Director II, Employee Relations & Engagement

Alexandria City Pub Sch Dist; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Alexandria City Pub Sch Dist is seeking a Director II, Employee Relations & Engagement to lead a comprehensive program for a workforce of approximately 2,600 full-time and 1,600 temporary employees. The successful candidate will manage employee relations, compliance functions, and oversee training initiatives. Must have a Bachelor’s degree in HR, strong knowledge of labor law, and at least 5 years of experience in the field. Competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in employee relations.
• Experience supervising staff preferred.
• Ability to perform essential physical functions including lifting items up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee employee relations functions.
• Serve as the division lead for ADA compliance.
• Design and deliver training programs across the division.

Skills

Strong knowledge of employment law

Ability to lead complex investigations

Exceptional communication skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Proficiency with HR systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Master’s degree or Juris Doctor

Tools

HRIS/HCM systems

Case-management tools

Job description

Director II, Employee Relations & Engagement

The Director II, Employee Relations & Engagement leads and manages a comprehensive employee relations and engagement program for a workforce of approximately 2,600 full‑time and 1,600 temporary, seasonal, and contracted employees. This role is responsible for advancing a positive, inclusive, and compliant workplace culture by overseeing employee relations, engagement strategies, compliance functions, and professional learning initiatives across the division.

The Director serves as the division’s subject matter expert in employee relations, labor relations, and workplace compliance, including oversight of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) interactive process and accommodations. The position also leads the development and delivery of training for licensed, support, and administrative staff, ensuring consistent understanding and application of policies, procedures, and best practices.

This role advises senior leadership, school administrators, and department supervisors on complex personnel matters and promotes a culture of accountability, professionalism, and engagement aligned to ACPS strategic priorities. This 12‑month, 240‑day administrative position, reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required. Master’s degree or Juris Doctor preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Certifications & Licenses: Professional certification preferred (e.g., SHRM, HCI, AASPA)
• Experience
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in employee relations, labor relations, or human resources leadership
  • Experience supervising staff preferred
  • Experience with HRIS/HCM systems and case‑management tools required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of employment law, ADA, civil rights, and labor relations
• Ability to lead complex investigations and manage sensitive personnel matters with discretion
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and training delivery skills
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑informed approach
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Proficiency with HR systems and use of technology, including AI tools, to enhance operations
• Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the position, including occasionally lifting and/or moving items up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation

Essential Functions

Employee Relations, Engagement & Compliance

• Lead and oversee employee relations functions, including investigations, grievance resolution, and workplace conflict management
• Serve as the division lead for ADA compliance, including managing the interactive process, reviewing accommodation requests, and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance
• Ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and practices related to employee conduct, performance, and federally protected classes
• Oversee case‑management systems to ensure timely, thorough, and well‑documented investigations and outcomes
• Collaborate with General Counsel on complex employee relations matters and legal compliance

Training & Professional Learning

• Design, develop, and deliver division‑wide training programs for licensed, support, and administrative staff on:
• Employee relations and workplace expectations
• ADA compliance and accommodations
• Performance management and documentation
• Civil rights, Title IX, and workplace investigations
• Provide targeted training and coaching for supervisors and leaders to strengthen their ability to manage employee performance and workplace concerns effectively
• Develop resources, toolkits, and guidance documents to support consistent practice across schools and departments

Employee Engagement & Experience

• Develop and implement engagement strategies aligned to the ACPS strategic plan and employee lifecycle
• Assist with overseeing the onboarding processes to ensure a welcoming and supportive experience for new hires
• Lead workforce feedback initiatives (e.g., climate surveys, stay interviews, exit interviews, listening sessions) and use data to inform action planning
• Promote wellness initiatives and strategies to reduce burnout and improve employee satisfaction
• Manage recognition programs

Labor & Management Relations

• Support collective bargaining efforts, including strategy development and participation on the management bargaining team
• Respond to and manage union grievances, contract disputes, and labor‑related matters
• Collaborate with leadership to align labor strategies with division priorities
• Provide guidance on interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements

HR Operations & Strategic Initiatives

• Oversee electronic personnel records and systems to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance
• Lead updates to the employee handbook to align with Board policy and regulatory requirements
• Support HRIS integration, workflow automation, and system improvements to enhance service delivery
• Develop dashboards and metrics to monitor employee relations trends and HR performance
• Collaborate across departments to implement HR strategies that support division goals

Additional Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication and coordination to support implementation of the division’s strategic plan
• Manage Employee Relations & Engagement Office budget and resources
• Stay current on employment law, labor law, and HR best practices
• Perform other duties as assigned

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a 12‑month, exempt executive position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. ACPS offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid leave, and professional development opportunities. Placed on the Administrator SAS‑12 grade, determined by the ACPSSupport Administrator Salary Scale.

Clearances

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
• Tuberculosis Skin Test
• Public Health Compliance – Must follow safety and health protocols