The Employee Relations Manager is responsible for directly and effectively providing high-level HR services for Archdiocese of Baltimore schools. This position focuses on the functional areas of employee relations, selection and hiring, job analysis and job description creation, performance management, and legal compliance. The ER Manager provides these services in a collaborative manner, involving and updating key stakeholders timely.
Essential Functions:
- In collaboration with the Department of Catholic Schools provides guidance and consults on a broad range of employee relations issues with school leadership and relevant associate superintendents.
- Advises on and assists with the consistent application of Archdiocesan HR policies and practices in all pre-employment and employee/employment matters, including in support of OCYP (Office of Child and Youth Protection) matters, to enable effective management, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
- Consults with principals and candidates to resolve concerns with criminal background results and professional references.
- Partners with principals and employees in handling performance and work conduct concerns. Engages in fact-finding research, documents concerns, advises principals on appropriate employee action and accountability practices, and works with principals to implement constructive feedback and disciplinary measures.
- Manages the documentation of termination, reduction in force, and nonrenewal of employment decisions. Advises appropriate Benefits team member as needed.
- Participates in disciplinary and termination, reduction-in-force, and non-renewal meetings with principal and impacted employee(s), ensuring that such meetings are conducted in a defensible and respectful manner.
- Investigates and thoroughly documents harassment and ethics allegations, and violations of Archdiocesan HR policies. Implements corrective measures as appropriate and in collaboration with manager and relevant school and Department of Catholic Schools personnel.
- Advises principals on the practical application of relevant Federal and State laws; assists principals and employees with family and medical leave and disability questions and documentation. Engages in and documents the interactive process in response to employee requests for accommodations.
- Assists other employee relations managers as needed.
- Conducts one-on-one orientation of new principals and assistant principals at their work locations within 30 days of start date.
- Responds to unemployment claims.
- Completes Verification of Employment requests.
- Performs other duties as assigned or needed.
Position Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field required; Master’s degree in HR or related field preferred.
- Minimum five years of experience in a consultative, professional role in the field of Human Resources, with strong emphasis on employee relations and legal compliance.
- Knowledge of the Catholic Church and the mission of Catholic education is strongly preferred.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of and experience with employee relations investigations and developing recommendations for addressing issues.
- Proficiency in conducting investigations, mediation, and providing coaching and training to principals and employees.
- Extensive knowledge of conflict resolution and able to mediate disputes in order to find agreeable solutions.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of Federal and State employment and labor relations laws and their practical application.
- Excellent relational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Thorough understanding of, and ability to utilize, effective negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills. Understanding of best practices in documentation and ability to write investigative reports.
- Exhibit the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information discreetly. Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities efficiently.
- Ability to travel to schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore as needed, and to attend events as invited by the Department of Catholic Schools.
