SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Organizational and Talent Development, the Director of Employee Relations oversees, interprets, and applies union agreements while managing employee relations issues. The Director is also tasked with providing guidance and enforcing University policies and procedures as administered by the Division of Human Resources. This role is responsible for developing and implementing proactive employee relations strategies, fostering a positive workplace culture, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and University policies.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Designs and delivers training programs for managers and employees on employee relations best practices, conflict resolution, performance management, and respectful workplace behavior.
• Provides coaching and guidance to managers on handling employee relations issues effectively.
• Leads initiatives to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development across the University.
• Develops and implements initiatives to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Conducts stay interviews, climate assessments, and exit interviews to identify trends and recommend improvements to leadership.
• Collaborates with leadership to develop and implement strategies for effective performance management, including coaching, counseling, and disciplinary action. Works closely with HR partners to ensure performance expectations are clearly communicated and consistently enforced.
• Confers with employees, supervisors, and management officials regarding organizational, managerial, or employee matters that impact employees. Interprets University policies and procedures as needed to address these matters. In cases of disagreements among the parties, collaborates with the parties to reach mutually agreed-upon resolutions informally, where possible; provides guidance in the formal resolution of complaints and appeals of disciplinary actions.
• Maintains open and productive communications with employees, supervisors, management officials, and representatives of external agencies as assigned.
• Develops, updates, and communicates employee relations policies and guidelines to ensure consistency and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Conducts investigations into employee complaints, workplace conflicts, and policy violations while ensuring confidentiality, impartiality, and adherence to due process.
• Oversees and conducts employee relations investigations related to workplace conduct, harassment, retaliation, and other workplace issues. Prepares investigation reports and recommends appropriate corrective actions to leadership. Coordinates with legal counsel, as needed, to ensure compliance with employment laws and risk mitigation strategies.
• Supports the University’s commitment to institutional excellence by aligning employee relations practices with inclusion initiatives.
• Establishes and promotes initiatives that encourage ongoing professional growth, skill-building, and innovation within the workplace. Partners with departments to support leadership development, mentorship programs, and knowledge-sharing opportunities that align with the University’s mission and values.
• Analyzes employee relations trends and key metrics to provide insights and recommendations to University leadership. Prepares reports on employee relations cases, grievances, investigations, and resolutions to inform decision-making.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in organizational development, human resources, business administration or a related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressive experience in employee relations.
• Ability to influence at all levels using excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience leading and managing cross-functional teams with a demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff.
• Willingness to travel to off-campus meetings.
• Ability to work flexible hours and to have a strong physical presence on campus. Some remote work flexibility available.

PREFERRED:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in organizational development, human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience in a higher education environment, preferably at a public institution.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience
• Experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience with Workday HCM
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, and quick learning of new applications.
• Human Resources Certification (example: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP)