Director of Labor Relations

Labor Relations Director

Washtenaw County was established in 1827. Today, the County consists of six cities, two incorporated villages, and 20 townships with a total population of 365,000+ citizens. The County employs approximately 1,400 regular employees plus seasonal/part-time employees.

The Labor Relations Director is a key role that reports to Corporation Council. This position is accountable for the County's labor relations strategy and execution, serving as the chief spokesperson and negotiator in all collective bargaining matters. There are currently 13 labor/union contracts at the County.

The Labor Relations Director partners closely with Corporation Counsel, Human Resources, and departmental leadership to align labor strategy with operational priorities. This role leads the development, negotiation, administration, and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements across multiple labor units, while fostering productive and collaborative relationships with union leadership.

The Director provides expert guidance on labor relations matters including grievances, arbitration, compliance with the Public Employment Relations Act (PERA), and proceedings before the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC). This role plays a critical part in shaping labor strategy, mitigating risk, and ensuring effective contract implementation across the organization.

Key Performance Measures/Deliverables:

• Labor Relations Strategy & Collective Bargaining
• Serve as chief negotiator and lead spokesperson for the County in all collective bargaining negotiations.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies aligned with County operational and financial objectives.
• Collaborate with departmental leadership to identify priorities and translate operational needs into bargaining positions.
• Build and maintain strong, constructive relationships with union leadership to support effective negotiations and long-term partnerships.
• Contract Administration & Interpretation
• Oversee administration of collective bargaining agreements across all labor units.
• Interpret contract language and provide guidance to department heads, elected officials, and Human Resources.
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure consistent and accurate application of contract provisions across the organization.
• Draft contract language, letters of understanding, and settlement agreements.
• Grievance Management & Dispute Resolution
• Lead the investigation, evaluation, and resolution of grievances and labor disputes.
• Prepare and deliver formal responses to union grievances.
• Represent the County in arbitration hearings, mediation sessions, and labor-management committees.
• Engage arbitrators, mediators, and union representatives to resolve disputes effectively and minimize organizational risk.
• Regulatory Compliance & External Relations
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws, including PERA.
• Respond to union information requests and maintain adherence to statutory requirements.
• Coordinate and manage cases filed with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) and other administrative agencies.
• Partner with Corporation Counsel and external legal firms on labor-related legal matters, including review of legal briefs and case strategy.
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Organizational Alignment
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the County Administrator, Executive Team, and senior leadership on labor relations matters.
• Participate in high-level strategy discussions regarding labor risk, workforce planning, and organizational priorities.
• Facilitate labor-management committees and ongoing communication channels between the County and bargaining units.
• Align labor relations strategies with broader County goals, operational needs, and fiscal constraints.
• Relationship Management & Communication
• Cultivate strong partnerships with union leadership, department heads, and elected officials.
• Promote transparent, consistent, and proactive communication between management and labor partners.
• Support a collaborative labor environment that balances organizational effectiveness with employee relations.

The Qualified Candidate

Washtenaw County seeks a labor relations expert who approaches their work in a collaborative manner and builds positive relationships across the organization and with the unions. The successful candidate will have a minimum of four years of proven relevant experience. Prior experience within a government or municipal setting is desirable. The selected candidate will be self-driven with excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.

Specific requirements include:

· Equivalent to possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration, with courses taken in labor relations and personnel management; Juris Doctorate degree is strongly preferred.

· A minimum of four (4) years experience in labor relations and/or Human Resources, preferably in a public agency setting.

· Skilled in contract negotiations and legal proceedings related to labor law.

· Knowledge of principles, practices and practical application of employee and labor relations, collective bargaining, and employment laws.

· Must understand basic Human Resources theories, practices, and techniques.

· Ability to develop programs and administration principles and practices.

Personal competencies:

• Ability to diffuse tense or contentious situations
• Ability to work independently and drive goal attainment
• Highly credible with personal integrity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (listening, presentation, group facilitation); effectively utilize influencing and negotiation skills

This position is based on Ann Arbor, Michigan and offers a competitive benefits package with a salary range of $95,500 - $143,000.