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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LABOR RELATIONS

Program Manager III

Recruitment #25-005478-0030

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Introduction

If you are looking for an exciting career with great benefits, pension, generous leave, competitive salary, and the opportunity for advancement and professional growth, apply to join the DPSCS team today!

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates to fill important roles within our department. We are one of the largest departments in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. In order to fulfill our mission of promoting safety, we have increased security at our institutions while leading the way in innovative restorative justice projects that will help offenders reintegrate into society upon release.

As a member of the DPSCS team, you can have a fulfilling career, while also enjoying a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), becoming vested in the State pension, supplemental retirement options, and even joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.

 



This is a reposting. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

GRADE

21

LOCATION OF POSITION

Baltimore City
6776 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215

POSITION DUTIES

This is a MANAGEMENT SERVICES position with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The incumbent serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

The Labor Relations Executive Director at the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) serves as the primary negotiator for collective bargaining processes and is an expert in collective bargaining law and memoranda of understanding (MOUs). This role involves representing the State in statewide labor management committee meetings and handling complex labor relations matters. The position requires strong negotiation, conflict management, and exceptional oral and written communication skills.

In addition to representing DPSCS in grievance and disciplinary appeals (including terminations) at the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), this role may involve supervising managers and works closely with the Deputy Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) for managerial oversight. The position also requires frequent travel across the state for conferences, hearings, and meetings.

A key responsibility is demonstrating expertise in the State Personnel Management System (SPMS) policies and procedures, as well as proficiency in the Statewide Personnel System (SPS), to effectively administer human resources programs.

Advisory and Counseling
  • Advises agency representatives in labor relations matters and grievance/disciplinary appeals.
  • Advises agency staff on State and federal laws, regulations, and policies related to employee relations and labor relations.
  • Provides counsel on the legal standards for adverse and performance-based actions, discrimination, harassment, and employee relations issues.
  • Advises management on disciplinary actions and contract interpretation issues.
  • Advises Human Resources, supervisors, and managers on related questions to ensure consistent application of management rights and discretion.
  • Provides recommendations to the EEO Officer/ADA Coordinator.

Grievance, Disciplinary, and Labor Disputes Management
  • Prepares and presents cases on behalf of management at OAH in labor disputes and grievance/disciplinary action appeals.
  • Schedules and conducts administrative conferences and renders decisions related to labor disputes and grievance/disciplinary appeals as designee of the CHRO.
  • Advises agency representatives in settling labor disputes and disciplinary/grievance appeals at settlement conferences.
  • Represents the State of Maryland in arbitration, mediation, settlement conferences, grievance proceedings, administrative hearings, and other government proceedings.
  • Partners with inside legal counsel and manages outside legal counsel as needed on complex employee and labor relations issues.

Collective Bargaining and Negotiation
  • Represents the State of Maryland in negotiations with exclusive bargaining representatives.
  • Drafts language for bargaining proposals and memoranda of understanding (MOUs).
  • Devises bargaining strategies by interpreting labor agreements, case law, regulations, and policies.
  • Acts as chief spokesperson for multiple labor agreements and represents the agency in negotiations.
  • Heads management and union labor committee meetings and facilitates productive discussions.
  • Interprets contract language and State Collective Bargaining Law in consultation with the Assistant Attorney General for DBM.

Training and Development
  • Designs and delivers training on employee and labor relations-related topics to State Personnel Management System (SPMS) agency personnel.
  • Trains management and employees to comply with labor agreements and agency rules.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all minimum qualifications to be considered and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.


Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three years of professional experience in employee or labor relations, one year experience must include representing management before an administrative law judge in hearings at the Office of Administrative Hearings, or similar adjudicatory setting, that involves all types of grievance and disciplinary appeal cases, or labor-management disputes, on a regular and recurring basis.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university for up to two years of the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualifications. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications. 


1. Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school

2. Admission to practice law before a State or Federal court 

3. Experience working with unionized organizations of 5000+ employees 

4. Vast knowledge of employment laws, including but not limited to State Personnel and Pensions Titles 10, 12 and 17; Family and Medical Leave Act; Federal and State EEOC regulations; Americans with Disabilities Act; Injured Worker Insurance Fund; collective bargaining agreements, such as AFSCME MOU 

5. Current certification in mediation, arbitration, and/or alternative dispute resolution 

6. PHR/SHRM Certification

7. Current or former Federal employee

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees in this classification are required to obtain certification in State Personnel Management System policies and procedures and in the functionality of the Statewide Personnel System from the Office of Personnel Services and Benefits, Maryland Department of Budget and Management within six months from the time of appointment to the position. Employees are also required to obtain recertification every six months thereafter. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

  • Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date)
  • Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year
  • Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year 
  • Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child 
  • Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year
  • Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be emailed to hr.recruitmentuser@maryland.gov. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment.

If you are submitting additional information, the preferred method is to upload it with your application. All uploaded additional information must be received by the closing date and time. If you are unable to upload, please email the requested information to hr.recruitmentuser@maryland.gov referencing the recruitment number in the subject line. Only additional materials that are requested will be accepted for this recruitment.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the assigned analyst using the information below.

Kimberly Banks

Kimberly.Banks@maryland.gov


If you are having difficulties with submitting your online application, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.




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