Principal Specialist, Employee Relations

Maximus

Employee Relations Principal Specialist leading high-risk workplace investigations for Maximus, a government services company. Advising leaders, coaching ER teams, and improving centralized HR processes and compliance.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeMcLean • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $110,000 - $140,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading sensitive workplace investigations, advising on employee relations matters, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. Possesses strong analytical, communication, and conflict resolution skills essential for effective case management and stakeholder collaboration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris Doctor (JD) Degree8+ Years Employee Relations ExperienceWorkplace Investigations LeadershipIn-Depth Knowledge of Employment LawsStrong Consultative and Coaching Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Investigation Report WritingCase ManagementRisk AssessmentFact FindingCompliance KnowledgeEmployee Relations Best PracticesConflict ResolutionAnalytical SkillsDocumentation StandardsInvestigative Governance

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication SkillsAttention to DetailConfidentialityCross-Functional CollaborationStakeholder Influence

Industry Keywords

Title VIIFMLAADEAADAEmployee Relations Center of ExcellenceCentralized Employee Relations FunctionMatrixed OrganizationSCA ComplianceOrganizational RiskPerformance Expectations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and execute sensitive, high-risk investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, serious misconduct, senior leaders, and significant organizational risk.
Gather evidence, conduct interviews, assess credibility, and document investigation findings.
Advise HR and business leaders on appropriate actions, risk mitigation, employee experience, corrective actions, performance and behavior expectations, conflict resolution, and documentation.
Coach and support Employee Relations Specialists and Senior Specialists.
Review investigation plans, case notes, interview outlines, and case documentation for quality, consistency, and policy alignment.
Support triage and case management through intake, assessment, case assignment, escalation, and transfer.
Partner with Legal, Global Ethics & Compliance, Security, HRBPs, and business leadership on investigative approaches, outcomes, and follow-up actions.
Handle sensitive employee and business information using appropriate data handling, privacy, and documentation standards.
Identify case trends and root causes and recommend improvements to Employee Relations processes, training, and policies.
Stay current on employment law and Employee Relations best practices and incorporate updates into guidance.
Help evolve and build a centralized Employee Relations Center of Excellence with scalable practices and improved team capability.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school or master’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field
8+ years of progressive Employee Relations experience
Significant experience leading workplace investigations and advising on complex employee relations matters
In-depth knowledge of employment laws and Employee Relations best practices
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Ability to write comprehensive investigation reports and present findings effectively
Strong consultative, coaching, and conflict resolution skills
Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and sound case management practices
Experience with complex investigations and fact finding
Experience working in a centralized Employee Relations function in a matrixed organization
Experience with risk assessment, compliance, and employment law
Strategic advisory and stakeholder influence experience
Experience with case management, triage, and investigative governance
Cross-functional collaboration experience
Demonstrated experience conducting investigations, audits, or case reviews
Familiarity with Title VII, FMLA, ADEA, and ADA and their application to workplace conduct
Strong understanding of HR policies, conflict resolution practices, and workplace investigations
Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Experience with SCA compliance and cleared populations preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Retirement savings plan
Paid holidays
Paid time off
Short- and long-term incentives
Program-specific awards
Reasonable accommodations during the employment process