Labor and Employee Relations Manager

Compensation Grade:
S23
Salary Range:
$133,238.00-$193,195.00

Opening Date:
May 1, 2026

Closing Date:
May 16, 2026
Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As the Labor and Employee Relations Manager you will serve as advisor to management on all labor negotiations and labor issues.

Labor and Employee Relations Manager

Serves in the Labor and Employee Relations Department of the Office of Human Resources and Administrative Services at the Headquarters Office.

Manages a team of Employee/Labor Relations Specialists in support of the Airports Authority's labor contracts administration and negotiations, employee relations, and related human resources programs. Serves as Chief Negotiator for all labor contract negotiations, and represents the Airports Authority in arbitration hearings, unemployment commissions and hearings before the Employee Relations Council. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Designs and administers the Department's programs in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, and established Airports Authority policies.

Develops policies and procedures for department programs, including program specification. Programs include but are not limited to the grievance process, the conduct and discipline process, Family Medical Leave, Alternative dispute resolution, exit interview program, the experiential learning project, and the skilled trade apprentice program.

Oversees the management of the apprenticeship program, including partnerships with schools, program audits, program participants' progress tracking, secure grant funding, and graduate placements.

Manages the administration of Family and Medical Leave, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including eligibility determinations, training, and resources under FMLA and related policies.

Directs administration of the exit interview program, ensuring the distribution of pre-departure questionnaires and tracking/reporting of exit/departure data to senior management and executive leadership.

Reviews the daily administration of all Labor and Employee Relations matters to ensure the Labor and Employee Relations Specialists are providing proper assistance to customers and providing guidance, following procedures, and helping to mitigate problems.

Approves investigative case assignments against complaints and recommends Airports Authority training.

Handles sensitive matters of a confidential nature on behalf of the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Administrative Services or the President and CEO, as needed.

On own initiative and through subordinate staff, represents the Airports Authority in day-to-day contacts with employees (unionized, non-unionized, management) concerning issues of conduct, performance, discipline, grievances and appeals, apprising management accordingly.

Through subordinate staff, coordinates employee resources in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Equal Employment Opportunity, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and Workers Compensation laws

Oversees all negotiations of labor contracts, programs, policies, and modifications to contracts with union stewards and officials.

Takes program actions and provides guidance, consultation, and staff assistance to managers/ supervisors of all levels on all labor and employee relations matters, grievances and appeals, disciplinary and performance-related actions; on employee personal problems that carry over to the workplace, and on related human resources (HR) programs and services.

Oversees administrative investigations for EEO, disciplinary, and Fraud and Ethics Employee Hotline complaints. Liaises with the EEO officer on overlapping matters involving joint resolutions.

Consults with, and keeps updated, the Airports Authority's Office of General Counsel on specific cases and seeks guidance and legal opinions as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Eight years of progressively responsible experience in HR with emphasis on employee and labor relations, labor negotiations, resolving grievances, and advising managers/supervisors and employees.

Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to apply public/private sector labor relations regulations, principles and practices.

Knowledge of employment and labor laws and key regulatory requirements to include EEO principles and requirements, Drug Free Workplace Act, and VA's unemployment regulations and procedures.

Knowledge of the fundamentals of other HR disciplines, and ability to apply them to provide employee and labor relations services.

Skill in applying the principles, practices and techniques of employee services and assistance programs.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and ability to manage the operations and programs of the unit/team.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding organization and employee information.

Ability to perform detailed analyses of data and information and make recommendations.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Ability to use computer hardware and modern office suite software.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, managers, and others.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree.

A master's degree in law, industrial and labor Relations, Personnel Administration or Public Administration.

Substantive experience in labor and employee relations and union contract negotiations in both the private and public sectors.

EDUCATION

A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, business administration, Industrial and Labor relations, or a related field.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver's license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family's health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.