Skip to main content
100 years and 60 days since the five-day weekRead the story
George Washington University logo
George Washington University

Executive Director, Employee and Labor Relations

4 x 10hr daysHybrid · Washington, USA

The Executive Director, Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) provides leadership, strategy, direction and oversight for all labor (union) and employee relations (nonunion) functions across the university. In close collaboration with HR leadership and the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel (OGC) the Executive Director serves a key role in developing and advancing the university’s labor relations strategy, ensuring a positive workplace climate while mitigating organizational risk, ensuring alignment with university priorities and compliance with applicable laws and university policies. The Executive Director also acts as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, management, and HR partners, navigating complex employee relations matters.

Primary Responsibilities include:

  • Strategic Leadership: Partner with the CPO, OGC and the Office of the Provost to develop and implement proactive labor relations strategies. Assist in advancing the university’s position and proposal development for contract negotiations.
  • Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining: Serve as the primary HR liaison to OGC for collective bargaining and arbitration proceedings. Ensure effective administration of all CBAs while protecting management prerogatives. This includes preparing for and participating in union negotiations, interpreting and administering CBAs, overseeing administration of grievances filed under CBAs, and advising leadership on labor-related matters. Play a leading role in planning for and responding to union organizing activity, bringing a thoughtful, informed, and strategic approach to union engagement.
  • Employee Relations & Compliance: Oversee the resolution of complex ER escalations and investigations, consistent with university policies and federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, DC Human Rights Act, National Labor Relations Act), and related university policies
  • Team Management: Lead and develop a high-performing ELR team, fostering expertise in conflict resolution, mediation, and crisis support.
  • Workplace Accommodations: Oversee the administration of workplace disability-related accommodations, ensuring data-driven monitoring and alignment with legal requirements.
  • Operational Excellence: Develop standard operating procedures, guidelines, and training materials. Leverage data and metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and inform future strategies.
  • Organizational Partnership: Collaborate with HR Business Partners and other HR functions to diagnose and address work environment issues, ensuring labor decisions support overall organizational health.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.