Director of Employee Relations

Kansas City Kansas Community College•Kansas City, KS

67d•$99,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Employee Relations leads and manages all aspects of employee relations within the college, serving as a trusted advisor to leadership and staff through coaching, training, and guidance on complex personnel matters, while supporting the college's goals for engagement, retention, and strategic effectiveness. The role is responsible for managing employee concerns, investigations, performance management, recruitment support, and ensuring compliance with employment laws, including Title IX. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively both independently and in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, industrial organizational psychology, or a closely related field.
Five (5) or more years of full-time, directly related experience in an employee relations role, including experience managing complex employee matters
Direct experience working in a unionized environment in an employee relations capacity.
At least one (1) year of supervisory experience in a Human Resources or Employee Relations capacity.
Employee Relations Expertise: Knowledge of employee relations principles and handling workplace conflict.
Conflict Management & Mediation: Skilled in dispute resolution, grievance management, and conflict coaching.
Strategic Agility: Evaluate trends, anticipate challenges, and implement effective solutions.
Performance & Talent Management: Experience in performing coaching, progressive discipline, and employee development.
Legal & Policy Compliance: Knowledge of all employment laws, Title IX regulations, and institutional policies.
Communication & Collaboration: Strong verbal/written communication; approachable and professional in sensitive situations.
Cultural Awareness & Sensitivity: Foster an inclusive and respectful workplace.
Problem Solving & Decision Making: Analyze complex situations and recommend practical solutions.
Training & Development: Design and deliver effective learning programs for employees and managers.

Nice To Haves

Master's or higher degree.
Seven (7) to 10 years of full-time, directly related experience in an Employee Relations role.
At least three (3) years of supervisory experience in a Human Resources or Employee Relations capacity.
SPHR/PHR or SHRM-SCP/SHRM-CP certification.
Experience providing guidance on Title IX compliance, employment law, and institutional policy interpretation.
Prior experience in a higher education setting

Responsibilities

Serve as primary point of contact for employee relations matters, including complaints, disputes, and sensitive workplace issues.
Conduct thorough and timely investigations, document findings, and recommend appropriate resolutions.
Provide coaching and guidance to employees, supervisors, and administrators on conflict resolution, grievance procedures, performance management, and workplace expectations.
Mediate disputes and implement early intervention strategies to reduce conflict and foster accountability.
Ensure compliance with College policies, federal and state employment laws, and Title IX requirements.
Collaborate with the CHRO and relevant departments on complex or sensitive employee matters.
Establish initiatives that enhance employee engagement, retention, and organizational culture.
Interpret institutional policies, procedures, and employment regulations, recommending updates or changes to support compliance and operational effectiveness.
Oversee performance management processes, coaching managers and guiding the development of performance improvement plans.
Provide consultation on progressive discipline, grievance procedures, and employee performance issues.
Coordinate and represent the College in unemployment claims and related hearings, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
Assist managers in establishing action plans to address performance issues.
Partner with Talent Acquisition to implement effective staffing strategies.
Assist in recruitment efforts by advising hiring managers on best practices and compliance considerations.
Support onboarding initiatives to ensure a seamless and positive employee experience.
Develop and deliver targeted training for supervisors and leaders in collaboration with the Talent Development Manager.
Design and facilitate quarterly learning opportunities to strengthen leadership capabilities.
Collaborate with HR and College leadership on special projects, employee surveys, engagement initiatives, and policy development.
Develop and deliver training resources on employee relations, compliance, and leadership development.
Execute additional responsibilities as assigned to support the College's goals and initiatives.