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

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 s...