Director of Employee Relations

RPM Living • Austin, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Employee Relations manages and oversees the company’s employee relations functions. The role develops and implements policies and programs that support a positive work environment, resolve employee conflicts, and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations. It calls for strategic employee relations, conflict-resolution, and team-leadership experience. The Director partners with HR leaders, senior leadership, and legal counsel to align employee relations strategy with organizational goals and mitigate business and legal risk. The position is hybrid and requires attendance at a corporate office four days a week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in employee relations or HR, with a track record of success in senior HR roles.
• Deep understanding of employee relations principles, practices, and regulations.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution, labor laws, and employee engagement.
• Proficiency in HR software and tools.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing employee relations teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to clearly convey complex employee relations information.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods; read documents, computer screens, and data; hear and understand verbal communications in person and over the phone or computer; occasionally lift or carry files or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds; and operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.

Nice To Haves

• MBA preferred.
• Professional certifications such as PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP are highly desirable.
• A valid driver’s license is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director of HR, HR Business Partners, senior leadership, and legal counsel to align employee relations strategy with organizational goals and mitigate business and legal risk.
• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing audit of employee relations policies, procedures, and handbook guidelines to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
• Lead the formal interactive process under the ADA and oversee complex FMLA and regulatory or leave-of-absence scenarios, including reasonable accommodations, extended absences, and compliant return-to-work or reassignment strategies.
• Oversee and resolve high-level employee relations issues, disputes, and performance concerns fairly, consistently, and in compliance with applicable laws.
• Track, analyze, and use employee relations KPIs and exit data to identify organizational trends, address systemic workplace issues, and provide actionable reporting to executive leadership.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Director of HR Compliance and internal and external legal counsel regarding employment claims, agency charges, and complex employment risk assessments.
• Develop and deliver targeted training for managers and leaders on employee relations best practices, conflict resolution, progressive discipline, lawful workplace conduct, and performance management.
• Lead and develop high-performing employee relations teams.

Benefits

• Weekly pay for associates working onsite at an apartment community.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage available for full-time, regular associates.
• Employer-paid employee assistance, mental health, and wellness programs.
• Ancillary benefits including critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development, career growth, and role-based learning plans.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging programs and multiple Employee Resource Groups.
• Paid time off, floating holidays, and volunteer days.
• Discounted perks including Costco membership, movie tickets, and health, wellness, entertainment, and travel discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director