Deputy Director of Worker Protections

Position Summary The Deputy Director of Worker Protections is a member of the executive leadership team within the Department of Labor, and is responsible for the setting strategic vision setting, operations, and performance of the Office of Worker Protection. This role is responsible for the management of all enforcement activities related to worker protection ordinances assigned to the Office of Worker Protection. To do this, the Deputy will set ambitious performance goals for all office staff, ensure that worker complaints and inquiries are responded to in a consistent and timely manner, and deliver results to the citizens of Philadelphia. Externally, the Deputy is responsible for successfully engaging with, and communicating across a wide variety of stakeholders, and serves as the first point of contact for City Council, the advocacy community, and the business community for concerns related to worker protection ordinances. This role reports to the Chief of Staff for the Department of Labor, and directs through subordinate Worker Protections Staff which includes the Assistant Compliance Director and Labor Protection Supervisors. Essential Functions Develops and implements strategic vision, policies, and enforcement and outreach strategies for the Office of Worker Protection in collaboration with the Director of Labor and Chief of Staff.  Ensures compliance with and enforcement of worker protection ordinances, including wage protections, sick leave, industry-specific protections, and retaliation laws.  Provides expert guidance on policy issues and legislative updates impacting worker protections.  Manages all enforcement activities related to worker protection ordinances, ensuring timely and consistent responses to worker complaints and inquiries.  Oversees investigations into potential violations and ensures appropriate corrective actions are taken.  Supervises, mentors, and evaluates Office of Worker Protection staff, including the Assistant Compliance Director, Compliance Supervisor, and Engagement Supervisor.  Establishes and monitors performance goals to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in enforcement operations.  Provides professional development opportunities to enhance staff expertise and enforcement capabilities.  Serves as the primary point of contact for City Council, advocacy groups, labor organizations, and the business community regarding worker protection concerns.  Develops and maintains constructive relationships with diverse stakeholders to enhance compliance efforts and promote worker rights.  Represents the Office of Worker Protection in public forums, community meetings, and business roundtables.  Directs the day-to-day operations of the Office of Worker Protection, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.  Develops reports, presentations, and recommendations on enforcement activities and compliance trends.  Collaborates with internal and external partners to improve enforcement efficiency and expand worker protections.  Oversees initiatives to educate workers, employers, and the public on their rights and responsibilities under city ordinances.  Oversees the development of outreach materials, training sessions, and public awareness campaigns.  Works to increase compliance through proactive engagement and education efforts.  All other duties as assigned.  Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge  Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal labor laws.  In-depth understanding of Philadelphia’s worker protection ordinances.  Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements, union rights, and employer responsibilities in relation to worker protections.  Knowledge of compliance and enforcement best practices, including investigative methodologies and legal remedies.  Understanding of due process and administrative enforcement procedures related to labor law violations.  Knowledge of case management systems and enforcement tracking databases to monitor compliance and enforcement activities.  Awareness of stakeholder engagement strategies, including collaboration with City Council, advocacy groups, labor organizations, and the business community.  Skills  Ability to develop and implement strategic enforcement initiatives that align with citywide labor policies.  Strong leadership skills to supervise and mentor staff, set performance goals, and ensure effective daily operations.  Skill in analyzing complaints, overseeing investigations, interpreting labor laws, and determining enforcement actions.  Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, labor organizations, and advocacy groups.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills for drafting reports, enforcement recommendations, and delivering testimony at public hearings.  Skill in managing budgets, allocating resources efficiently, and overseeing operational processes within the Office of Worker Protection.  Strong skills in managing politically sensitive situations and resolving disputes in a fair and transparent manner.  Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City Council, outside organizations, and internal stakeholders.  Abilities  Ability to interpret and apply complex legal and policy frameworks in enforcement decisions and strategy development.  Ability to lead staff in the investigation of complaints and inquiries, including conforming to timelines and reporting protocols, and issuance of fines and penalties as needed to enforce compliance under the law.  Ability to oversee and guide investigations, ensuring compliance with worker protection laws while maintaining procedural fairness.  Ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, businesses, and worker advocacy organizations.  Ability to navigate politically sensitive situations, communicate enforcement actions clearly, and uphold transparency in decision-making.  Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, balancing enforcement duties, public engagement, and policy initiatives.  Ability to oversee the development and implementation of training programs to educate workers, employers, and enforcement staff on labor law compliance.  Ability to lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and public service excellence.