Director, Employee and Labor Relations
About the CountyThe County of Santa Clara is a premier public agency serving over 1.9 million residents and employing more than 23,000 people. Our Employee Services Agency supports employees, retirees, and agencies across 30+ departments through Employee & Labor Relations, Recruitment & Classification, Benefits, Executive Services, and Administration.About the RoleWe are launching a major effort to modernize and strengthen Employee & Labor Relations (ELR), elevating it from a reactive function to a proactive, insight-driven strategic partner.Director, Employee & Labor Relations will lead this transformation, managing negotiations with 17 unions, shaping labor strategy and employee experience, and building a best-in-class ELR function.Your MissionLead and modernize a full-service, centralized ELR department that is trusted, consistent, and equity-driven. Collaborate with County leadership to design and deliver ELR strategies that support innovation, organizational health, and a culture of trust.What Makes This Role UniqueScale & Complexity: Lead ELR strategy for a large, diverse public organization across essential services.Innovation in Government: Leverage technology, data, and design thinking to improve employee experience.Equity at the Core: Uphold fairness, transparency, and consistency across the workforce.Direct Impact: Advise leadership on strategy, negotiations, and organizational design.What You'll DoStrategic ELR LeadershipSet vision, standards, and operating model for a proactive ELR function.Plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate ELR programs, policies, and service delivery.Chief Negotiator & Contract AdministrationServe as the County's Chief Negotiator for collective bargaining.Lead negotiations, grievance resolution, and impasse procedures while achieving principled outcomes.Issue Resolution, Investigations & PerformanceOversee grievances, investigations, disciplinary matters, and performance management.Ensure consistency and equity in leaves administration and employment practices.Policy, Compliance & PartnershipInterpret and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, MOUs, and policies.Partner with County Counsel on legal risk, discipline, and litigation strategy.Analytics, Service Design & Change ManagementUse data to monitor trends and outcomes across ELR functions.Redesign services for clarity, empathy, responsiveness, and modern delivery.Team Leadership & Talent DevelopmentSelect, hire, coach, and develop staff, fostering continuous learning.Achieve strategic goals through peak team performance and quality standards.Direct enterprise projects and studies to elevate service quality and organizational health.What You BringProven ELR leadership in large, complex public-sector organizations.Deep knowledge of California employment law and collective bargaining frameworks.Strong negotiation, dispute-resolution, and mediation skills.Ability to design, scale, and maintain ELR programs and systems.Political acumen and emotional intelligence to build trust and navigate union relationships.Exceptional communication skills to influence and present to diverse audiences.What Success Looks LikeShort-term (6–12 months)Establish strategic partner model shifting ELR from reactive to proactive.Redesign key processes for clarity, consistency, and equity.Build trust and enhance communications with departments, labor partners, and employees.Define goals, metrics, and standards to guide transformation.Long-termReduce resolution time and increase consistency across the enterprise.Strengthen labor relationships and improve contract administration outcomes.Build data-informed ELR practice enhancing organizational health.Position Santa Clara County as a national model for ELR excellence.Why Join Us?Mission-driven public agency dedicated to community well-being.Influence employee and labor relations in a leading California agency.Collaborative, inclusive culture with innovation opportunities.BenefitsStrategic Financial and Retirement BenefitsCalPERS pension with reciprocity; 2.5% @ 55 for Classic Members, 2% @ 62 for Non-Classic Members.457 Deferred Compensation Plan with pre-tax and Roth options.$325,000 term life insurance plus $300,000 accidental death and disability.Eligible employer under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).Health, Wellness, and Family SupportPremium health insurance options with up to 96% County-paid coverage.Fully covered dental and vision plans for individuals and families.Employee Assistance Program, Dependent Care Assistance, and FSA.Access to wellness and leadership development programs.Leadership Mobility, Time Off, and Growth39 days annual leave with cash-out option plus 13 paid holidays.Relocation assistance.Tuition reimbursement and internal executive development.Valley Transportation Agency Smart Pass/Clipper card.J-18808-Ljbffr