EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS MANAGER

Job Description

** Applications will be received until May 1, 2026. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org . **

About This Job

Under general direction, responsible for managing and overseeing the employee and labor relations programs and functions of the District. Plays a lead role in building and sustaining collaborative and effective relationships with labor partners and in the administration and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements. Responsible for guiding and coaching leaders to effectively manage employee relations with the expectation of creating a strong culture of engagement, development, retention, and positive customer service.

What DPS Offers You

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range: $93,744 - $114,819 annually Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off , health and wellness benefits , and PERA Retirement .
  
  

What You'll Do

• Serves as a Human Resources (HR) administrator dealing with personnel and labor relations matters, ensuring that actions are acceptable and consistent with District practices, applicable bargaining agreements, and state and federal employment laws; proactively assesses staff relations trends and problem areas and makes policy, program, or process changes.
• Builds positive relationships across the HR function to bring the employee perspective to relevant strategic human capital initiatives.
• Provides guidance to administrators on performance management, conflict resolution, grievance administration, and behavioral incidents; oversees and participates in the development and delivery of training sessions on labor and employee relations matters, including policy and collective bargaining agreement compliance, counseling methods, mediating employee disputes, and disciplinary process.
• Ensures compliance with and acts as subject matter expert regarding District policies and collective bargaining agreements; may serve as the District's lead negotiator for assigned bargaining units (up to 9), ensuring that resolutions are consistent with District initiatives and requirements.
• Chairs labor-management meetings and works with managers and union leaders to resolve workplace issues; serves as a hearing officer for Level 2 Grievances and acts as advisor for lower level grievances/informal complaints.
• Manages unemployment claims issued, prepares documentation for response, and ensures representation for hearing.
• Collaborates with the legal department and leadership, as needed, to resolve complex employment, legal, and HR compliance issues.
• Participates in collaborative work groups partnering management and labor organizations towards collaborative goals.
• Participates in strategic planning processes for department and organization and implements initiatives
  
  

What You’ll Need

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, Master's preferred.
• 2 years required experience; five years (highly preferred) of progressive labor and employee relations experience; have experience in the following human resource areas: collective bargaining, employee relations, employment law, investigation, leaves, grievance handling, policy interpretation, hearing officer activities, alternative dispute resolution, and arbitration.
• 2 years preferred demonstrated success developing and managing a labor and employee relations strategy, re-engineering operations and processes, and leading change initiatives.
• If using a personal vehicle to conduct business duties, must have a valid Colorado driver’s license or be able to obtain a Colorado driver’s license within the state’s required time frame for new residents and meet the District’s insurability requirements.
• SPHR/PHR or SHRM CP/SHRM SCP certification preferred; Alternative Dispute Resolution Certification desirable.
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.
  
  

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.

DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.