Executive Director, Employee and Labor Relations

About the role

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students! ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely . Job Posting End Date: Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site. This position will be posted until filled. Initial review of applications will begin on June 11, 2026. First consideration will be given to applications submitted by June 10, 2026. Applications submitted after this date may be considered based on the needs of the school system. Under the direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the Executive Director, Employee and Labor Relations develops and implements a system-wide strategy for labor relations, employee rights and protections, and employee-employer relations that aligns with the Superintendent's priorities. This position provides executive leadership and tactical oversight to the Department of Employee and Labor Relations, ensuring the effective management and standardized application of collective bargaining, contract administration, and workplace investigations. In close collaboration with the General Counsel, the Executive Director, Employee and Labor Relations works to ensure legal compliance, mitigate organizational risk, and provide expert guidance on complex employee matters. The Executive Director serves as the chief strategist and lead negotiator for five (5) master agreements, fostering collaborative, transparent relationships with the district's three (3) labor partners. This position is responsible for building a high-performing team within the department and guiding district leaders in the principled, consistent application of labor practices. The Executive Director ensures that supervisors at all levels are equipped and held accountable for the consistent, principled application of labor practices. By working cross-functionally, this position builds a culture of stability and fairness that reinforces a positive and legally sound employee experience.

Requirements

• A combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Education :
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, Law, or a closely related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressive professional experience in human resources, labor relations, or employment law, at least four (4) of which include:
• Serving as a lead negotiator for multiple bargaining agreements .
• Serving in a senior leadership capacity .
• Supervising professional staff .
• Interpreting and providing guidance on case law, federal and state regulations, and collective bargaining agreements .
• The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don't meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Experience in a large-scale public sector or K-12 environment working with collective bargaining, contract implementation, and the appeals/grievances process.
• Experience interpreting the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).
• ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
• The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
• Strategic Labor Leadership & Collective Bargaining
• Serves as Lead Negotiator for the Board of Education, developing and executing bargaining strategies for five (5) master agreements aligned with the district's fiscal and operational priorities.
• Advises the Superintendent, Board of Education, and Cabinet on labor matters, including bargaining strategy, negotiated agreements, MOUs, and long-term organizational impact.
• Leads contract administration and systemwide implementation efforts by establishing protocols, providing clear guidance, and ensuring consistent application of negotiated agreements across schools and central

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