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MITRE · 2 weeks ago

Senior Employee Relations Specialist

McLean, VA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level

$100K/yr - $149K/yr

5+ years exp

MITRE is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to addressing the nation's toughest challenges and ensuring the well-being of its employees. The Senior Employee Relations Specialist serves as a key advisor on workplace behavior and performance-related matters, leading efforts to address misconduct and uphold accountability while fostering a respectful workplace.

Cyber SecurityInformation TechnologyNon ProfitQuantum ComputingSaaS

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary resource for addressing workplace behavior concerns, including misconduct, insubordination, harassment, discrimination, and other violations of organizational standards

Conduct thorough, impartial investigations into employee complaints and allegations; gather documentation, interview involved parties, and make fact-based determinations

Recommend appropriate corrective or disciplinary actions based on the severity of conduct and consistency with organizational precedent

Lead and support the progressive discipline process, ensuring consistency, documentation, and alignment with organizational policy and legal standards

Coach managers on documentation, feedback delivery, and performance conversations leading up to and including termination, when necessary

Draft disciplinary letters, performance improvement plans (PIPs), final warnings, and separation documents with legal and ethical rigor

Interpret and enforce employee handbooks, workplace policies, codes of conduct, and behavior expectations

Stay current on federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations related to workplace conduct, employee rights, and employer responsibilities

Support periodic policy updates and ensure staff and supervisors are educated on key behavior-related expectations

Provide employees with clear guidance on complaint procedures and behavioral expectations

Identify and mitigate risks related to employee behavior that may impact organizational health or safety

Collaborate with legal counsel when necessary on high-risk or escalated matters

Develop and deliver trainings for supervisors on appropriate documentation, corrective action, and respectful leadership practices

Promote early intervention and resolution strategies to address workplace concerns before they escalate

Maintain confidential and accurate records of all disciplinary and conduct-related matters

Analyze trends in conduct or policy violations and provide leadership with data-informed insights and recommendations

Qualification

Employment LawWorkplace InvestigationsDocumentation Best PracticesHRIS SystemsMicrosoft Office SuiteAnalytical SkillsDiscretionFairnessRespectful LeadershipTraining DevelopmentData AnalysisEmotional ComposureWritten CommunicationProblem-Solving SkillsConflict ManagementConfidentiality

Required

Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Employment Law, Business Administration, or related field; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience

In-depth understanding of employment law, workplace investigations, and documentation best practices

Excellent written communication, including drafting investigative summaries and disciplinary documents

Proven skill in gathering facts, weighing evidence, and applying sound reasoning to resolve complex workplace behavior issues

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; able to gather and assess information to make sound decisions

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Proven ability to manage sensitive and high-risk situations with discretion, fairness, and consistency

Demonstrated ability to apply consistent standards and handle disciplinary actions fairly and objectively

Experience managing emotionally charged situations with composure and impartiality

Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information

Ability to enforce behavior standards in a manner that upholds the organization's values and fosters a respectful workplace

This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site

Preferred

5+ years of HR experience with significant focus on employee relations, conduct investigations, and disciplinary processes

Professional certification (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR)

Formal training in workplace investigations, employment law, or mediation

Company

MITRE

Glassdoor2.8

The MITRE Corporation is working to solve some of the nation’s biggest challenges in defense, cybersecurity, healthcare, homeland security, the judiciary and transportation.

Founded in 1958

Bedford, Massachusetts, USA

5001-10000 employees