| SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Reporting to the Chief Talent Management Officer, the Lead Negotiator serves as the chief negotiator for the Board of Education (Board). This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and conducting formal negotiations with employee associations/union regarding salaries, wages, hours, and working conditions. The Lead Negotiator directs management negotiation teams, participates in collaborative work groups, and ensures the successful implementation of collective bargaining agreements. The Lead Negotiator advises the Superintendent on negotiation strategies and labor relations issues and supervises labor team members as assigned. Serves as spokesperson and primary liaison for the Board of Education to all associations/labor union.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: None.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to attend meetings and meet deadlines
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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of Maryland labor laws, collective bargaining regulations, and public education employment practices.Demonstrated success as a chief negotiator in a large organization.Ability to navigate the complex demands of negotiations with multiple associations in support of the MCPS core values, mission, and vision. Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills.Ability to develop and implement negotiation strategies and manage complex bargaining processes.Skilled at creative problem solving in order to build consensus across multiple stakeholder groups.Clear and persuasive oral and written communication skills, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.Ability to creative innovative thinking and the capability to successfully implement strategy.Ability to recognize political and priority implications throughout the negotiation process. Proficiency to listen and accept feedback constructively. Possess high emotional intelligence skills.Knowledge of or ability to quickly obtain knowledge and apply the standards that have been established for the MCAAP/MCBOA/SEIU Professional Growth Systems. |
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EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree in Public Administration, Personnel, Labor Relations, or related field.Minimum of six (6) years’ experience as chief negotiator for a large organization, preferably in public education or a public agency. Experience in grievance and arbitration handling and contract administration.Juris Doctorate highly preferred.CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None. |
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EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Acts as the chief negotiator for the Board of Education in all labor contract negotiations.Coordinates and leads management negotiation teams and participates in collaborative work groups associated with negotiations.Develops negotiation strategies, reviews wage data, and conduct surveys to inform bargaining positions.Advises Legal Services on labor-related legal matters and support preparation for hearings, arbitrations, and appeals.Partners with Legal Services concerning court cases, State Board hearings, administrative appeal hearings, and arbitrations. Interviews witnesses, assists in preparation of witnesses for testimony at hearings, and develops all background material for cases.Aids Legal Services for successful outcome of court cases, State Board hearings, administrative appeal hearings, and arbitrations.Prepares MCPS testimony and materials for legislative matters impacting collective bargaining.Serves as spokesperson for the Board regarding issues related to negotiated agreements.Advises the Superintendent on negotiation strategies, potential outcomes, and complex labor relations issues, including impasse and renegotiation scenarios.Facilitates interest-based bargaining approaches and continuous improvement in negotiation practices.Orients and trains administrators on the application of agreements, grievance resolution, and administrative complaint procedures.Oversees the processing of grievances and administrative appeals under negotiated agreements and Maryland law.Provides guidance on contract administration, employee complaints, and resolution of workplace conflicts.Supports the implementation of all negotiated collective bargaining agreements.Serves on Labor Management Committees as requested.Works directly with employee associations to address concerns and to problem solve.Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position. |
