Interim Employee Relations Manager

Interim Employee Relations Manager

Location: Washington, DC

Work Arrangement: Remote flexibility available; hybrid preferred

Schedule: Part-Time, approximately 20 hours per week

Duration: Temporary, approximately 2 months

Opportunity Overview

We are working with a mission-driven nonprofit organization seeking an experienced Employee Relations professional for a temporary, part-time engagement. This individual will provide interim HR leadership and guidance while the organization searches for a permanent HR Director.

This is an opportunity for a seasoned HR professional who can step into an organization, quickly assess priorities, and provide hands-on support in employee relations, labor relations, and other HR matters. The ideal candidate will be comfortable advising senior leadership, navigating sensitive workplace situations, and helping maintain continuity across HR operations during a leadership transition.

The position is expected to require approximately 20 hours per week over an estimated two-month period. Candidates based in the Washington, DC area who are open to a hybrid schedule are preferred; fully remote candidates will also be considered.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as an interim resource for employee relations and labor relations matters.
• Advise leadership on sensitive employee concerns, workplace conflicts, investigations, and resolution strategies.
• Provide guidance on labor relations issues, including matters involving unionized employees and collective bargaining agreements.
• Interpret and apply employment policies, labor regulations, and applicable federal employment laws.
• Maintain compliance with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requirements, and relevant labor laws.
• Partner with senior leaders on employee relations strategies, organizational policies, and HR best practices.
• Assess potential employee and labor relations risks and recommend appropriate courses of action.
• Provide guidance on workplace culture, DEI-related policies, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Review existing HR processes and recommend improvements where needed.
• Support ongoing HR projects and organizational initiatives during the transition.
• Provide direction and guidance to HR team members as needed.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of relevant Employee Relations and/or Labor Relations experience.
• Previous experience working in a unionized environment is required.
• Strong understanding of the regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and federal labor laws.
• Experience handling complex employee relations matters, investigations, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
• Ability to advise and influence senior leadership and executive-level stakeholders.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and communication skills when managing confidential or sensitive matters.
• Experience developing or improving HR policies, procedures, and employee relations practices.
• Ability to work independently and quickly establish credibility within an organization.
• Previous HR leadership or supervisory experience is preferred.

Ideal Background

• The strongest candidates will be experienced HR and Employee Relations professionals who have worked in nonprofit, mission-driven, or similarly complex organizations. Candidates should bring practical knowledge of union environments and the confidence to advise leadership on sensitive employee and labor matters.
• Someone with prior experience serving in an interim HR leadership capacity or supporting an organization through an HR transition would be especially valuable.

Additional Details

• Temporary assignment expected to last approximately 2 months+
• Part-time schedule of approximately 20 hours per week.
• Flexible work arrangement: hybrid preferred for candidates local to Washington, DC; fully remote candidates considered.
• Compensation is open and will be based on experience.