ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the mission of Freedom House. We have a strong work ethic and a keen desire for both personal and professional development. The team is also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Employee & Labor Relations Manager will play a critical role in all labor relations activities, which includes but is not limited to advising on collective bargaining negotiations; and providing guidance, support, training and counsel to staff and managers in employee and labor relations, compliance, policies & procedures, performance management and other employment legal matters. As first point of contact in all US employee and labor relations matters, the Manager will recommend solutions that reduce risk to the organization, provide appropriate support to all US-based employees, and ensure a fair, consistent approach to employee and labor relations practices. Additionally, they will help to create programs and initiatives that support positive relations between union and non-union staff, the union itself, and the organization with the goal of promoting employee engagement and satisfaction. The position will also work closely with the Director of Global Talent & Culture (T&C) as Freedom House prioritizes equity across all of Freedom House. The responsibilities of this role include proactive and responsive employee and labor relations, workplace investigations, management consultations, employee mediations, and other complex employee and labor relations matters in the US. Balancing time between the reactive and proactive spaces, training, policy development and culture cultivation will be critical for success in this role.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Relations

• Develops, cascades and promotes standardized processes, templates, tools and/or technologies to managing employee and labor relations, corrective action administration and escalated issue resolution protocols.
• Manages employee relations matters to ensure that confidential personnel information, organization processes and procedures meet internal and external audit requirements.
• Works with the T&C Team to administer, follow-up, and provide support to create solutions-based strategies to address organizational risks.
• Establishes credibility as a resource throughout the organization through problem solving and coaching techniques.
• Collaborates with VP, T&C on initiatives and processes informed by diversity, equity, and inclusion and focused on employee retention by promoting a high level of employee engagement in alignment with our culture pillars.
• Develops core Talent & Culture training programs that advance organizational mission, values and ways of working in a unionized environment.
• Leads investigations into labor relations matters, administers disciplinary actions, leave administration, job reclassifications and conflict resolution.
• Administers federal/state leave policies and assists in the design and implementation of organization policies and procedures.

Labor Relations

• Serves on the Management Bargaining Committee and provides labor relations support throughout the collective bargaining negotiation process, including note taking, action management, drafting and reviewing articles of agreement.
• Coordinates the Labor-Management Committee, including agenda-setting, facilitating, and advising management.
• Participates in the development and execution of labor relations strategies, provides guidance and proactively resolves labor relations issues.
• Ensures proactive organizational compliance with collective bargaining agreements by interpreting and implementing articles of agreement.
• Serves as a lead point of contact with union representative provides direction in addressing and resolving grievances and other labor management/union issues.
• Supports Vice President, Talent & Culture and other Executives with NLRB, federal courts and other legal matters.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in industrial relations, Human Resources, Business or related area or Law degree and Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification desired. Certified mediator helpful.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a Human Resources with 3 of those years in employee relations or labor relations.
• Knowledge of contract administration and management of union – related matters
• Experience in a union environment preferred.
• Knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act, National Labor Relations Board and federal court precedent with an understanding of the litigation process to help predict outcomes and impact on Freedom House to reduce risk and ensure compliance.
• Knowledge of employment law and practices (with an emphasis on ADA, the interactive process for accommodation requests, and leave of absence requirements).
• Understanding of organization policies, procedures, state and federal laws, with the ability to apply the knowledge to multiple situations. • Ability to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation and strong mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience administering leaves of absence and legal compliance (FMLA, ADA).
• Exceptional written and verbal/nonverbal skills, along with finely tuned interpersonal skills and professional judgment.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence toward employees, also serving as a trusted resource.
• Have a track record as a successful change agent who can help lead a transformation in culture.
• A highly collaborative work style with the ability to partner with and influence key organizational leaders and build high functioning teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively across cultural differences.
• Possess excellent judgment and decision-making skills, including the ability to problem solve.
• Invested in creating a positive and collegial unionized work environment that reflects equity across union, non-union, and international employees.

Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
• Excellent relationship-builder with the ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, the union, management, and external partners.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply. Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome asset.
• Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications for this position.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.

COMPENSATION & REWARDS:

• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $90,000 to $110,000 annualized, dependent upon experience.
• We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
• Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
• $1,500 yearly professional development reimbursement for work-related trainings courses or memberships directly related to employee’s position.
• Generous Leave Programs:
  • Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 15 days for 0-2 years, 20 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days.
  • Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year
  • 14 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year
  • Parental leave: 20 days paid
  • Bereavement: 3 days paid
  • Jury duty: 30 days paid
• Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and “no meeting Fridays”
• Supply annual allocation benefit: $210 for the purchase of home office equipment
• Mental health and well-being services through KonTerra Group
• Free gym at the DC office
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance
• Employee assistance program

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work.
• May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
• Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.