Director of Employee Relations

University of North Carolina at Asheville • Asheville, NC

49d • $85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Director of Employee Relations will set strategic direction, vision, and goals for all aspects of employee relations across the university. This role will oversee the policies, procedures, and programs of the University Employee Relations area, developing and improving programs related to employee morale and satisfaction. The Director will work within the campus as a strategic representative of the Office of Human Resources, they will collaborate with key stakeholders to evaluate changing business and workforce talent needs while spearheading and promoting employee engagement initiatives.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree required and 5+years of progressive relevant experience related to employee relations, labor relations, or labor/employment law with emphasis on employee relation and employee engagement.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree preferred.
• Strong leadership and analytical skills
• Experienced mediator/investigator with well-developed conflict resolution skills who can handle sensitive and confidential information in a professional and high-level manner.
• Thorough understanding of human resources and labor relations principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with employees, boards, officials, directors, and other stakeholders.
• Successful record of creating, improving, and executing programs at small and large scale.
• Experience consulting and coaching supervisors and management in employee relations concerns.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships with individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to compose and present comprehensive reports.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines related to affirmative action and civil rights enforcement.
• Some experience in higher education, including employee relations experience involving academic faculty is a plus but not required.
• Ability to lead with both a decisive and consultative style, foster open communications, and proactively build positive relationships with faculty, staff, students, and diverse constituencies.
• Ability to build strong working relationships, instilling trust and confidence in colleagues at all levels.
• Ability to work successfully with diverse work groups.
• Self-motivated and able to meet critical deadlines; flexible at setting and revising priorities while managing multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Manages the employee relations program for the university for employees at all levels and classifications. The Employee Relations Director offers a full range of consultative and programmatic services including, but not limited to, the following: supervisory consultations related to performance and professionalism, conduct, disciplinary issues, and separations from the university of any kind (e.g., discontinuations and dismissals); assistance and counseling to faculty and staff involving workplace concerns and disputes; monitoring department climates, and management of employee engagement surveys.
• Provides leadership in ensuring best practices on a wide range of employee relations issues; provides advice and guidance on complex and challenging matters.
• Advises/refers faculty and staff on appropriate grievance procedures, advises supervisors and managers on corrective action procedures, and provides employee relations support to university departments.
• Facilitates or liaises with investigations into alleged violations of university policies, aid in preparing investigation reports and providing guidance to academic and administrative units on addressing the outcome of such investigations; manages the employee appeals processes.
• Analyzes and evaluates data on retention and related issues, conducts exit interviews, and provides recommendations and support to management.
• Maintains the highest levels of integrity, confidentiality, and a commitment to creating an environment in which employees can thrive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Educational Services