Program Director, HR Strategy & Workforce Relations

Description

About the Role

The Program Director, HR Strategy & Workforce Relations will develop and implement human resources strategies that support the agency's goals. This role requires a deep understanding of business operations, a strategic mindset, and the ability to drive change across the agency. The Program Director will manage a HR Business Partner team, a Employee Relations team, and a Data Analytics team. The Program Director will serve as a trusted advisor to leaders, managers and the Human Capital staff, providing insights into people management, organizational development, and employee relations.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Human Resources, the Program Director plays a vital role in aligning human resources strategies with business objectives. As a member of the Human Resources Leadership Team, the Program Director will promote values important to the Human Capital organization such as exceptional customer service to our employees and leaders, collaboration with our unions, data-driven decision making and a culture of respect and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Collaborate with senior leaders to align human resources strategies with business objectives and ensure the agency is well-positioned for operational excellence and success.
  • Provide expert advice, insight and support on a range of human resources initiatives including talent management, succession planning, workforce planning and organizational design.
• Data Adoption:
  • Develop and adopt human resources metrics and key performance indicators to identify trends and develop solutions that drive agency performance.
  • Embed data-driven decision making into the daily fabric of team activities and engagement with leaders across the agency.
• Workforce Planning and Talent Management:
  • Work with the Talent Management and Development division to ensure the workforce and agency attract and retain top talent, and implement strategies for employee engagement, retention, and development.
  • Oversee the execution of talent management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, and professional development plans.
• Employee Relations:
  • Provide oversight to the Employee Relations team to ensure the Human Capital organization provides guidance on conflict resolution, disciplinary actions and workplace investigations.
  • Ensure compliance with all employment laws and regulations, staying current on legal updates and best practices.
  • Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture that aligns with the agency's values and objectives.
• Current priorities:
  • Fostering a culture of accomplishment, accountability and speed of execution.
  • Developing a future-focused workforce strategy that addresses major changes to our operations, preparing for impacts from artificial intelligence, and changing demographics and needs of our employees.
  • Enhancing our approach to handling workplace concerns including management discipline.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Ten (10) years of progressively more responsible experience within the human resources field with at least five (5) years of experience as an HR Business Partner and three (3) years as a manager.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams of employees, executing change across teams, and identifying and implementing ongoing process improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough and factual research, embrace quantitative and qualitative data to shape recommendations and present findings in a clear, concise and persuasive manner.
• Advanced communication skills and ability to communicate at all levels of the agency, demonstrating tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent written and oral communication and listening skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team oriented, collaborative environment.
• Strong consulting and leadership skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement. Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is:

Minimum: $137,072 Midpoint: $178,187 Maximum: $219,310

In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week, subject to operational and business needs.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should apply to this job by clicking on the "Apply Now" button and submitting a resume. The Port Authority of NY & NJ welcomes veteran and military spouse applications.

Only applicants under consideration will be contacted.

About The Port Authority:

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency's network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than twenty three billion in annual wages and eighty billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center is now the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey/Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is the Port Authority's policy, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws, to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment and who request the Port Authority do so, unless providing the requested accommodation would result in an undue hardship to the Port Authority.

Job applicants may request a reasonable accommodation (1) if they claim a disability is affecting the interview process, or (2) to ensure that if they are selected for a position, they can perform the essential job functions. To submit a request, please contact the recruiter or email the Human Resources Department's Disability Accommodation Coordinator at [email protected].

The Port Authority will treat any request for Reasonable Accommodation by a job applicant confidentially.

Client-provided location(s): New York, NY

Job ID: Port_Authority-17344482

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-02-18T23:43:52