Executive Director, Employee and Labor Relations

Executive Director, Employee and Labor Relations

The Executive Director, Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) provides leadership, strategy, direction and oversight for all labor (union) and employee relations (nonunion) functions across the university. In close collaboration with HR leadership and the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel (OGC) the Executive Director serves a key role in developing and advancing the university's labor relations strategy, ensuring a positive workplace climate while mitigating organizational risk, ensuring alignment with university priorities and compliance with applicable laws and university policies. The Executive Director also acts as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, management, and HR partners, navigating complex employee relations matters.

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership
• Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining
• Employee Relations & Compliance
• Team Management
• Workplace Accommodations
• Operational Excellence
• Organizational Partnership

Minimum Qualifications: Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 10 years of relevant professional experience, Master's degree, or higher, in a relevant area of study preferred. Relevant experience must include at least 2 years of senior leadership/executive level experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

Preferred Qualifications: Education: Degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business, or a related field (Master's or JD preferred) Experience: 10+ years of experience in Employee & Labor Relations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing professional staff. Practical experience in labor relations or specialized labor negotiations. Expertise: Extensive experience in collective bargaining and negotiations, arbitration advocacy, and complex investigations within a large, organizationally diverse, and highly unionized environment. Legal Knowledge: Understanding of US employment laws (e.g. TitleVII,ADA,FMLA,NLRA) and legal reasoning skills. Strategic Mindset: Proven ability to balance long-term strategic goals with immediate operational needs, using data to drive decision-making. Communication: Exceptional influence and relationship-building skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive stakeholder environments with integrity and credibility. Proficiency in leveraging technology (AI, Google Workspace) to streamline HR processes and training. Experience creating and implementing templates, tools, training and education. Prior experience as an Human Resource Business Partner. General knowledge of human resource management theories, principles and practices encompassing HR functional areas, such as compensation/benefits, training and organizational development, workplace diversity, staffing/recruitment and leadership/management development.

Hiring Range - $141,581.98 - $205,269.79

GW Staff Approach to Pay - How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: Human Resource Management and Development (HRM&D)

Family - Human Resources

Sub-Family - EEO & Employee Relations

Stream - Executive

Level - Level 1

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes

Employee Onsite Status - Hybrid

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants: Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only? No

Posting Number: S014209

Job Open Date: 05/27/2026

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening - Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement: The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you currently work at GW?
   • yes
   • no
2. * What are your salary expectations? (Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents