Director of Labor and Employee Relations (DOT Executive VI)

OPEN RECRUITMENT

Executive Service Position

(This position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.)

If you have ever taken a flight from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport; renewed your Maryland driver’s license; traveled to an Orioles game on the Light Rail; embarked on a cruise from the Port of Baltimore; received roadside assistance from CHART Emergency Patrol; reduced your commute time by using one of Maryland’s toll roads, then you have experienced some of the superb services provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).

MDOT has various careers for people of all experiences, backgrounds, and abilities who come together to contribute to one mission—connecting our customers to life’s opportunities. Join us in serving our Maryland residents, visitors, and businesses!

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking a strategic and highly experienced Director of Labor and Employee Relations (DOT Executive VI) to lead labor-management relations across the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). This position 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.

Key responsibilities include:

• Directing all labor relations activities and ensuring compliance with TSHRS statutes, regulations, and policies.
• Leading 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.
• Serving as the primary liaison with DBM, the Governor’s Office, union leadership, and MDOT management, and leading Labor Management Committee meetings.
• Overseeing grievance and dispute resolution processes, including settlement conferences, Step II hearings, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Administering and ensuring consistent application of collective bargaining agreements and MOUs.
• Reviewing EER activities and providing guidance and training to ensure consistent and compliant labor relations practices.
• Advising executive leadership on labor relations strategy, risks, and emerging issues.

The current vacancy exists at MDOT TSO in the Office of Human Resources located in Hanover, MD. (Anne Arundel County).

This position may allow a hybrid work schedule, including telework and on-site work hours.

MDOT offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn about our amazing benefits here: MDOT Benefits

Qualifications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Law, Public Administration, or related field.

Experience: 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.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Deep expertise in union negotiations, contract administration, and dispute resolution within a complex, 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)

Consideration for employment may be based solely on the contents of your application. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information. Please include all relevant experience on your application. This includes, but is not limited to, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other experience that is relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Licenses & Certifications

None.