Director of Labor and Employee Relations; DOT Executive VI

Director of Labor and Employee Relations (DOT Executive VI)

Position within the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Human Resources, Hanover, MD (Anne Arundel County). This Director is responsible for shaping labor strategy, leading collective bargaining efforts, and fostering productive partnerships with union leadership. The Director serves as the Secretary of Transportation’s designee for Step II grievance hearings and disciplinary appeals.

• Direct all labor relations activities and ensure compliance with TSHRS statutes, regulations, and policies.
• Lead collective bargaining efforts, including participation in DBM negotiations for AFSCME and MPEC MOUs and serving as lead negotiator for IAFF Local 1732 and FOP Lodge 34.
• Act as the primary liaison with DBM, the Governor’s Office, union leadership, and MDOT management, and lead Labor Management Committee meetings.
• Oversee grievance and dispute resolution processes, including settlement conferences, Step II hearings, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Administer and ensure consistent application of collective bargaining agreements and MOUs.
• Review and provide guidance and training on EER activities to ensure compliant labor relations practices.
• Advise executive leadership on labor relations strategy, risks, and emerging issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Law, Public Administration, or related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in labor and employee relations, including extensive collective bargaining and union negotiations.
• Three (3) years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Deep expertise in union negotiations, contract administration, and dispute resolution within a multi‑union environment.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws, grievance handling, and arbitration processes.
• Excellent communication, persuasion, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strategic thinking and decision‑making.
• Juris Doctorate (preferred but not required).

Hybrid work schedule possible, including telework and on‑site hours. Position based in the Office of Human Resources, Hanover, MD (Anne Arundel County).

MDOT offers a generous and competitive benefits package. Learn more at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

MDOT is an equal opportunity employer. MDOT does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, or sexual orientation.