Senior Manager, Employee Relations

$100,250 - $125,313/Yr

Global Communities - Silver Spring, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Silver Spring, MD

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Global Communities is dedicated to humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and financial inclusion, striving to save lives, advance equity, and secure strong futures. The Senior Manager, Employee Relations plays a crucial role in fostering a civil workplace environment across our global operations. This position is responsible for the prompt, thorough, and objective investigation of workplace concerns and complaints raised by employees both in the United States and globally. Acting as a visible partner to the business, the Senior Manager serves as the primary point of contact between line organizations, senior management, and employees to address complaints, escalations, maintain organizational justice, and mediate disputes. This role also leads a team of in-country Employee Relations Investigators in launching, reviewing, and closing active cases, ensuring that all investigations are handled with the utmost professionalism and confidentiality. The Senior Manager will conduct thorough and impartial investigations into employee relations issues, including allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and policy violations. This involves interviewing complainants, subjects, and witnesses, gathering and analyzing evidence, and making objective recommendations based on investigation findings. The role requires the ability to offer solutions and recommendations to resolve issues effectively, thereby maintaining a positive work environment. Additionally, the Senior Manager will provide expert advice and guidance to managers and employees on a wide range of employee relations matters, fostering open communication and building trust within the organization. In terms of relationship management, the Senior Manager will collaborate with HR team members to develop, implement, and update company policies and procedures related to employee relations, ensuring compliance with local and international employment laws. The position also involves monitoring and analyzing employee relations data to identify trends and areas for improvement, preparing detailed reports and presentations for senior management, and maintaining case load information in tracking documents. Frequent travel to assigned regions and client groups is expected, along with the responsibility of leading a global team of employee relations investigators.

Responsibilities

• Act as the lead investigator for highly complex and sensitive workplace investigations across various business units.
• Conduct thorough, impartial investigations into employee relations issues, including allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and policy violations.
• Conduct interviews of complainants, subjects, and witnesses, and gather and analyze evidence making objective recommendations based on investigation findings; and drafting comprehensive investigative reports in a clear, concise manner.
• Ensure timely and effective resolution of cases, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism throughout the process.
• Offer solutions and recommendations to resolve issues effectively and maintain a positive work environment.
• Mediate and resolve conflicts between employees and management, fostering a constructive dialogue and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
• Implement conflict resolution strategies that contribute to a harmonious and productive workplace.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and employees on a wide range of employee relations matters.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees, fostering open communication and building trust within the organization.
• Design and deliver training programs to educate managers and employees on company policies, employee relations best practices, and legal requirements.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
• Provide coaching and support to managers in handling difficult conversations and performance issues.
• Collaborate with the appropriate HR team member to develop, implement, and update company policies and procedures related to employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with local and international employment laws and regulations.
• Work closely with global HR and business leaders to align employee relations strategies with organizational goals.
• Act as a liaison between employees and management to ensure mutual understanding and address concerns proactively.
• Lead a team of other ER investigators by reviewing escalated cases, advising on best practices, and managing the distribution of caseloads.
• Monitor and analyze employee relations data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key findings and recommendations.
• Maintain and enter case load information into a tracking document.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in a related discipline and a minimum of six years of related work experience or a minimum of ten years of related work experience.
• Preferred experience in employee relations, HR, or a related field, with a strong background in conducting investigations and managing complex employee relations issues.
• Experience working in a global, multicultural environment. Understanding of international labor laws and cultural sensitivities.
• Interpersonal communication skills and experience building relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Proactive strategic partnership, operational rigor, and speed of execution.
• Exhibit strong leadership and influencing skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and remain agile in an ever-changing environment.
• Knowledge of Federal government contracting rules and regulations as they pertain to human resources; understanding and familiarity with Donor's (USAID) regulations is preferred.
• Superb judgment and integrity, including excellent decision-making skills and a sense of urgency.
• Attention to detail and the ability to effectively handle multiple high impact priorities.
• Deep understanding of U.S. employment/labor laws.
• Ability to provide leadership on policies and procedures and present information in a clear and consistent manner.
• Well-developed and highly effective listening, communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to receive, process and present information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage deadlines, work independently, prioritize workload and multi-task in fast-paced environment.
• Data analytics and proposal writing expertise and experience are required.

Nice-to-haves

• Analytical and data management skills with experience translating data into action planning.
• Experience or advanced training in conflict management, workplace investigation, mediation, or dispute resolution.
• Knowledge and experience in the NGO, Non-Profit, Global Organizations, Matrixed Organizations, and international development organizations with a network of field offices.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance.
• Flexible work schedule with hybrid/telework options.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Support for employee wellness programs.