Director, Employee & Labor Relations

 
The County of Santa Clara is launching a major effort to modernize and strengthen what Employee & Labor Relations (ELR) can look like in the public sector, elevating ELR from a reactive function into a proactive, insight driven, and collaborative strategic partner shaping organizational strategy. We’re looking for a visionary Director, Employee & Labor Relations to lead the way. 

 
Your Mission 

Lead and modernize a full service, centralized ELR department that is trusted, consistent, and equity driven. In this role, you’ll collaborate with County leadership to design and deliver ELR strategies that support innovation, organizational health, and a culture of trust across County. You will oversee the development, organization, and administration of ELR operations and ensure the effective execution of the County’s ELR strategic vision. 
 
What Makes This Role Unique 

• Scale & Complexity: You will lead ELR strategy and service delivery for a large, diverse public organization, operating across a broad range of essential services. You’ll work at the intersection of leadership, unions, and the workforce to ensure consistency, compliance, and strategic alignment across a dynamic enterprise. 

• Innovation in Government: Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we’re redefining what public sector ELR can be by leveraging technology, data, and design thinking to resolve disputes, empower leaders, and improve employee experience. 

• Equity at the Core: We strive to create a more just and prosperous community by focusing on equity, inclusion, and belonging in County services, initiatives, policies, and decisions. You’ll ensure our ELR practices uphold fairness, transparency, and consistency across the workforce. 

• Direct Impact: You’ll advise County leadership on ELR strategy, negotiations, and organizational design, shaping decisions that have widespread organizational impact. 

What You Bring 

• Proven public-sector ELR leadership in large, complex organizations, with expertise representing management in negotiations and navigating sensitive, high-stakes matters. 

• Deep knowledge of California employment law and public-sector collective bargaining frameworks. 

• Strong negotiation and dispute-resolution skills, including grievance handling, mediation, arbitration, and fact-finding. 

• Ability to design, scale, and maintain ELR programs and systems. 

• Political acumen and emotional intelligence to build trust, navigate complex union relationships, and communicate with clarity. 

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence and present effectively to diverse audiences.