HR Employee Relations Manager

The Enoch Pratt Free Library has an opening for an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join our Human Resources team.  This role is pivotal in supporting our institution, which comprises approximately 500 full-time and part-time employees.  The Employee Relations Manager will direct employee relations in a unionized environment, and apply and adhere to employment laws, including oversight of the ADA reasonable accommodation process.

The Employee Relations Manager will bring sound judgement, discretion, and will navigate complex and sensitive matters – from grievance processes and contract interpretation to investigations and accommodations – with both empathy and compliance discipline.

This position requires working on-site in an office environment, on a standard office schedule Monday through Friday at the Enoch Pratt Library Central branch.

Department: Human Resources

Location:  400 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201

Salary: $70,338 to $91,573

Job Type: On-site Full-Time, Benefits Included

Summary of Duties:

• Employee Relations:

  • Lead and manage employee relations matters, including performance concerns, policy violations, workplace conflicts, and complex employee issues.

  • Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial EEO and non-EEO workplace investigations; document findings and recommend appropriate corrective action.

  • Oversee the ADA reasonable accommodation process, including the interactive process, documentation, and compliance monitoring.

  • Facilitate conflict resolution and mediation sessions.

  • Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, advise leaders on contract compliance, and support grievance resolution in a unionized setting.

  • Provide guidance on employee relations matters involving protected leave, including FMLA and ADA, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.

  • Advise managers on performance management, progressive discipline, and risk mitigation strategies.

  • Ensure consistent application of HR policies and employment laws across the Pratt Library.

  • Identify trends in employee relations data and recommend proactive strategies to mitigate risk and improve workplace climate.

  • Manage religious and lactation accommodation requests.

  • Handle substance abuse issues in accordance with company policy and relevant laws.

  • Manage Employee Assistance Program (EAP) requests and tracking.

• Process Improvement:

  • Suggest and implement new processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and employee satisfaction.

• Facilitation and Mediation:

  • Conduct difficult conversations with professionalism and sensitivity.

  • Facilitate mediation sessions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Experience managing employee relations in a unionized workplace, including interpreting collective bargaining agreements.

• Experience with FMLA, EEO, and ADA compliance.

• Five (5) years of experience in employee relations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Human Resources preferred.

• Human Resources certification such as a PHR or SHRM-CP.

• Experience working with Baltimore City government or Maryland State government agencies.

• Experience facilitating difficult conversations.

• Mediation certification or experience in mediation is preferred.

• Experience with HRIS systems, especially Workday.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and related federal, state, and local requirements.

• Strong understanding of employee relations principles, workplace investigations, and progressive discipline.

• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations practices in a unionized environment.

• Understanding of the interactive process for ADA reasonable accommodations.

• Knowledge of documentation standards and risk mitigation practices.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

• Tech-savvy with experience in HRIS and other relevant software.

• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.

• Ability to identify opportunities for process improvements and drive effective solutions.

(We reserve the right to withdraw this posting at any time due to overwhelming response.)

Position of Trust: Those under final consideration for appointment will be required to authorize the release of and successfully complete a criminal conviction check.

Please Attach Your Resume To Be Considered.

THE ENOCH PRATT FREE LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER