FIRST DEPUTY OF LABOR RELATIONS

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

First Deputy, Labor Relations

Office of the Mayor

Number of Positions: 1

Salary Range: $120,000-$127,488

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 01/26/2026

About the Johnson Administration:

Mayor Brandon Johnson is committed to building a better, stronger, and safer Chicago where every resident and every community have access to tools and resources that enable them to thrive. Since being sworn in as the 57th mayor on May 15, 2023, Mayor Johnson has reopened mental health clinics and expanded mental health services citywide, employed over 31,000 young people in summer jobs and invested nearly $80 million into youth engagement in 2024, created a place-based, people-driven plan for community safety that is showing promise in downward trends in every indicator, and is on track to deliver over 10,000 units of affordable housing to Chicagoans experiencing housing insecurity in his first term.

The administration's first year marked a historic $1.25 billion investment in neighborhood and economic development to allow for the expansion of economic development and more affordable housing, eliminated the subminimum tipped wage, and the enactment of the most progressive paid time off law in the country. Mayor Johnson's administration is committed to addressing housing accessibility and homelessness, increasing access to and expanding mental health services, improving community safety by tackling the root causes of crime, and prioritizing youth employment and engagement. With a vision of making Chicago the safest and most affordable big city in the country, the Johnson Administration continues to work tirelessly to transform into a city where every Chicagoan can thrive.

About the Opportunity:

The Mayor's Office of Labor Relations, led by the Deputy Mayor of Labor Relations, was established through one of Mayor Johnson's first executive orders with the primary responsibilities to lead initiatives that promote a strong labor landscape throughout Chicago, spearhead efforts to promote economic justice, improve workplace equity and employment opportunities, and enforce robust labor standards.

The First Deputy Mayor of Labor Relations reports to the Deputy Mayor of Labor Relations. The First Deputy will collaborate with the Deputy Mayor, teams across the Mayor's Office, and City Departments to effectuate Mayor Johnson's agenda for Chicago.

Responsibilities:

* Develop strategies and approaches to actualize the Mayor's agenda as it intersects with the City's roles of employer, policymaker, and enforcement authority.

* Collaborate with Mayor's Office Teams and City Departments to develop and execute policies that implement the Mayor's agenda.

* Identify and respond to emerging labor and economic issues that are pertinent to the Mayor's agenda.

* Collaborate with other departments to monitor state and federal policy activities related to working people.

* Cultivate and maintain strong relationships within the City's government, the worker community, and advocates.

* Organize and facilitate convenings with experts, stakeholders, and other partners.

* In partnership with the Mayor's Press Office, develop talking points on key initiatives related to labor.

* Contribute to developing and executing labor-related events.

* Other responsibilities as assigned.

THIS POSITION IS SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Qualifications

Education & Experience

* Bachelor's degree in a related field or a combination of experience and education.

* Advanced degree in Labor Relations, Law, Public Administration, or related field preferred.

* Five or more years of experience in worker advocacy, public policy, or government.

* Expertise in labor/employment policy or labor relations is a plus.

* Demonstrated experience in developing policy and executing strategy that balances government regulations and stakeholder interests.

* Experience working in policy in government a plus.

* Experience work with public officials, and the labor, non-profit, and advocacy communities.

* Ability to work independently and in teams and to inspire others to work toward achieving common goals.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, exceptional public speaking skills.

* Expertise in working with partners to build capacity and expertise in policy and advocacy.

Skills & Competencies

* Strong knowledge of labor/employment law and policy or labor relations.

* Proficiency in policy tracking, analysis, and strategy development.

* Strong project management experience.

* Ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams.

* Ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines while maintaining high accuracy.

* Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

* Commitment to confidentiality and strong record of professional integrity.

Work Environment

This is predominantly an in-person position based at City Hall (121 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60602) and may require occasional after-hours and off-site work to meet operational needs. The City of Chicago accommodates one remote workday per week upon approval from supervisor. Our goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous healthcare and other benefits for eligible employees. Learn more about benefits for City of Chicago employees here. The City of Chicago values a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. The City of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from all races, religions, national origins, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and ages, as well as veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to militza.pagan@cityofchicago.org.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor