Principal Specialist - Employee Relations (Hybrid Remote: McLean, VA/DC Area)

Principal Specialist - Employee Relations

The Principal Specialist-Employee Relations plays a key role in supporting the centralized Employee Relations function by helping to increase team capability, strengthening quality and compliance and leading sensitive, high-risk investigations. This role provides objective quality audits, identifies process gaps, and partners closely with ER leadership to elevate service quality, compliance, and employee experience. Traveling to the corporate headquarters to Tysons, VA on an as-needed basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute sensitive, high-risk investigations (e.g., harassment, discrimination, retaliation, serious misconduct), including matters involving senior leaders and significant organizational risk; gather evidence, conduct interviews, assess credibility, and document findings.
• Advise HR and business leaders on appropriate actions, risk mitigation, and employee experience considerations; provide guidance on corrective actions, performance and behavior expectations, conflict resolution, and documentation requirements.
• Coach and support Employee Relations Specialists and Senior Specialists; review investigation plans, case notes, interview outlines, and other case documentation for quality, consistency, and alignment with process and policy; provide feedback to strengthen Employee Relations capabilities.
• Support and guide triage and case management by assisting with intake, assessment, and case assignment; identify when matters should be escalated or transferred (e.g., Legal, Global Ethics & Compliance).
• Partner with Legal, Global Ethics & Compliance, Security, HRBPs, and business leadership to align on investigative approaches, outcomes, and follow-up actions.
• Handle sensitive employee and business information with discretion; apply appropriate data handling, privacy, and documentation standards.
• Identify trends and root causes across cases; recommend improvements to Employee Relations processes, training, and policies; stay current on employment law and Employee Relations best practices and incorporate updates into guidance.

Minimum Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school or master's degree in human resources, business, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive Employee Relations experience, including significant experience leading workplace investigations and advising on complex employee relations matters.
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws and Employee Relations best practices.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write comprehensive investigation reports and effectively present findings.
• Strong consultative, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and sound case management practices.

Additional Job Specific Required Experience:

• Complex Investigations & Fact Finding
• Experience working a centralized ER function in a matrixed organization
• Risk assessment, compliance and employment law
• Strategic advisory and stakeholder influence
• Case management, triage and investigative governance
• Cross functional collaboration
• Demonstrated experience conducting investigations, audits, or case reviews
• Familiarity with employment laws (Title VII, FMLA, ADEA, ADA) and how they apply to workplace conduct.
• Strong understanding of HR policies, conflict resolution practices, and workplace investigations.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Experience with SCA compliance and cleared populations, preferred

EEO Statement: Maximus is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. Pay Transparency: Maximus compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to job location, a candidate's education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value analysis including seniority and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of Maximus's total compensation package. Other rewards may include short- and long-term incentives as well as program-specific awards. Additionally, Maximus provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and paid time off. Compensation ranges may differ based on contract value but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience. An applicant's salary history will not be used in determining compensation. Maximus will comply with regulatory minimum wage rates and exempt salary thresholds in all instances. Minimum Salary $ 110,000.00 Maximum Salary $ 140,000.00