Employee Relations Business Partner

National Children's Center (NCC) is making a real difference in people's lives. As one of the region's largest nonprofit providers of services for individuals with developmental disabilities, we're proud to support infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and adults throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Our mission is to provide a lifetime of opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—and we need passionate people like you to help us do it.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced Employee Relations Business Partner to join our mission-driven HR team! In this key role, you'll be the go-to person for navigating complex employee relations matters, ensuring our workplace stays fair and compliant with our collective bargaining agreements, and helping create an environment where everyone thrives.

You'll serve as a trusted advisor to both management and staff, bringing your expertise in conflict resolution and employee engagement to strengthen our team and support our mission. If you're someone who values fairness, enjoys problem-solving, and wants to make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven organization, we'd love to meet you!

Work-Life Balance

We believe in flexibility! This position offers a hybrid schedule—work from our welcoming Silver Spring, MD office two days per week, with regular visits to our Early Learning Center in SE Washington, DC.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're excited about using your HR expertise to support an organization that truly changes lives, we want to hear from you!

This position has an annual salary range of $90,000-$100,000, determined by various factors including internal pay equity, experience, skills and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Thoroughly investigate and manage ER/LR cases, ensuring consistency and alignment to established compliance regulations, policies and processes. Escalate issues to the appropriate executive stakeholders when necessary.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive case management systems to organize investigation files, evidence and documentation.
• Prepare detailed investigation reports with findings, conclusions, and recommendations for remedial action.
• Ensure all investigations comply with legal requirements, union contracts, and organizational policies.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreement provisions to resolve workplace disputes and grievances.
• Participate in contract negotiations as a subject matter expert on employee relations and operations impacts.
• Serve as an internal consultant to management on complex employee relations matters, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation.
• Works closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Develop policies, documents, and reports including EEO-1, affirmative action plans, organizational charts, labor agreements, and employee handbooks.
• Conduct management training regarding all aspects of employee and labor relations.
• Other HR duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to produce clear, concise investigative reports, recommendations, and corrective action plans
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with ability to apply sound judgement
• Excellent organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously
• Ability to manage difficult conversations and de-escalate conflicts effectively
• Deep understanding of employment law, labor relations, and union contract interpretation
• Adept, consultative approach and demonstrated ability to act as an internal advisor. Ability to develop trusted relationships across all levels of the organization, built on professionalism, follow-up, and accurate communication.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field
• Three to five (3-5) years of experience in employee relations including experience in a unionized workplace
• Demonstrated experience conducting complex workplace investigations
• Experience with contract administration and grievance resolution

COVID-19: You are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to your first day of employment.

NCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.