PROGRAM MANAGER II (Labor Relations, Director-Corrections)

Maryland; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) in Maryland seeks a Director of Labor Relations to lead union coordination, negotiations, and policy development across DOC and DPDS. The role guides management in contract interpretation, resolves complex grievances, and represents DPSCS in arbitration while coordinating with the Attorney General’s office and senior leaders.

Travel is required across Maryland to conduct field staff training and joint labor-management meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in human resources management, labor relations, or employment law, with three (3) years of supervisory or executive level experience directing labor relations programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead union coordination, negotiation, and resolution for AFSCME and SLEOLA matters.
• Advise on contract interpretation and dispute resolution.
• Develop and maintain policies and strategies for labor relations across DOC/DPDS.
• Represent the department in arbitration and labor-management proceedings.

Skills

Labor relations

Policy negotiation

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Word

Excel

Google Workspace

Job description

Introduction

If you are looking for an exciting career with great benefits, pension, generous leave, competitive salary, and the opportunity for advancement and professional growth.

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates to fill important roles within our department. We are one of the largest departments in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. In order to fulfill our mission of promoting safety, we have increased security at our institutions while leading the way in innovative restorative justice projects that will help offenders reintegrate into society upon release.

As a member of the DPSCS team, you can have a fulfilling career, while also enjoying a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), becoming vested in the State pension, supplemental retirement options, and even joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.

GRADE

STD0020

LOCATION OF POSITION

Baltimore City

6776 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21215

Main Purpose of Job

This position supports the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) labor relations initiatives, including matters involving unionized employees, complex grievances, investigations, and workplace policies. Reporting to the Executive Director of Labor Relations, this position leads Corrections [Department of Corrections (DOC) & Department of Pretrial Release Services (DPDS)] as well as the Investigations and Intelligence Division's (IID) Union and Management relations. Leading and coordinating meetings and discussions between the union and management, this role is responsible for establishing and maintaining positive communications and collaborations between DPSCS Management and the AFSCME local unions and SLEOLA local union. Collaborating with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of Policy and Regulations, and other senior leaders, this role is responsible for developing and executing complex policy negotiations with the applicable bargaining units. The Director is responsible for providing subject matter expertise, understanding, and application of the Union Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) as well as DPSCS Policy and Federal and State law(s) and regulations. The Director represents and protects DPSCS' interest in complex grievance, arbitration, and labor-management matters, requiring sound judgment, strong executive presence, and highly effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

POSITION DUTIES

Union Coordination, Negotiation, and Resolution Negotiates within Agency authority, in Local and Departmental collective bargaining agreed Labor Management Conferences, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) interpretations, and resolutions to AFSCME Correctional and SLEOLA matters handled by the Agency. Oversee that collective bargaining agreement(s) and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) are fully adhered to in administration and interpretation. Provides guidance/coordination of related management activities consistent with the mission and goals of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Serves as a contributor to development and maintenance of comprehensive policies and strategies relating to labor relations. Physical attendance at Quarterly “Departmental” Correctional LMC and Monthly “Local” LMCs for DOC and DPDS institutions with travel to Hagerstown, Cumberland, and Eastern Shore LMCs within reason. (Unless virtual meeting established or standard) Management Liaison Advises directors, managers, and supervisors on labor contract interpretation and the resolution of labor contract disputes, seeking advisement from the Executive Director of Labor Relations if and when needed. Facilitates on-going communication and working relationships with AFSCME Correctional representative including coordination of joint labor-management committees. Provides expert advice to Directors, Management, and Supervisory levels regarding appropriate positions on contract demands, grievance issues and other labor relations matters affecting the Departments within DOC and DPDS. Informs and provides support to Directors, Managers, and Supervisors of their rights and responsibilities under bargaining agreements, applicable laws, and policies. Monitoring and Reporting Monitors and ensures compliance with union communications and discussions on the part of DPSCS Management. Conducts research; prepare briefs and other documents as is necessary for arbitration or administrative proceedings. Develops and coordinates corrective action plans and training as needed under the guidance of the Executive Director’s as delegated. Complaint and Grievance Support Works in conjunction with the Attorney General's office, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Department’s Employee Relations Unit (ERU) staff on cases involving the interpretation and implementation of the applicable MOU. Investigates and responds to specific personnel matters and grievance issues, ensuring that responses are provided in a timely manner. Assists with maintaining consistency of application on the MOUs across units and departments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience in human resources management, labor relations, or employment law, to include three (3) years of supervisory or executive level experience directing labor relations programs, handling employee relations operations, or administering collective bargaining agreements.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient with technology (Word, Excel, Google Workspace)
• Prior experience within or adjacent to Human Resource, including general knowledge of human resource principles and practices across HR functional areas, such as compensation/benefits, training and organizational development, workplace diversity, staffing/recruitment and leadership/management development
• Experience with interpretation of employment laws, including but not limited to State Personnel and Pensions Titles 10, 12 and 17; Family and Medical Leave Act; Federal and State EEOC regulations; Americans with Disabilities Act; Injured Worker Insurance Fund; collective bargaining agreements, such as AFSCME MOU
• Experience developing enterprise-wide labor or employee-relations strategies, policies, processes, and manager guidance

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

Note:

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: This position will be expected to travel throughout Maryland to perform official field duties, site visits, or off-site meetings.

SELECTION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your resume. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position. Experience must be reflected in the work experience section of the application in order to be considered, experience reflected in the supplemental question's section only will not be considered.

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.

• Personal Leave - New State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date)
• Annual Leave -Ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year
• Sick Leave -Fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year
• Parental Leave - up to Sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child
• Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least Twelve (12) holidays per year
• Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.