Employee & Labor Relations Manager

Job Overview

We pride ourselves on being a champion of GW’s commitment to fair treatment of all members of its community and the main source of education to the university community on how to further our success and understanding of the value of a diverse workforce in our global environment. The Equal Employment Opportunity and Access office (EEOA) provides consultative services to assist staff with situations that involve allegations of unfair treatment, discrimination and affirmative action, as well as disability and religious accommodations. The Employee & Labor Relations Manager provides overall guidance to stakeholders in departments/divisions with union employees regarding all aspects of the employee and labor relations spectrum; from formal training to grievance handling to specific guidance regarding corrective actions.

Job Duties

• Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) and advise HR Business Partners on all facets of labor relations for the university, including interpretation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
• Grievance Administration – manage, track and monitor the grievance process and serve as the HR representative in the appropriate review step during the process; conduct regular Labor‑Management Meetings with Human Resources, Management, and Union representation in accordance with CBAs.
• Employee Relations – provide SME guidance to HR Business Partners regarding performance counseling, corrective action and interpretation of university policies; facilitate sound and consistent employee and labor relations decisions.
• Collective Bargaining – participate in negotiations with unions, identify and research potential issues, analyze proposals for feasibility, prepare viable counter‑proposals, consult with Human Resources and department leaders, and monitor CBA implementation on a regular basis.
• Arbitration – assist Legal Counsel in preparing for and representing the University at arbitrations and third‑party proceedings as required.
• Third‑Party Proceedings – investigate charges or complaints filed with third‑party agencies, conduct investigations, interview supervisors and witnesses, assist Legal Counsel in responding to complaints and proceedings, and represent the University at conferences and hearings.
• Stay informed of current regulatory requirements and changes in legislation and court decisions impacting employee relations; recommend policy or process changes as needed.
• Manage communication of potential employment litigation and/or risks to legal counsel; consult with the Office of General Counsel on labor relations matters.
• Training and Facilitation – research, develop, design, and present training programs/sessions in all areas of employee and labor relations.

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

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 5 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 3 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge regarding employee and labor relations, the National Labor Relations Act and Board, and state and federal employment laws.
• Working knowledge of Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with mediation and other dispute resolution systems and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships in a consulting environment; excellent coaching skills regarding employee and labor relations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a team‑based environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing collective bargaining agreements.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends on occasion during contract negotiations or to engage with second or third shift employees as necessary.

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well‑being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

Location & Work Details

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department: Human Resource Management and Development (HRM&D)
Family: Human Resources
Sub‑Family: EEO & Employee Relations
Stream: Individual Contributor
Level: Level 3
Full‑Time/Part‑Time: Full‑Time
Hours Per Week: 40+
Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8am – 5pm
Employee Onsite Status: Hybrid
Telework: Yes

EEO Statement

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.