JOB SUMMARY:

The Labor and Employee Relations Manager will play a critical role in fostering a positive work environment for employees across the Baltimore County Public Library System. This position will oversee labor relations, employee relations, and talent acquisition while ensuring compliance with public sector employment laws and regulations. Leading a team of three Human Resources Business Partners, the ideal candidate will work collaboratively with leadership, unions and staff to support an engaged and effective workforce. The ideal candidate will partner with the Director of Human Resources to serve as a strategic advisor to leadership, driving Human Resources best practices and a productive work environment. This position will report directly to the Director of Human Resources.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Experience working with bargaining union contracts administration, interpretation and negotiation.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment and benefit laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of employee and relations, collective bargaining and employment laws, and skill in their application.
• Demonstrate ability to use effective negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Orients Library leadership on current negotiated agreements, the collective bargaining process, and recommends bargaining parameters.
• Knowledge of human resources best practices and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum five (5) years of human resources experience, with at least three (3) years in labor/employee relations, preferably in a unionized or public sector environment.
• Working knowledge of public sector labor laws, civil service regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Previous experience supervising human resources professionals and managing talent acquisition.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Working knowledge of HRIS systems to drive data-driven human resources decisions.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience in a public library system, municipal government, or other public sector organization.
• HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR) preferred, must be willing to obtain certification within two years of employment.