Principal Specialist – Employee Relations (Hybrid Remote: McLean, VA/DC Area)

Join Maximus as a Principal Specialist - Employee Relations in this full-time, hybrid remote position serving the McLean, VA/DC area. Based in Penbrook, Dauphin County, our centralized Employee Relations team is seeking a strategic leader to drive compliance excellence, build team capability, and resolve complex workplace matters with integrity and insight.

About the Role

The Principal Specialist - Employee Relations is a key member of our Employee Relations function, working at the intersection of people strategy, risk management, and organizational development. You'll partner closely with senior HR leadership to strengthen ER capability, enhance service quality, and ensure consistent compliance across the enterprise.

What You'll Do

• Conduct objective quality audits of Employee Relations processes and case management to identify gaps and improvement opportunities
• Lead sensitive and high-risk investigations with professionalism, confidentiality, and legal awareness, ensuring fair and thorough outcomes
• Build and elevate team capabilities through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing that strengthens overall ER function maturity
• Partner with Employee Relations leadership to develop and implement standards that enhance service quality and regulatory compliance
• Identify systemic process gaps and recommend solutions that improve efficiency, consistency, and enterprise-wide risk mitigation
• Maintain detailed documentation and recommend policy refinements based on emerging workplace trends and legal considerations

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in employee relations, HR business partnerships, or workplace investigations
• Strong ability to assess complex situations objectively and recommend balanced, legally sound solutions
• Excellent communication skills with ability to interact professionally across all organizational levels
• Demonstrated capability to manage sensitive matters with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality
• Familiarity with employment compliance requirements and ability to identify and mitigate HR-related risks
• Experience with HR audits, gap analysis, or process improvement is a plus

About Maximus

Maximus is a mission-driven organization committed to serving communities across the country and creating a workplace where people can do meaningful work and grow their careers.

How to Apply

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.