Senior Director, Employee Relations

Join the future of newsWe’re on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you’ll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.About Our TeamThe Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.Why This Role MattersThe Senior Director, Employee Relations is responsible for leading the company-wide employee relations function, ensuring consistent, fair, and effective practices across a complex, multi-union workforce. Reporting to the CHRO, this role serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, translating strategic priorities into disciplined execution through a team of HR Business Partners. The role combines deep expertise in investigations and labor relations with the ability to build scalable processes, strengthen manager capability, and manage organizational risk. This leader works closely with our Legal team to execute labor relations strategy while driving consistency, quality, and measurable improvements in employee relations outcomes across the company.The Senior Director, Employee Relations serves as a trusted advisor to executive leaders, managers of all levels, and employees, providing sound judgment and practical guidance on complex employee and labor relations matters. This role leads the development and enforcement of company policies and practices that support a dynamic, unionized media environment while minimizing organizational risk.What Motivates YouYou may be a strong fit for this role if you are energized by:Being a trusted sounding board to senior leaders and managers of all levels, helping them navigate high-stakes, sensitive people issuesApplying sound judgment in ambiguous situations where there is no clear “right answer”Leading complex investigations and ensuring fairness, consistency, and integrity in outcomesWorking in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment where business, editorial, and workforce dynamics intersectEngaging in labor relations, including union negotiations, grievance management, and contract interpretationBuilding and improving processes that create consistency and scalability across employee relations practicesCoaching managers to handle performance, conduct, and employee concerns more effectivelyBalancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution and high attention to detailHow You Will Contribute To The MissionServe as a primary advisor to the CHRO and senior leadership on complex employee and labor relations mattersLead complex, high-risk employee relations investigations end-to-end and ensure best practices in documentation and case managementLead the enterprise-wide employee relations team and provide oversight to HR Business Partners delivering ER support across the organizationSet and enforce standards for ER practices across the HRBP team, ensuring consistency and defensibilityPartner with Legal in labor relations matters, including bargaining preparation, grievance management, and contract administrationOversee highly complex and sensitive ER matters with legal, operational, and reputational implicationsDesign and implement ER policies, programs, and scalable processesStrengthen manager capability through coaching, tools, and trainingDrive measurable improvements in ER outcomes, including reducing reliance on severance through stronger performance managementManage departmental budgets including payroll and severance-related expensesThe Skills And Experience You BringBachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred10+ years of progressive experience in employee and labor relations, ideally in a unionized environmentExperience in media or entertainment industry preferredDemonstrated experience leading complex investigations and advising senior leadershipExperience supporting union negotiations and labor relations execution preferredExperience designing company policies, processes, and frameworksExperience managing and developing teamsSPHR, PHR, or SHRM-SCP certification preferredExceptional judgment and ability to navigate ambiguity with fairness and consistencyStrong organizational skills and attention to detailStrong coaching, influencing, and relationship-building skillsStrong knowledge of employment law and labor relationsStrong critical thinking and problem-solving skillsHigh level of integrity, discretion, and professionalismExperience leading large-scale organizational change initiatives and projects, including significant workforce transitionsCollaboration makes us stronger. That’s why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.Compensation And BenefitsWherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:Competitive medical, dental and vision coverageCompany-paid pension and 401(k) matchThree weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leaveNine paid holidays and two personal days20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parentRobust mental health resourcesBackup care and caregiver concierge servicesGender affirming servicesPet insuranceFree Post digital subscriptionLeadership and career development programsBenefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.The salary range for this position is:$172,300 - $320,100 AnnualThe actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.Your story awaits. Apply today! Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.