Commissioner of Labor Relations

The Position

The City of Philadelphia, a city with ambitious goals and an active labor landscape, is seeking its next Commissioner of Labor Relations (Commissioner). The Commissioner serves as the City of Philadelphia's principal labor relations executive and the primary point of contact for the City's labor community, guiding labor policy, managing negotiations and grievance resolution with the City's internal bargaining units, and leading the department's worker protection and enforcement functions. The ideal candidate is a seasoned labor relations professional who pairs deep technical expertise with the leadership presence and collaborative instincts to build trust across a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. This is a compelling opportunity for a leader who understands that strong labor relations are not just an administrative function, but a foundation for how a city delivers on its promises to its workforce and its residents.

The Commissioner is a key member of the City's executive leadership, reports to the Chief Administrative Officer, and advises the Mayor's office on labor strategy, policy development, and emerging employment issues. Internally, the Commissioner serves as the City's chief technical expert and principal advisor to department heads and senior leadership on all labor-related matters. Externally, the Commissioner engages unions, worker advocacy organizations, employers, and community stakeholders — building the relationships and credibility that allow the department to fulfill its mission as both a partner and an enforcer.

The next Commissioner will join a department with experienced, committed staff and a clearly defined mission — and will be expected to bring both strategic clarity and steady hands to a role that sits at the intersection of City management, union relationships, and community accountability.

The Department of Labor builds partnerships between City management and the labor organizations representing City employees, while also investigating and enforcing critical worker rights across Philadelphia's broader economy. The Commissioner plans, organizes, and directs the full scope of the department's work — from collective bargaining and grievance resolution to unfair labor practice responses, from ensuring City contractors meet prevailing and living wage requirements to administering and enforcing the City's worker protection laws, including paid sick leave, wage theft prevention, and fair workweek standards.

The Commissioner provides oversight to Deputy Commissioners managing the department's three primary offices — the Office of Employee and Labor Relations, the Office of Labor Standards, and the Office of Worker Protections — as well as the Living Wage Working Group. The Commissioner also works in close coordination with a Deputy City Solicitor embedded within the department, reflecting the legal complexity and consequence of this portfolio.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in labor relations, human resources management, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field, and ten years of progressively responsible experience in labor relations, with at least five years in a senior leadership or deputy director role. Proven experience negotiating high-stakes contracts, managing worker protection obligations, and administering Equal Employment Opportunity policies and regulations — including collective bargaining agreements and grievance processes — in a unionized environment is required.

Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree in a related field. Candidates with direct experience in a large public sector or municipal labor environment, with demonstrated success navigating complex multi-union relationships and a portfolio that spans both internal labor relations and external worker protection or enforcement functions, are strongly preferred.

The successful candidate must establish residency within the City of Philadelphia within six months of hire. The City offers relocation assistance up to a certain amount.

The City of Philadelphia is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. If you are passionate about this work and meet many of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $177,898-$222,372, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits https://employee.phila.gov/your-benefits/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.

Benefits offered include the following Medical Benefits: Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision; Additional Benefits: Backup Care, FSA, Pet Insurance, and a host of voluntary benefits; Vacation Leave: 15 Days; Administrative (Personal) Leave: 5 days; Sick Leave: 15 Days; Paid Holidays: 13 per calendar year; Retirement: Defined pension contribution plan; and a City vehicle and premium parking placard available.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at https://www.raftelis.com/opportunity/city-of-philadelphia-pa---c-of-labor-relations" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled.