Wake Forest University · 1 month ago
Director, Employee Relations, Human Resources
Winston-Salem, NC
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expWake Forest University is seeking a Director of Employee Relations to oversee the policies, procedures, and programs of the Employee Relations team. The role involves providing leadership, counseling employees and managers on employment laws, and managing employee relations programs to enhance performance and engagement.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
No H1B
Responsibilities
Provides leadership and support to the Employee Relations team
Counsels employees, managers, and leaders on concerns related to applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws including Title VII, Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and other similar federal and state laws
Communicates with faculty and staff regarding employee relations concerns; provides guidance and recommendations for resolution of issues
Investigates workplace issues, supports disciplinary actions, and manages employee and applicant appeals and grievances. Provides guidance and recommendations to departmental leaders and individuals
Mitigates risk to the University by applying consistent and appropriate employment practices. Evaluates and makes decisions on background screening results, unemployment inquiries, employment verifications. Evaluates and applies management plans for potential Conflicts of Interest
Designs and maintains general employment policies
Assists managers in understanding and implementing departmental policies related to performance, discipline, and related topics
Evaluates exit data and offers solutions to assist with retention and reduce turnover
Suggests learning and development opportunities to managers
Coaches managers on principles and techniques for becoming more effective leaders
Conducts and/or designs supervisor training covering employment laws, performance management, and related policies, procedures and best practices
Provides guidance in developing objective performance evaluations and practices; will be responsible for implementing best practice performance management practices, to include designing appropriate Workday functionality in partnership with HRIS
Responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and testing Workday Performance Management business processes in partnership with the HRIS team
Coaches managers on appropriate steps for performance appraisals, corrective actions, terminations, EAP referrals, reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. Provides guidance related to proper language, detail, and tone
Ensures consistency between individual pay and individual performance
Assists leaders in assessing the need for workforce reductions, departmental reorganizations, and position eliminations. Advises managers on organizational design issues
Collaborates with the General Counsel’s Office, Office of Institutional Equity, Compliance Office, Audit Office, CARE team, BIAS incident reporting team, Threat Assessment team, and Employee Assistance Program affiliates
May serve as Human Resources liaison to the CARE, Threat Assessment, or other emergency management teams
Responsible for managing and forecasting the budget for the Employee Relations team
Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field required; At least five years of related experience required, including three years of management/leadership experience
Thorough understanding of how to utilize policy and procedure to drive strong ER practice
Practical knowledge of current employment laws and regulations
Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with employees, managers, academic and administrative leaders, and other stakeholders. Strong customer service orientation
Ability to analyze complex issues and make sound objective judgments
Ability to use independent judgment to make appropriate decisions on employment matters
Ability to develop excellent working relationships and establish personal credibility with individuals at every level of an organization
Excellent leadership and management skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to facilitate educational programs in front of audiences
Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast paced environment
Understanding of a broad array of leadership principles and techniques
Knowledge of general business principles and ability to quickly learn operational aspects of various organizations to help with strategic decisions
Sedentary work. Talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Close visual acuity. Subject to inside environmental conditions. Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions
Preferred
Master's degree in a related field
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior/Professional in Human Resources (PHR/SPHR certification preferred
Company
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a private, independent, nonprofit, non-sectarian, coeducational research university.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$63.9MKey Investors
Lilly EndowmentAmeriCorps Public AlliesNational Institutes of Health
2025-07-10Grant· $30M
2024-10-10Grant· $0.2M
2023-02-23Grant· $3M
Leadership Team
Dedee DeLongpre Johnston
VP, Sustainability (CSO) and Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
Jacqueline Travisano
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Recent News
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