Employee Relations Manager and Chief Diversity Officer

East Central College • Williamsville, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Employee Relations Manager and Chief Diversity Officer (ERM/CDO) reports to AVP Human Resources & Organizational Development. The ERM/CDO will work collaboratively with all sectors of the college community to elevate inclusiveness and implement best practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly as it pertains to the recruitment and retention of students, faculty, administrators, and staff. The ERM/CDO will also provide day-to-day employee relations services, including conflict resolution and oversight of investigations. As the College’s Civil Rights Compliance Officer, the ERM/CDO serves as the Title IX, Title VI, ADA coordinator and NAGPRA contact. In addition, the ERM/CDO will serve as part of a SUNY-wide network of CDOs to support SUNY’s overall diversity goals. Direct supervision may be exercised over administrative staff and clerical personnel.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of employee relations practices, workplace investigations, performance management, conflict resolution, and applicable federal and state employment and civil rights laws, including Title IX, Title VI, ADA, EEO, and related compliance requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills are required, along with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism, objectivity, sound judgment, tact, and discretion.
• The successful candidate must possess the ability to conduct and oversee investigations, provide effective coaching and guidance to employees and supervisors, coordinate and direct the work of others, analyze trends and data, manage multiple priorities, and establish collaborative working relationships across diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the needs of socially and economically disadvantaged populations and the ability to foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace culture are essential.
• The candidate must also be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of experience in a position with primary responsibility for implementation of EEO, Title IX, Title VI and accommodations.
• OR Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Master's degree and two (2) years of experience in a position with primary responsibility for implementation of EEO, Title IX, Title VI and accommodations.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, organizational culture, recruitment, selection, and job classification practices within higher education and unionized environments is preferred.
• A. Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
• Professional experience in a higher education setting

Responsibilities

• Provides oversight and coordination of institutional investigations related to Title IX, Title VI, ADA, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and related compliance matters through collaboration with Human Resources, legal counsel, and external investigators as appropriate; reviews investigation findings, determines outcomes, and develops recommendations for corrective action, remediation, risk mitigation, and next steps consistent with College policy, regulatory requirements, and institutional practices.
• Proactively builds inclusive campus culture through the development, implementation and assessment of student and employee engagement initiatives aligned with institutional priorities and SUNY system goals.
• Partner with supervisors and administrators to provide proactive coaching and guidance related to employee engagement, accountability and workplace climate.
• Monitor and assess organizational trends, employee concerns and climate related issues and recommends strategies to improve culture, inclusion and retention.
• Acts as a liaison between Human Resources, department managers, and union representatives, and provides advice and counsel to managers and supervisors regarding human resources practices, policy, and employment laws.
• Maintains knowledge of and ensures compliance with federal, state local laws, and SUNY regulations concerning employment.
• Participates in labor management meetings and collective bargaining negotiations.
• Develops, implements, and assesses a strategic diversity and inclusion plan which will foster a community in which individuals are encouraged to succeed, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, or age.
• Identify appropriate metrics and oversee collection of relevant data to benchmark, assess, and promote accountability for the effectiveness of the plan and the College’s efforts in inclusion.
• Communicate and collaborate with SUNY System Administration on matters related to the plan.
• Continuously improve campus efforts to include diversity and inclusion in recruitment, hiring, and decision-making for campus leadership, faculty, and staff.
• Works in partnership with senior executive staff, faculty, administrators, students, staff, and their respective communities to align their work as part of a cohesive effort to build a more inclusive, diverse college.
• Works with the grants department to seek funding to enhance and promote the understanding of issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the College community.
• Promptly and thoroughly investigate complaints of harassment and discrimination.
• Maintain confidential records, documentation, and case management processes in accordance with legal, regulatory, and institutional requirements

Benefits

• Excellent health and benefits packages are comparable to offerings through similar county and New York State positions.
• Employees can take advantage of the College’s expansive Health & Wellness initiatives
• tuition-free college courses are available for both employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

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