Labor and Employee Relations Manager

Baltimore County Public Library; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Baltimore County Public Library is seeking a Labor and Employee Relations Manager to foster a positive work environment and oversee labor relations within the system. This full-time role involves compliance with public sector laws, mentoring HR staff, and supporting employee engagement initiatives.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Pension plan

15 sick days per year

20 vacation days per year

Flexible spending accounts

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HR experience, with at least 3 years in labor/employee relations.
• Working knowledge of public sector labor laws and civil service regulations.
• HR certification preferred (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR).

Responsibilities

• Oversee labor relations, employee relations, and talent acquisition.
• Manage contract negotiation, grievances, and labor disputes.
• Supervise a team of three Human Resources Business Partners.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

At BCPL, staff members have the opportunity to enrich individual lives and build strong communities by delivering exceptional customer experiences, establishing meaningful partnerships, and creating innovative learning spaces. We seek enthusiastic, open-minded, self-motivated individuals who can work well independently and with others. BCPL circulates over 10 million items and provides library services through its 19 branches, 4 mobile library vehicles, and an extensive outreach network. If you are forward thinking and passionate about public service, consider joining BCPL in this position.

Schedule:

This is a full time position working 40 hours a week. All library administrative staff may be required to work evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the year as part of the normal work schedule.

Job Summary:

The Labor and Employee Relations Manager will play a critical role in fostering a positive work environment for employees across the Baltimore County Public Library System. This position will oversee labor relations, employee relations, and talent acquisition while ensuring compliance with public sector employment laws and regulations. Leading a team of three Human Resources Business Partners, the ideal candidate will work collaboratively with leadership, unions and staff to support an engaged and effective workforce. The ideal candidate will partner with the Director of Human Resources to serve as a strategic advisor to leadership, driving Human Resources best practices and a productive work environment. This position will report directly to the Director of Human Resources.

Essential Functions
Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Labor & Employee Relations

• Support the Director of Human Resources on interpreting and applying applicable labor and employment laws, regulations and standards in consultation with legal counsel.
• Serves as the primary liaison between library administration and union representatives, managing contract negotiation, grievances, and labor disputes.
• Participate in labor negotiations and serve as the primary point of contact for the Labor Management Committee (LMC) to include follow-up on matters with applicable management, staff or union members.
• Prepare BCPL's response for and participate in arbitrations, mediations and EEOC claims.
• Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements, public sector laws, and civil service regulations.
• Provide guidance and support to managers and supervisors on disciplinary actions, performance management, and conflict resolution.
• Advise Management on labor laws, workplace policies and best practices to ensure compliance and mitigate organizational risk.
• Conduct internal investigations related to workplace concerns, discrimination, harassment, and employee misconduct.
• Develop and implement policies that promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Partner with the Senior Training and Organizational Development Specialist to develop and conduct training programs related to compliance with employment and labor laws.
• Works closely with the DEI Officer for continual development and evaluation of anti-discrimination practices.
• Cultivate positive relationships with the union and ensure BCPL's alignment with the union contract.

HR Business Partner Oversight

• Supervise and mentor a team of three Human Resources Business Partners (HRBP), ensuring HR policies and procedures are applied consistently across library branches. This team provides full employment life cycle support to management and staff.
• Provide HR guidance to managers and department heads, addressing workforce planning, employee engagement and professional development.
• Ensure HRBPs are aligned with business objectives and are proactive in addressing workforce needs.
• Support initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction and retention within the public library system.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Oversee the recruiting function, ensuring equitable hiring practices aligned with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals.
• Analyze workforce trends and recommend strategies for succession planning and staffing efficiency.

Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum five (5) years of human resources experience, with at least three (3) years in labor/employee relations, preferably in a unionized or public sector environment.
• Working knowledge of public sector labor laws, civil service regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Previous experience supervising human resources professionals and managing talent acquisition.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Working knowledge of HRIS systems to drive data-driven human resources decisions.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in a public library system, municipal government, or other public sector organization.
• HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR) preferred, must be willing to obtain certification within two years of employment.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Experience working with bargaining union contracts administration, interpretation and negotiation.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment and benefit laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of employee and labor relations, collective bargaining and employment laws, and skill in their application.
• Demonstrate ability to use effective negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Orients Library leadership on current negotiated agreements, the collective bargaining process, and recommends bargaining parameters.
• Knowledge of human resources best practices and procedures.
• Knowledge and ability to effectively work in an environment that serves people of diverse ages, cultures, abilities and skill levels.
• Ability to use computers various software and other technology to perform essential duties and assist customers.
• Ability to proactively engage in continuous learning and share knowledge of best practices within the workplace.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively under minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully, verbally and in writing, with customers and staff.
• Ability to adjust/transition to meet changes both internally and externally (e.g. environment, customer needs, equipment used, and other facets of the job.

**Applicants for this position will remain in consideration for any Labor and Employee Relations Manager position openings within the next six months and do not need to reapply.**

We have a 14 step pay scale. Internal applicants starting pay varies based on their current step on the salary scale. We also offer, as appropriate, overtime pay, comp. time, and differential pay.

The Library offers an excellent benefits package that includes pay holidays, 20 vacation days, 15 sick days, and seven personal days per year. In addition the Library also offers health, dental, vision, life, voluntary long-term disability, pension, deferred compensation, an employee assistance program, flex spending, and Commuter Choice parking and transit accounts.