Director of Labor Relations/Lead Negotiator

Job Description

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION :

Under direction of the chief operating officer, coordinates all labor relations activities involving certificated, classified / support staff and non-represented units.

The Lead Negotiator leads and directs the critical functions of labor relations and collective bargaining for the certificated and classified units.

Responsible for negotiating and interpreting collective bargaining agreements. Collaborates with the Montgomery County Board of Education (Board), executive leadership staff, and association leaders to implement and manage agreements.

The Lead Negotiator works collaboratively with association leaders to improve and align labor relations with the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) core values, mission, and vision.

CERTIFICATE LICENSE :

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES :

Extensive understanding of employment and labor laws in the State of Maryland. Ability to navigate the complex demands of negotiations with multiple associations in support of the MCPS core values, mission, and vision.

Knowledge and understanding of the organization and functions of the various personnel assignments within MCPS and a thorough understanding of the objectives of collective bargaining units and their methods of operation.

In-depth knowledge of negotiation practices and techniques relating to employees in public education. Leadership skills in facilitating group processes, including consensus building, and conflict resolution.

Big picture thinker with the ability to develop and strategically implement specific, detailed, and tangible plans. Proven ability to work effectively with racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse staff, students, and community to bring groups together toward common goals.

Experience in project management, including the ability to identify, develop, and deploy resources across multiple initiatives.

Success in relationship building across a diverse group of stakeholders. Demonstrates cultural competence and a deep understanding of issues facing diverse groups with empathy.

Ability to build consensus, resolve conflict, and exhibits tact and willingness to have difficult conversations. Demonstrated ability to skillfully navigate existing political structures / systems.

Skilled at creative problem solving in order to build consensus across multiple stakeholder groups. Clear and persuasive oral and written communication skills, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to creative innovative thinking and the capability to successfully implement strategy. Ability to interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to a broad audience.

Aptness to recognize political and priority implications throughout the negotiation process. Proficiency to listen and accept feedback constructively.

Possess high emotional intelligence skills. Demonstrates understanding of change management strategies. Ability to lead in a fast-paced, demanding, and constantly changing environment.

Unwavering personal integrity with demonstrated commitment to MCPS core values.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE :

Master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field desirable from a four- year accredited college or university.

JD or MBA preferred. A minimum of 10 years of experience leading negotiations and labor relations in a comprehensive school district, municipal, state or federal public agency or some combination of experiences.

Pre-K-12 public education experience is desirable. Demonstrated success implementing and leading complex and collaborative leadership projects.