AST DIR, Employee Relations

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

9d•$100,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Employee Relations is responsible for managing all aspects of UFHR Employee Relations for the Health Science Center (HSC) Office. This role provides expert guidance on performance management, policy interpretation, disciplinary actions, and proactive employee relations and engagement initiatives. The position ensures the development and implementation of programs, practices, and policies that foster a productive, compliant, and positive work environment across the HSC. The Assistant Director is expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment, motivation, and energy, along with professionalism, collaboration, and strong organizational skills. This role requires sound judgment, integrity, and a team-oriented approach, with a demonstrated commitment to valuing others and treating all individuals with dignity and respect. The successful candidate must also be innovative, efficient, risk-aware, and visionary in fulfilling the position's responsibilities. This role requires strong written and verbal communication skills, with daily interaction across the Health Science Center. The Assistant Director regularly communicates with faculty, TEAMS staff, HR liaisons, department administrators, employees, and other key leaders via phone, email, virtual platforms, and in person to provide guidance on employee relations matters. This position reports to the Director of Employee Relations & Engagement.

Requirements

Master’s degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Approximately 10 years of Employee Relations experience, including 5 years in a healthcare environment.
Professional certification (SPHR or SHRM-SCP) preferred.
Experience with HIPAA and FERPA strongly preferred.
Demonstrated leadership competencies, including professionalism, collaboration, integrity, organization, and a commitment to fostering respectful and inclusive workplaces.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, coordination, and daily operations of the HSC Employee Relations Office.
Provide strategic and operational leadership for employee relations functions across HSC colleges, including Medicine (Gainesville and Jacksonville), Dentistry, Nursing, Public Health & Health Professions, Pharmacy, and the Scripps Institute.
Interpret and ensure compliance with employment laws, UF regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
Review and guide employee relations actions, including disciplinary actions, performance evaluations, improvement plans, non-reappointments, and separations.
Ensure alignment with UFHR’s mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives.
Advise leadership on workforce actions, including layoffs and organizational changes.
Partner with UFHR teams to support campus-wide HR initiatives.
Serve as a trusted advisor to Deans, administrators, HR liaisons, and managers on employee relations and HR matters.
Provide guidance on resolving complex performance and conduct issues, including counseling, reprimands, suspensions, and terminations.
Support conflict resolution efforts, workplace investigations, and employee support resources such as EAP.
Build and maintain strong partnerships across HSC colleges.
Promote a performance-driven culture by providing consultation, coaching, and leadership development support.
Guide managers on accountability, feedback, and effective workforce management practices.
Identify and implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement and workplace culture.
Contribute to Employee Relations initiatives beyond HSC as a member of the ER Management Team.
Lead and support employee relations initiatives, organizational development efforts, and change management strategies.
Collaborate with leadership on succession planning and workforce planning initiatives.