Manager, Workplace Investigations

Manager, Workplace Investigations

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference-in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary:

Serves as lead investigator on all workplace employee investigations, including but not limited to allegations or complaints of employee misconduct, rule or policy violations, workplace discrimination or harassment, and other unprofessional or inappropriate workplace behavior. Makes post-investigative findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Responsible for devising and enforcing corrective actions as needed. Workforce is comprised of approximately 1000 employees in 5 collective bargaining units covering administrative, professional, trades, scientist, and engineering positions.

Posting Period:

Location: Deer Island, MA

Salary: $138,000 to $150,000 Annually

Key Responsibilities

• Serves as primary investigator on workplace investigations involving alleged inappropriate behavior and employment policy violations which may result in disciplinary action, using best practice investigative procedures.
• Partners with the Affirmative Action and Compliance Unit (AACU) to conduct thorough and timely workplace investigations of allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and/or retaliation based on an employee's protected class or activity (e.g., gender, race, religion, etc.) in violation of MWRA policies.
• Collects and evaluates evidence, including witness interviews and statements, timesheets, payroll records, GPS and other vehicle data, video surveillance, and other relevant records. Develops sound defensible investigative plans and conclusions. Drafts investigation reports, including findings of fact and analysis of policy violations and compliance.
• Presents findings and makes recommendations to Director of Human Resources (HR), Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, legal counsel, and/or senior management as appropriate relative to discipline and other corrective actions to resolve and remediate complaints.
• Collaborates with staff in HR, AACU, and Law Division to ensure that the Authority complies with requirements of collective bargaining agreements and relevant labor laws throughout the investigation process, maintaining records and communication in an appropriately confidential manner.
• Participates in meetings with management staff to discuss discipline and other confidential personnel matters.
• Manages investigative caseloads and investigative records. Prepares and maintains documentation related to workplace investigations, including but not limited to witness statements, interview summaries, and investigation reports. Oversees workplace investigations conducted by other staff.
• Identifies areas in which employees require training to ensure compliance with MWRA policies, collective bargaining agreements, rules and procedures, as well as state and federal laws related to the workplace. Coordinates with Training Unit to facilitate training as needed.
• Testifies on behalf of or otherwise represents the Authority in legal and/or administrative proceedings regarding investigations and related corrective action. Aids with litigation as needed.
• Under the direction of the Director, Human Resources develops and implements HR goals, objectives, and long-term strategies related to investigations, nondiscrimination and harassment prevention, and other workplace conduct concerns, including review and revision of employment policies.
• Oversee the investigations' department budget, contracts, and financial transactions and assists with labor relations, employment, compensation, and benefits matters as needed. Manages the department in a manner consistent with MWRA's goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, human resources, labor relations, business administration or a related field (Juris Doctor preferred); and
• Strong understanding of labor and employee relations, personnel administration, and grievance administration as acquired through at least seven (7) years of experience conducting workplace investigations related to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, retaliation, violations of workplace policies, and/or employee misconduct (preferably in the public sector in a unionized environment), with a minimum of 3 years of supervisory or managerial experience in any field; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team and to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Thorough knowledge of best practices for conducting workplace investigations.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant state and federal personnel laws, practices, and regulations, including M.G.L. c. 151B and corresponding federal laws (e.g., Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), etc.).
• Proficiency with computer software, such as MS Office Suite and videoconference applications.
• Excellent interpersonal, managerial, oral and written communication skills, including narrative report-writing experience.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion while handling highly sensitive matters.
• Strong critical thinking skills to analyze and assess evidence and draw conclusions based thereupon.
• Thorough knowledge of Massachusetts labor laws, including M.G.L. c. 150E, and best practices for drafting and revising employment policies is preferred.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Director of Human Resources. Dotted line reporting relationship to the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer (Special Assistant for Affirmative Action and Compliance). Provides direct supervision of the Employee Relations Specialist. Exercises functional supervision over other staff in the Human Resources Department and Affirmative Action and Compliance Unit as required for projects, initiatives, or investigations.

MWRA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.