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 nations 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: 9/23/2025 - 10/6/2025

Location: Deer Island (Winthrop) MA

Salary: $135000 to $147000 Annually

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

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 employees 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 MWRAs goals of diversity equity and inclusion.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors 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.

• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather and other emergencies.

• May be eligible for telework up to 50% of the work week; a waiting period may apply.

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.

Other Position Information

PCR:

Division: Administration

Department: Human Resources

Union/Grade: Non-union/Grade 14

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color national or ethnic origin age religion disability sex or gender sexual orientation gender identity or expression or veteran status.

Required Experience:

Manager