Director of Employee Relations

Director of Employee Relations

JOB CLASSIFICATION
Pay grade level: Grade 16
Compensation: up to $99,000 (commensurate with education and experience)
Employee category: Full-Time Staff
Department: Human Resources
Reports to: Chief Human Resources Officer
FLSA status: Exempt
Job Code: HR058FTEEMP
Positions Supervised: Administrative Assistant, Talent Acquisition & Employment Coordinator (2)
Location: Primarily Main Campus, but any other college location as assigned by the appropriate administrator
Hybrid Eligible: To be reviewed after first 90 days of employment

SUMMARY
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.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Employee Relations & Workplace Culture (60%)

• 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.

Performance Management & Guidance (25%)

• 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.

Talent Support (10%)

• 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.

Strategy & Operational Support (5%)

• 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.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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

WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, and sit. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift items and may be expected to drive to alternate campus sites.

WORK SCHEDULE
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (CT). The role may require occasional evening or weekend work to meet operational needs. Flexibility in work hours and location is required to support College initiatives and ensure timely resolution of employee matters.

TO APPLY

Visit www.kckcc.edu and click on CAREERS for a list of available positions.

• Read the job announcement carefully noting the initial screening date, minimum qualifications, and required information. Note that information contained in your application materials will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Make sure you complete/submit all the documents listed as required.
• If the position lists a required transcript (during the application process) unofficial transcripts may be submitted. However, please note that upon selection for hire, you will be required to submit official transcripts.
• Ensure that your transcripts show that a degree was awarded or conferred if you are stating that it is your highest level of education completed. If you certify your level of education and it cannot be verified from your transcript(s), your application may not be referred to the selection committee.
• Foreign degrees are acceptable provided they have been translated and/or shown to have equivalency to a United States: Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate level degree.
• Documentation verifying completion of a degree, course work within a discipline, or other educational criteria should be electronically attached (uploaded) to your application.
• Three (3) professional references with phone number and email addresses are required.
• A college selection committee is responsible for application review and interviews. The final candidate(s) selected to be hired will be made by the hiring manager.
• Successful completion of a background check on all persons recommended for employment is required Individual hiring departments may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions as part of the applicant selection/hiring process.

***This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. This job description may be revised upon development of other duties and changes in responsibilities.***

KCKCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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