Executive Director, Labor Relations & Services

Executive Director, Labor Relations & Employee Services

Reporting to the Chief Talent Officer, the Executive Director oversees two key teams within the Human Resources department:
Labor Relations and Employee Services. The role ensures compliance with labor and employment laws, manages labor relations, and leads the Employee Services team to deliver high-quality customer service.

• Provide direct oversight and accountability for the Labor Relations and Employee Services teams, including developing and coaching direct reports.
• Serve as the lead negotiator for the District, analyzing negotiated contracts and providing guidance on labor relations policies.
• Conduct and/or facilitate grievance hearings, mediations, and other employee relations forums.
• Develop and manage confidential procedures for investigations, grievance handling, and disciplinary cases.
• Consult with senior administrative staff on disciplinary matters and collective bargaining issues.
• Coordinate and direct professional standards and employee relations programs to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Oversee the investigations of grievances and non‑criminal disciplinary cases, providing guidance and recommendations on courses of action.
• Lead and support the Employee Services team in day‑to‑day operations, including substitute management, leave management, employee information management, and the customer service call center.
• Develop strategic goals and metrics, track performance, and report on quality data and process improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with IT, Payroll, Benefits, and other departments to enhance service delivery and continuous improvement.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee information and support confidential employee‑related processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Talent Officer and Human Resources senior leadership team.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in labor relations, human resources management, business, public administration, or related field.
• Contingent upon funding.

• Five (5) or more years of successful experience in labor and contract negotiations for a large school system or comparable governmental entity.
• Two (2) years of experience in a position requiring investigation of employee relations issues.
• Extensive knowledge of labor and employment laws and regulations; SHRM‑certified professional (PHR) or Senior Professional (SPHR) preferred.
• Thorough understanding of human resources principles and practices.
• Experience in grievance procedure arbitration.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain consistency in decisions.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including preparation of comprehensive reports.
• Proficiency in building and maintaining relationships across diverse groups, including schools, departments, labor unions, associations, and community/business partners.

The Providence Public School District serves approximately 22,000 students across 37 schools and employs more than 3,200 professionals. The district’s mission focuses on high expectations, equitable access to instruction, and closing achievement gaps among historically marginalized students.

Base pay range: $128,921 - $144,706 per year. Additional information is available upon contact with the recruiter.