Doyle - Director of Employee Relations - 1.0 FTE

MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants for openings for the 2025-2026 school year. Applicants should have a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning. Why You Should Work with MMSD! The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin. We have a simple but bold vision — to ensure that every school is a thriving school, that prepares every student to graduate from high school ready for college, career, and community. We welcome applicants who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff. In addition, we have a great compensation package. Visit our benefits page and compensation page for more information. Becoming a Model School District The Madison Metropolitan School District is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. We have a simple but bold vision — to ensure that every school is a thriving school, fostering the growth of every student so they graduate from high school ready for college, career and community. Our strategy is captured in our strategic framework , and centers on three major goals: that all children achieve academically, that our schools are places where children and adults thrive, and that our Black youth excel at school. To achieve this vision, we seek to retain staff in all positions, who are committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. Staff who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families and staff. We firmly believe in and are here to create a work environment that is challenging and rewarding, while supporting employees in their career path. We strive to provide, encourage, grow, and develop a talented workforce that better supports and represents the diversity of our student population. We know this vision doesn't come to life without dynamic leaders and support staff in every school. About Our District The Madison Metropolitan School District is the second largest school district in Wisconsin. The district serves a beautifully diverse population of more than 25,000 students. More than half are students of color. Almost half come from low income households. Nearly one third are English Language Learners, and more than 100 languages are represented in our schools. Madison schools are committed to making this district a place where every child thrives. Purpose of Position: Under the general supervision of the General Legal Counsel, this position provides strategic leadership for the District’s employee relations (ER) functions and partners with leaders to advance a fair, equitable, consistent and inclusive workplace culture. This role serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, administrators, supervisors and HR partners, on complex employee relations matters, including misconduct investigations, corrective action administration, conflict resolution, and performance improvement management. The Director advances a culture of accountability, respect and belonging, supporting the District's mission, values and commitment to equity. Supervisory Responsibilities: This position is directly responsible for leading and supervising the Employee Relations Analyst. Supervisory duties include coaching, performance evaluation, provision of feedback, and ensuring accountability and alignment with District priorities and strategic goals. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Lead and direct the Employee Relations function: 30% Develop and implement a comprehensive employee relations strategy aligned with Legal Services and District priorities Oversee the strategic direction, operational effectiveness and overall performance of the Employee Relations function Identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategic initiatives Ensure policies and procedures comply with applicable federal, state and local laws Manage and monitor departmental budget allocations, ensuring all expenditures are tracked, reconciled, and aligned with organizational fiscal goals Provide guidance and coaching on ER matters: 25% Advise on corrective action, discipline, performance, and compliance matters Recommend hiring, promotion, termination, disciplinary and commendatory actions of personnel Deliver employee relations training and guidance to leaders Coach leaders through complex employee matters, conflict resolution and sensitive personnel issues Counsel employees on concerns related to applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Municipal Employment Relations Act, and other laws Support consistent interpretation and application of Board policies and Employee Handbook provisions Oversee Investigations, Complaints Compliance 25% Establish and maintain investigation protocols and standards to ensure consistency, fairness procedural integrity Direct and oversee complex and high-risk workplace investigations, employee appeals and grievances Monitor trends in complaints and investigations to identify systemic issues and recommend proactive interventions Ensure corrective actions are implemented consistently and aligned with District policy Provide analysis and reporting to executive leadership regarding employee relations trends, compliance and organizational risk Partner with internal stakeholders 15% Collaborate with internal stakeholders to integrate processes and streamline workflows Maintain satisfactory employee relations through a variety of techniques such as quarterly meetings with employee groups, including employee unions Administer and align the employee relations functions with district requirements through close collaboration with Title IX and Human Resources Refer complaints to the Title IX Coordinator, as appropriate Other Duties as Assigned: 5% Perform other duties as assigned by executive leadership, or their designee May serve as a representative in the Handbook review process Attend district and school functions that support MMSD’s strategic framework, initiatives, and core values Complete any and all district required training Build collaborative relationships with District stakeholders Prepare and present reports related to employee relations Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions: Excellent verbal and written communication skills Strong analytical skills, and ability to interpret and communicate data Thorough understanding of human resources and employee relations principles, practices, and procedures Knowledge of labor relations practices and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws (EEO, WFEA, ADA, FMLA ,WFMLA, MERA, etc.) Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, grievance and arbitration processes Demonstrated leadership skills with ability to guide teams and influence organizational direction Calm, steady and strategic presence in high stake fast-moving environments Ability to shift approach and priorities as needed while maintaining clarity, consistency, and confidentiality Ability to exercise sound, independent judgement in sensitive and confidential situations Ability to influence outcomes through fact-based analysis, thoughtful explanation and principled decision-making Exhibit strong coaching capabilities and the ability to influence outcomes through facts, thoughtful explanation, and principled decision-making Strong organization and record keeping skills Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations or other field Experience in Employee Relations/Human Resources conducting or overseeing the following: investigations, corrective action administration, conflict resolution, grievances, and performance management Juris Doctorate (preferred) License or Certification: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential (preferred)