Supervisor, Employee and Labor Relations

Supervisor of Employee and Labor Relations 

ABOUT US 

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students! 

DESCRIPTION 

Under the direction of the Director of Employee and Labor Relations, the Supervisor of Employee Relations provides expert guidance and consultation to employees, supervisors, and union partners on workplace issues, HCPSS policies, and collective bargaining agreements. This position serves as a subject matter expert in employee and labor relations, workplace investigations, and EEO compliance, supporting the implementation of federal and state employment laws and Board policies.  

Key responsibilities include serving as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Investigator, leading investigations into complaints of discrimination, harassment (including sexual misconduct), bullying, and retaliation. The Supervisor also manages ADA and other workplace accommodations, including those under the Maryland Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and prepares detailed investigative reports and documentation.  

This role includes supervising staff, overseeing daily operations, and collaborating with union partners to resolve concerns at the lowest possible level. The Supervisor may participate in collective bargaining negotiations and labor-management meetings, while also developing and delivering training on workplace equity, investigations, and conflict resolution. Additionally, the Supervisor will oversee worker's compensation and unemployment, as well as preparing weekly case reports for the Department of Employee and Labor Relations. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

A combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Education: 

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Experience: 

• Four years of experience performing employee/labor relations duties such as grievance management, workplace accommodations, performance management, investigations, conflict resolution or contract interpretation. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

Education: 

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, Conflict Management, Business Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Social Work, or Education Administration, or a related field. 

Experience: 

• Certification in mediation or alternative dispute resolution.  

• Professional HR certification (SHRM, HRCI, IPMA).  

• Experience in PreK-12 or higher education settings.  

• Experience participating in collective bargaining negotiations.  

• Prior supervisory experience. 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

• Provide expert guidance to employees, leaders, and labor partners on Board policies, procedures, and federal/state regulations. 

• Provides guidance and oversight for complaints of discrimination, harassment (including sexual misconduct), bullying, and retaliation, including the preparation of detailed investigative reports, interview witnesses, and maintain investigation records. May serve as the lead investigator on the aforementioned complaints. 

• Assist in resolving workplace concerns and maintaining productive labor relations, including participating in collective bargaining teams and labor-management meetings. 

• Manage and provide consultation on ADA and other workplace accommodations, including the Maryland Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and worker's compensation disputes. 

• Serve as Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Title IX Investigator when an employee is named as the complainant or respondent. 

• Supervise a staff of specialists and oversee daily operations to ensure compliance with policies and regulations. 

• Develop and deliver training related to workplace equity, investigations, conflict resolution, and contract interpretation. Prepare weekly case reports and present findings to the Department of Employee and Labor Relations. 

 ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities  for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.  

Knowledge   

• Labor and Employment Law: In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, and collective bargaining agreements.  

• Employee Relations Practices: Knowledge of employee relations principles, conflict resolution strategies, and workplace investigations.   

• HR Policies and Procedures: Familiarity with organizational HR policies, grievance procedures, and disciplinary processes.  

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Understanding of DEI principles and their application in employee relations. 

Skills   

• Investigation and Analysis: Strong skills in conducting thorough, impartial investigations and analyzing complex employee relations issues.   

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for preparing reports, conducting interviews, and advising stakeholders.  

• Conflict Resolution: Ability to mediate disputes and facilitate resolutions between employees and management.  

• Project Management: Capable of managing multiple cases and projects simultaneously with attention to detail and deadlines.  

• Data Interpretation: Skill in interpreting HR metrics and trends to inform decision-making and policy development.  

Abilities  

● Decision-Making: Ability to make sound, legally compliant decisions under pressure and in sensitive situations.  

● Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.  

● Collaboration: Work effectively with HR colleagues, legal counsel, union representatives, and leadership.  

● Adaptability: Respond flexibly to changing priorities, emerging issues, and evolving legal landscapes.  

● Leadership: Provide guidance and mentorship to HR staff and contribute to a positive organizational culture. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  
 
Supplemental Application Questions 

This position requires applicants to provide responses to the below supplemental application questions to determine whether you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please upload your responses in a separate file to the supplemental application questions section of the application. In your response, cite the employers and date range(s) for each experience. If you do not have this experience, please respond N/A. 

1. Describe your supervisory experience. For each supervisory role held, identify: 

• Total number of years of supervisory experience.

• Your position(s) and organization (s).

• The number of direct reports.

• The employee relations, labor relations, and/or human resources functions you directly supervised or led. 

2. Describe your experience serving as a subject matter expert and strategic advisor to leadership on employee disciplinary and corrective action matters. Include the types of issues addressed, your role in guiding decision‑making, and the position(s) and organization(s) in which you gained this experience. 

3. Describe your experience working in public-sector environments with unionized employees. Include your role in interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements, policy interpretation, advising management, and navigating labor‑management relationships. Please identify the position(s) and organization(s) where this experience was obtained. 

4. Describe your experience with providing workplace accommodations under the American’s Disabilities Act and worker’s compensation. If you do not have any experience in these areas, please state “No Experience.” 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.  

Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process. 

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION 

Compensation 

This is a 12-month per year position in the Executive employee unit. The minimum starting salary for this position is $104,646 - $155,347. Actual salary placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.