Employee Relations Investigations Lead

Indiana University Health System•Indianapolis, IN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Employee Relations Investigations Lead Our team members advance our mission and exemplify excellence, compassion, teamwork, and purpose in all that they do. Indiana University Health is seeking individuals who embody these values to join our Human Resources organization in the role of Employee Relations Investigations Lead . We are seeking a highly experienced Employee Relations professional with advanced workplace investigations expertise, strong employment law knowledge, and executive‑level presence. In this role, you will lead complex and executive‑level investigations , serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, and help shape best‑in-class Employee Relations investigation practices within a growing and highly collaborative ER function. Key Relationships Reports to : Executive Director – Employee Relations and Investigations Direct reports: None Shift: Full-time, Monday-Friday, hybrid schedule Location: Bloomington, IN (South Region) The Scope: The Employee Relations Investigations Lead is responsible for handling Tier 2 and Tier 3 investigations , including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other highly sensitive matters—often involving executives or senior leaders. This role applies advanced investigative techniques, sound judgment, and flawless objectivity to ensure fair, thorough, and compliant outcomes. This team was established in 2025 and has grown rapidly, with 22 team members to date. The culture is positive, collaborative, and engaging , with a strong focus on process improvement , teamwork, and shared problem‑solving. As a relatively new function, the team works comfortably in gray areas , and this role requires someone who can function independently, drive their own work, and contribute to building and refining ER investigation practices. Candidate Qualifications Candidates for this position will be evaluated according to the following criteria and competencies. Indiana University Health is unlike any other healthcare system and we're looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. IU Health leaders play a crucial role in advancing the mission of our organization and inspiring teams to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. As one of Indiana’s largest employers and the most comprehensive medical system in the state, our vision is to lead the transformation of healthcare through quality, innovation and education, and make Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states. IU Health is the largest health system in Indiana with nearly 40,000 team members, 15 hospitals and $8.64 billion in operating revenue. The system’s programs in cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics and transplants have received national recognition for quality patient care. IU Health, in partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, bring together highly skilled physicians, researchers, and educators into close collaboration to provide world-class care for children and adults and improve the health of patients and communities across Indiana. Indiana University Health is dedicated to a fair hiring process and is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination for all individuals, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required
8–10 years of relevant Employee Relations and/or employment law experience
Demonstrated experience leading complex, executive ‑ level workplace investigations
Proven experience managing discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and DEI ‑ related investigations
Detailed understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws
Advanced workplace investigation skills, including interviewing, credibility assessment, evidence analysis, and documentation
Flawless objectivity and integrity with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to influence, counsel, and advise senior leaders
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong problem ‑ solving and critical ‑ thinking ability

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree or Juris Doctor (JD) strongly preferred
HR Certifications preferred (SPHR, PHR, SHRM ‑ SCP, SHRM ‑ CP)
Previous experience in a Lead, Manager, Director, or Senior ‑ level ER role
Experience conducting regional ER case audits
Experience working within a centralized ER intake and triage model

Responsibilities

Advanced Investigations & Strategic Execution
Executive ‑ and High ‑ Risk Investigations: Independently lead Tier 2 and Tier 3 investigations, including harassment, discrimination, and other complex employee relations matters involving senior leaders.
Investigation Lifecycle Management: Conduct witness interviews, gather and review documentation, assess credibility, analyze data, and synthesize findings to determine facts and outcomes.
Reporting & Recommendations: Prepare clear, concise investigation reports and provide actionable, well ‑ reasoned recommendations for corrective or remedial action.
Consultative Partnership: Advise leaders and HR partners on complex employee relations challenges, applying employment law expertise and sound judgment.
ER Intake & Triage Support: Partner with the ER team to support centralized intake processes, case leveling, and decision ‑ making related to investigation assignment and approach.
Audits & Quality Assurance: Conduct regional ER case audits to ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to investigation standards and best practices.
Training & Education: Develop and facilitate interactive, scenario ‑ based investigations and employment law training for people managers and ER team members.
Data, Reporting & Insights: Support ER reporting and analytics efforts to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for proactive intervention.
Process Improvement: Proactively identify and implement improvements to ER investigation processes, tools, and practices.
Leadership & Escalation: Serve as a credible advisor to HR leadership and regional HR directors, escalating issues appropriately and thoughtfully.