Senior Employee Relations Advisor
About The Position
Van Andel Institute (VAI) is seeking an experienced Senior Employee Relations Advisor to design and lead its newly created employee relations function. This role will serve a research and education community of over 670 people and is responsible for shaping how employee relations supports this community. The role is crucial due to the growing volume and complexity of employee relations issues, particularly concerning performance accountability, manager capability, and workplace climate. The goal is to establish a dedicated, expert resource for managers and leaders, enabling VAI to address patterns proactively rather than on a case-by-case basis.
Requirements
- 7–10 years of progressive experience in employee relations, HR advisory, or HR business partner roles.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex investigations and advising senior leaders.
- Strong working knowledge of employment law and risk management.
- Experience designing or improving ER processes, frameworks, or governance models.
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and credibility.
- Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the greater Grand Rapids area.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a research, academic, healthcare, or nonprofit environment.
- Experience building or formalizing an employee relations function from the ground up.
- Experience partnering with legal counsel on sensitive or high-risk cases.
- HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR).
Responsibilities
- Design and implement VAI's employee relations framework, including case intake, investigation protocols, documentation standards, and a manager advisory model.
- Lead complex, sensitive, and high-risk investigations across research, graduate education, and K–12 communities.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and leaders on performance, conduct, conflict, and sensitive employment decisions.
- Establish institute-wide standards for performance improvement plans, corrective actions, and documentation practices.
- Build the ER data and insights capability to connect case findings with leadership and manager development needs.
- Partner closely with Legal and People Development to align practices and ensure compliance.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
- Benefits effective Day One for all full-time employees.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
