Labor Relations Manager

Compensation Grade:

S23

Salary Range:

$133,238.00-$193,195.00

Opening Date:

August 21, 2026

Closing Date:

September 5, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

Labor Relations Manager

As the Labor Relations Manager you will serve as advisor to management on all labor negotiations and labor issues. You will be responsible for managing the Airports Authority's labor relations programs, including labor contract administration, collective bargaining, and grievance administration. You will manage labor contract negotiations, arbitration hearings, unemployment commission proceedings, and matters before the Labor Relations Council.

Serves in the Labor Relations Department of the Office of Human Resources and Administrative Services at the Headquarters Office.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Designs, administers, and continuously improves the Airports Authority's labor relations programs in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and established Airports Authority policies.

Manages labor contract administration, grievance administration, labor negotiations support, contract interpretation, and related labor relations programs.

Serves as a lead in collective bargaining negotiations, develops bargaining strategies, leads contract negotiations, and represents the Airports Authority in arbitration hearings, labor-management proceedings, unemployment commissions, and hearings before the Employee Labor Relations Council.

Directs the administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, oversees the grievance and arbitration process, and ensures the consistent application of negotiated contract provisions across the organization.

Provides guidance, consultation, and staff assistance to executive leadership, managers, and supervisors on labor relations matters, including contract interpretation, grievances, disciplinary and performance actions involving represented employees, organizational change, and related human resources programs.

Establishes and maintains productive labor-management relationships by working collaboratively with union officials, labor representatives, management, and employees to resolve workplace issues and support organizational objectives.

Oversees labor relations investigations, reviews sensitive employee relations matters involving represented employees, coordinates with the Equal Employment Opportunity Office and the Office of General Counsel, and recommends appropriate corrective actions and training.

Oversees the administration of labor-related programs, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, and Airports Authority policies.

Reviews the daily administration of labor relations matters to ensure Labor Relations Specialists provide consistent guidance, follow established procedures, deliver quality customer service, and mitigate organizational risk.

Develops labor relations policies, procedures, training, and best practices that promote effective contract administration, regulatory compliance, positive labor-management relations, and operational effectiveness.

Handles highly sensitive and confidential labor relations matters on behalf of the Senior Vice President for Human Resources and Administrative Services or the President and Chief Executive Officer, as assigned.

Consults with the Office of General Counsel on labor negotiations, grievances, arbitration, and other labor-related legal matters.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Seven years of progressively responsible experience in labor relations with emphasis on labor negotiations, resolving grievances, and advising managers and supervisors on complex labor relations matters.

Comprehensive knowledge of public sector labor relations principles and practices, collective bargaining agreements, labor laws, grievance and arbitration procedures, and contract interpretation.

Knowledge of employment and labor laws and key regulatory requirements, including EEO principles and requirements.

Skill in leading labor negotiations, resolving complex labor disputes, interpreting collective bargaining agreements, conducting investigations, and developing practical solutions to labor relations issues.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and ability to manage the operations and programs of the unit/team.

Ability to analyze complex labor relations issues, exercise sound judgment, and maintain strict confidentiality.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding organization and employee information.

Ability to perform detailed analyses of data and information and make recommendations.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Ability to use computer hardware and modern office suite software.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with executive leadership, managers, employees, union representatives, legal counsel, and other stakeholders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A master’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations, Personnel Administration, or Public Administration.

Substantive experience in labor and employee relations and union contract negotiations in both the private and public sectors.

EDUCATION

A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, business administration, Industrial and Labor Relations, or a related field.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family’s health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here. 

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.