Director of Trade and Union Relations (Senior Executive Manager) (U) (Vacancy) Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/columbusoh/jobs/newprint/5220727) Apply  Director of Trade and Union Relations (Senior Executive Manager) (U) (Vacancy) Salary $55.48 - $92.45 Hourly Location Varies by position Job Type Full-time Job Number 26-0064-V1 Department 40 Mayor Division Office of the Mayor Opening Date 02/03/2026 Closing Date 2/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern + Description + Benefits Definition Director of Trade & Union Relations TheDirector of Trade and Union Relations, within the Mayor’s Office, serves as a trusted partner and primary point of contact between the City of Columbus, trades and union leadership, and key workforce stakeholders. The role is centered on building, strengthening, and sustaining relationships to support the skilled trades workforce while advancing the City’s strategic workforce and economic goals. The Director will foster alignment across city departments and regional leaders to translate shared priorities into policy, workforce planning, and practical solutions. Success in this role requires thoughtful engagement, effective collaboration, and the ability to navigate complex partnerships across sectors. Key Skills: + Sound judgment and discretion in navigating complex, high-stakes, and politically sensitive environments. + Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish trust and credibility across diverse stakeholders and leadership levels. + Ability to facilitate difficult conversations, manage conflict constructively, and maintain productive partnerships through disagreement. + Executive presence and emotional intelligence, including strong listening skills and the ability to represent the Mayor’s Office with professionalism. + Comfort operating with influence rather than authority, advancing outcomes through collaboration and alignment. + Commitment to equity and fairness, demonstrated through practical, solution-oriented approaches. + Ability to work effectively across a large organization while exercising independence, initiative, and accountability. Note: A person who has been selected by an appointing authority in accordance with the Columbus City Charter, Section 148(1) is said to have received an unclassified appointment. Those individuals receiving unclassified appointments serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority and may be terminated from employment at any time. Please contact the Civil Service Commission if you would like additional information regarding this process. Examples of Work Core Responsibilities: + Labor & Trade Relations: + Serve as the primary liaison and relationship steward between the City of Columbus and trades and union leadership, ensuring open lines of communication and mutual understanding. + Facilitate dialogue and problem solving among city departments, unions, and partners to address workforce needs, agreements, and shared priorities. + Support the development and ongoing management of labor related agreements and initiatives in partnership with city leadership and external stakeholders. + Policy Development: + Collaborate with trades, unions, and internal departments to inform and shape workforce and labor related policies. + Translate partner input into clear policy recommendations that support workforce development, apprenticeship utilization, and sustainable labor practices. + Provide guidance and subject matter expertise to ordinances, community business agreements, administrative rules, and procurement practices connected to workforce and trades expectations. + Workforce Development & Planning: + Partner closely with city departments, workforce boards, and labor organizations to understand current and future workforce needs. + Support collaborative workforce planning efforts that address staffing gaps, career progression, and long-term sustainability. + Work alongside Civil Service, HR, and city leadership to support modernization efforts related to classifications, testing, credentialing, and career pathways. + Equity: + Advance citywide goals to expand equitable access to careers in the trades through internal and external partnerships, outreach, and coordinated strategies. + Collaborate with small business and economic development partners to support inclusive workforce and contractor participation. + Elevate best practices and support shared accountability to partners to monitor agreements, local hiring practices, and workforce commitments. Preferred Education and Experience: + Five plus years of relevant experience. + College degree preferred but not required. Test/Job Contact Information Recruitment #: 26-0064-V1 Employment Type: Full-Time (Regular) Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact: Tammy Bethea Office of the Mayor 77 North Front Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 P: (614) 645- 0792 E: tmbethea@columbus.gov The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Columbus seeks to promote compensation strategies that maximize the recruitment, performance, development, and retention of quality employees in support of the City's Covenant and strategic plan. In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following: + Medical + Dental + Vision + Short-term Disability + Life Insurance + Wellness Program + Tuition Reimbursement Specifics about these benefit opportunities and eligibility can be discussed with one of the City's human resources professionals at the time of your interview or by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Labor Relations Office at (614)645-7206 for further information. Employer City of Columbus Address 77 N. Front Street, Suite 330 Columbus, Ohio, 43215 Phone (614) 645-8301 Website https://new.columbus.gov/Government/Departments/Civil-Service-Commission Apply Please verify your email addressVerify Email