Employee Relations Manager

SHERYL WILLIAMS JONES, JD

Alexandria, VA ***** • 703-***-**** • *************@*****.***

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-williams-jones

Professional Summary

Accomplished and forward-thinking Labor and Employee Relations attorney, consultant and manager with experience providing expert advice to employers and staff. Build positive and professional rapport with clients, fact-finders and colleagues. Conduct thorough investigations with discretion and provide advice in accordance with applicable labor and employment laws. Manage multiple projects, working effectively with cross-functional teams including Office of General Counsel. Proactive and critical-thinker committed to creating an equitable workplace.

Core Competencies

● Knowledge of federal and state labor and

employment laws, regulations and their

application to the workplace

● Interpretation and application of collective

bargaining agreements

● Advise on allegations of reasonable

accommodation, bullying, discrimination,

harassment and retaliation

● Trial, arbitration and witness preparation

● Manage and conduct workplace investigations

in a multi-cultural environment

● Analyze Litigation Trends

● Manage Company’s Risks and Implement Best

Practices

● Labor and Employee Relations Expert

● Investigate Complex Issues

● Compliance Lead

● Data-driven and detail-oriented management

official and confidante

● Management and employee training to ensure

compliance with federal laws and regulations

● Negotiations, mediation and conflict resolution

Experience

Interim Labor Relations Officer, Architect of the Capitol 05/2021 - 11/2021 Avant Garde LLC - Washington, DC

● Provided guidance to supervisors and staff on a variety of complex and sensitive issues with discretion

● Mediated conflict between management and staff in an attempt to reconcile differences

● Handled employee and management grievances

● Managed grievance proceedings, arbitrations, and hearings.

● Acted as expert in labor proceedings and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements

● Worked closely with the Offices of the General Counsel, Inspector General, Safety and Compliance, Diversity and Inclusion and other senior officials to comply with several collective bargaining agreements

● Managed issues related to return-to-work, vaccinations and safety of employees during a critical time Chief, Labor and Employee Relations, 05/2012 to 06/2019 U.S. Agency For Global Media – Washington, DC

Retired Federal Government Employee

● Interpreted and advised on labor and employee relations policies and collective bargaining agreements

● Reduced grievances and arbitration by educating frontline managers on techniques for enhancing interactions between labor and management

● Responsible for overall product and issuance of disciplinary and performance actions of USAGM employees.

● Ensured actions were taken in a manner that facilitated an equitable workplace.

● In consultation with Office of the General Counsel reviewed and finalized decisions related to workplace issues.

● As a trusted management official worked across functional lines to maintain a safe and compliant workplace.

● Collaborate with Office of Civil Rights regarding requests for accommodations, FMLA and leave issues. SHERYL WILLIAMS JONES, J.D.

Alexandria, VA 22310 • 703-***-**** •*************@*****.*** https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-williams-jones

Assistant General Counsel, 10/2009 to 05/2012

U.S. Agency For Global Media – Washington, DC

● Led trials, hearings and grievances including resolving disputes as needed.

● Represented management on cases before Federal District courts, administrative agencies and arbitrations.

● Provided training to managers about labor and employee-related issues.

● Managed a high-volume caseload.

● Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues to develop strategies and arguments for the presentation of cases.

● Regularly conducted discovery, took depositions and prepared witnesses for trial and hearings. Attorney, 03/2007 to 10/2009

Independent Contractor – Washington, DC

● Achieved successful outcomes of cases due to my insight and knowledge of legal precedents.

● The ability to pivot and work under pressure while strategically planning during impromptu situations and competing priorities.

● Provide practical legal advice while collaborating with clients such as the American Red Cross, Assigned Counsel and Compliance.

● As Interim In-House Counsel for American Red Cross, consulted with outside counsel to manage the workload.

● Ability to handle confidential information and materials with the highest degree of discretion and professional responsibility.

Attorney, 07/1991 to 02/2007

Federal Aviation Administration – Washington, DC

● Represented employer before MSBP, EEOC, in arbitrations, internal negotiations, grievance procedures and Federal Courts.

● Evaluated findings and developed strategies and arguments in preparation for cases.

● Translated complex issues and provided clear guidance in collaboration with management. Education

J.D.: 05/1989

Georgetown University Law Center - Washington, DC

A.B. History: 06/1986

Princeton University - Princeton, NJ

Certifications

● Certified EEO Investigator 2019

● Active - Public Trust Clearance

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