Employee & Labor Relations Partner

Join Chimes - and go further to help others go far! Chimes is a not-for-profit organization that assists people with intellectual and behavioral challenges to achieve their fullest potential.Our vast array of services - educational, employment, vocational, residential, habilitative and behavioral health - are delivered through a network of national and international affiliates.

This allows us to take a comprehensive, holistic approach to improving the lives of every person we serve - those who receive and those who reap the benefits of our innovative, responsive solutions.Location: Baltimore, MD (Hybrid eligible)
FLSA: Exempt
Role Type: Individual Contributor (no direct reports)
Compensation: Base salary range $130,000-$145,000 (no bonus).

Final offer within range depends on depth of labor relations (grievances, bargaining, arbitration) and experience leading complex ER investigations across multiple states.
Key Responsibilities


* Lead end-to-end investigations on complex ER matters (harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, performance): plan, interview, analyze evidence, write findings, recommend action.


* Serve as primary point for union matters: manage grievances and information requests; conduct contract/past-practice reviews; support bargaining prep (proposals, costing, notes) and participate at the table as needed.


* Partner with HR Business Partner (HRBP) teams to diagnose trends, coach leaders, and execute fair, consistent corrective action, PIPs, and separations.


* Design, maintain, and deliver ELR training (investigations skills, documentation standards, just-cause, performance conversations, accommodation/leave intersections).


* Author and maintain SOPs, toolkits, templates, and policy updates aligned to federal/state/local laws and collective bargaining agreements.


* Track/analyze ER & LR metrics (case volume, cycle time, root causes) and translate insights into process improvements and preventative training.


* Advise on ADA/ADAAA, FMLA, leave/accommodation intersections, and wage/hour basics; coordinate with Benefits, Payroll, HRIS, and Legal.


* Support arbitration/ULP preparation (fact development, exhibits, witness prep) with Legal or outside counsel.


* Ensure documentation meets audit/readiness standards; safeguard confidentiality and data privacy.


* Contribute to culture initiatives emphasizing respect, inclusion, safety, and accountability; escalate risk appropriately.

QualificationsRequired


* 7 years progressive Employee Relations experience with ownership of complex, multi-site/state investigations.


* Direct Labor Relations exposure (grievances, contract interpretation, information requests); effective partnership during bargaining cycles.


* Exceptional investigation and writing skills; clear, defensible findings tied to policy/precedent and evidence.


* Strong knowledge of employment law (Title VII, ADA/ADAAA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA) with practical...