MANAGER III, EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS

Manages the Employment Rights Administration Division (ERAD). Responsible for the administration of the following MPS functions: management of internal EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity), harassment and bullying complaints; job accommodation (e.g., religious; disability) compliance; fitness-for-duty assessments; administrative leave assessments; leaves of absence management (including management of services by the Boards third-party administrator for FMLA requests); and unemployment claims management. Counsels and advises administrators and supervisors regarding these functions. Identifies and analyzes risks, trends, legal matters and issues that affect the districts policies and operations. Investigates EEOC/ERD complaints and manages related litigation as needed in coordination with City Attorneys Office.

Salary Range: 107,975 - 155,896

Applications for the following position are being accepted by the Office of Human Resources through October 28, 2025.

A current resume must be attached to the completed application. Additionally, ALL candidates must attach transcripts confirming the required (in red enter one of the following Associates, Bachelors, Masters) degree (unofficial transcripts can be submitted, however official transcripts will be required upon hire).

• If you are unable to electronically attach these documents, you must notify human resources that you are sending hard copies (lamothkp@milwaukee.k12.wi.us).

If you are selected for the next stage of the interview process, you will be contacted via email to submit electronic professional references. Identified references will receive an online reference check to complete.

No applications or application materials will be accepted after the deadline date.

Appointment is subject to a criminal background check, a drug/alcohol test and credential verification.

• Position requires a law degree from an accredited university and a member in good standing with the Wisconsin Bar Association.
• Three or more years of responsible experience with complaint investigations; experience with leaves of absence, unemployment claims and job accommodation requests are required
• Public sector experience or large institution experience is desired.

1. Manages internal complaint process regarding EEO, bullying and harassment. Interacts with all levels of the district to gather information, assess validity of allegations, and resolve conflicts. Manages mediation program. Investigates EEOC/ERD complaints and manages related litigation as needed.
2. Ensures job accommodation compliance and conducts fitness-for-duty assessments. Coordinates with and provides guidance to supervisors regarding appropriate accommodation. Communicates with physicians, administrators, department heads, attorneys and employee representatives. Researches, negotiates and resolves requests from employees, serving as the Boards internal resource. Identifies and determines defense strategies.
3. Administers administrative leave functions including competency/risk/ability assessments (in consultation with medical professional as warranted). Places employees on involuntary leave and authorizes return to work in accordance with established protocol.
4. Manages all formal leave of absences, including coordination of FMLA leave with third-party. Administers AWOL process for employees who fail to return from leave or fail to obtain leave as required by established procedures.
5. Manages and administers unemployment claim function and ensures that MPS is protected from unworthy claims. This function includes: raising eligibility defenses, investigating merits of claims, sending responses for information, gathering evidence, hearing preparation, and representing MPS at unemployment hearings.
6. Provides training and expert advice as needed on subject matters related to essential functions.
7. Participates as a member of the Office of Human Resources management staff to develop strategic plans for the HR Department and for Milwaukee Public Schools.
8. Manages personnel, to include work allocation, training, and problem resolution, evaluating performance and making recommendations for personnel actions according to the policies and procedures of MPS and direction provided by the Milwaukee Public Schools Board of Directors.
9. Actively supports the MPS Strategic Plan.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

The Milwaukee Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of a person's sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, every applicant for a position with Milwaukee Public Schools will be subject to the open records law. Any applicant not wishing to have his/her identity released, must submit a written statement to that effect to the Office of Human Resources. The identities of all "final candidates" may be released. Milwaukee Public Schools reserves the right to interview the best qualified candidates.