliant application of collective bargaining agreements across all MassDOT divisions.
Want more jobs like this?
Get Administration and Office jobs in Boston, MA delivered to your inbox every week.
Grievance, Discipline & Escalated Case Oversight
Oversee complex and high-risk grievance, investigatory, and disciplinary matters. Review case documentation, ensure contractual and legal compliance, and provide recommendations to the CLRO regarding resolution strategy and risk mitigation. Determine when matters require escalation and ensure defensible documentation standards are maintained across cases.
Stakeholder Training & Process Improvement
Establish performance expectations, provide coaching and professional development, and ensure consistent service delivery standards. Develop and implement training programs for managers, HR Business Partners, and internal stakeholders to promote transparency and understanding of CLER processes.
Collective Bargaining Agreement Compliance and Cross Divisional Consistency
Monitor the consistent operational application of collective bargaining agreements across divisions and districts. Review trends, recurring issues, and areas of inconsistent contract application, and recommend procedural clarifications or corrective actions to support compliant labor practices.
LaborSoft Case Management & Reporting
Lead the utilization of LaborSoft as the official CLER case management platform. Establish documentation protocols, enforce standardized case tracking practices, and ensure regular reporting visibility across all CLER matters. Monitor case timelines and performance metrics to support operational accountability and transparency.
Preferred Qualifications
- Deep knowledge of public-sector collective bargaining agreements.
- Strong understanding of grievance procedures, investigatory standards, and disciplinary processes. Knowledge of federal and state labor and employment laws.
- Ability to develop and implement enterprise auditing frameworks.
- Exceptional organizational skills and follow-through.
- Strong analytical and risk assessment capability.
- Executive level written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to influence senior leadership and union representatives.
- Ability to foster a culture of diversity, respect, and inclusion.
A finalist for this position must be able to pass a comprehensive background check including a criminal record check, Department of Revenue (DOR) check, and employment references.
About MassDOT
The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth's residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT's culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.
MassDOT's divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.
Qualifications
Minimum Entrance Requirements
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.
All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.
Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.
Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
- For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@dot.state.ma.us.
- For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857 - 368 - 4722.
- For a disability - related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call the ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857 - 274 - 1935.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Volunteer Time Off
Financial and Retirement
- Pension
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program