Strategic Employee & Labor Relations Lead

The George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

The George Washington University is seeking an Employee & Labor Relations Manager to guide labor relations, advise HR business partners, and oversee grievance and arbitration processes at the Foggy Bottom campus in Washington, DC. You will interact with unions, manage collective bargaining matters, and ensure compliant handling of employment issues.

Qualified candidates have a strong background in NLRA, NLRB, and employment law, with demonstrated mediation and negotiation skills, and the ability

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area plus 5 years of professional experience, or a Master’s degree or higher plus 3 years of experience.
• Degree must be conferred by start date; may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Extensive knowledge regarding the National Labor Relations Act, the National Labor Relations Board, and state and federal employment laws preferred.
• ERISA requirements knowledge preferred.
• Demonstrated mediation and dispute resolution experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships in a consulting environment; excellent coaching in employee and labor relations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a team-based environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing collective bargaining agreements.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends during contract negotiations or to engage with second/third shift employees as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Serves as SME and advises HR on all facets of labor relations for the university, including CBAs interpretation.
• Grievance Administration – manages grievance process and participates in appropriate review steps.
• Employee Relations – provides SME guidance on performance counseling and policy interpretation.
• Collective Bargaining – participates in negotiations with unions; analyzes proposals and prepares counter-proposals.
• Arbitration – assists Legal Counsel in arbitration and third-party proceedings.
• Third-Party Proceedings – investigates charges; interviews involved parties; assists counsel.
• Monitors regulatory changes and recommends policy/process updates.
• Training and facilitation – develops and presents training programs in employee and labor relations.

Skills

Labor relations

NLRB knowledge

ERISA knowledge

Mediation experience

Collaborative relationships

Coaching skills

Independent work

CBAs management

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Confidentiality

Evenings/weekends availability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

The George Washington University is seeking an Employee & Labor Relations Manager to guide labor relations, advise HR business partners, and oversee grievance and arbitration processes at the Foggy Bottom campus in Washington, DC. You will interact with unions, manage collective bargaining matters, and ensure compliant handling of employment issues.

Qualified candidates have a strong background in NLRA, NLRB, and employment law, with demonstrated mediation and negotiation skills, and the ability