"Director of Workforce Development and Employee Relations - 2034"

Job Details

This position reports directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Human Resources and serves as the senior manager charged with

• providing employee relations support to all university departments and employee classifications;
• serving as the subject matter expert and campus contact for employee relations activities;
• providing guidance and training to supervisors and managers on employee relations issues,; and
• guiding and navigating more complex issues that arise.

About the Opportunity:

The Director of Employee Relations and Workforce Development serves as a key member of the HR leadership team to improve the quality of service, add professional expertise to the team, and expand personal growth opportunities for all employees at UNCP in their pursuit of a successful career, health, and wellbeing. The role integrates sensitive employee relations activities for all employee types at UNCP including those subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) and those exempt from the State Human Resources Act (EHRA), encompassing all faculty, Senior Academic and Administrative Officers (SAAO), and Exempt Professional Staff (EPS). The Director is also responsible for leading the university’s efforts to enhance the university workforce through continuous development and improvement policies, programs, and processes in the areas of performance management, employee engagement, retention and recognition, workforce training and development, internal communication, internal dispute resolution, mediation, and grievance appeal processes and procedures. The position works closely with external stakeholders and internal employees, supervisors, managers, department heads, deans, vice chancellors, and senior administrative staff to develop a culture of continuous improvement, fairness, and opportunity. The position collaborates with the HR leadership team across functional areas to develop and enhance programs of value to academic and administrative departments.

About the University of North Carolina at Pembroke:

Founded in 1887 as a school for the education of American Indians, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) has grown into a vibrant institution serving students from across the state, the nation, and around the world. As a proud member of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System, UNCP is committed to:

• Excellence in teaching and learning across bachelor’s, master’s, and professional doctoral programs.
• Personalized education, with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1 and an average class size of 17.
• Values that welcome students from all backgrounds, including nontraditional, first-generation, and military-affiliated learners.
• Community engagement, fostering close interaction between faculty, students, and the surrounding region.

Location:

Nestled in the heart of southeastern North Carolina, the town of Pembroke offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Highlights include:

• Rich Lumbee heritage
• Scenic parks and outdoor spaces
• Local markets and community events
• A welcoming, tight-knit community

Additionally, UNCP is consistently recognized as one of the safest campuses in the UNC System.

Whether you’re drawn to its academic excellence, cultural richness, or community spirit, UNC Pembroke is a place where people come together to change lives through education.

Benefits:

Benefits-eligible employees of UNC Pembroke enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support work/life balance and long-term well-being. Highlights include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance: Coverage begins the first of the month following the date of hire.
• Retirement plans: Employer contributes to either a defined contribution or defined benefit plan, with optional supplemental retirement plans.
• Leave Benefits: Paid holidays, personal leave, sick leave, community service leave, family medical leave act (FMLA), and paid parental leave.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Covers tuition and fees for up to three undergraduate or graduate courses per academic year at UNCP or any UNC System institution.
• Additional Benefits: Optional disability plans, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, and access to wellness resources.

Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:  Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Counseling or other related field or a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Counseling or other related field of study and a minimum of five years of progressive Human Resources experience is required. Five years of related work experience. Demonstration of exceptional interpersonal, communication and management skills; strong conceptual, strategic planning and problem solving skills; ability to manage multiple projects and priorities; strong leadership, analytical and presentation skills; mediation and problem solving skills with ability to diffuse stressful situations; build strong working relationships and skilled at conflict management.

Management Preferences:  Master’s Degree and prior employee relations experience, including conflict resolution and investigations, in a university setting with both faculty and non-faculty employees.

Preferred certification: SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), HRCI Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD).

Special Instructions to Applicants:  This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.