Job Details

Position Information

Position Number: 005303
Position Title: Director, Employee Relations - 005303
Division: Finance and Administration
Department: 174000 - Human Resources
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in human resources management or related field from an accredited institution accepted by the University of South Alabama, and six years of progressively responsible human resources experience which included handling employee relations. Experience working in a healthcare setting is highly preferred. Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including experience in conducting investigations and managing employee relations matters. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict‑resolution skills. Excellent computer, writing, and documentation skills, with the ability to draft clear, concise, and professional communications. Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality. Ability to manage and prioritize multiple responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

None specified.

Job Description Summary

The University of South Alabama's Department of Human Resources is seeking to hire a Director, Employee Relations. Interested candidates should apply to be considered.

Essential Functions

These are the job duties required of the position. The Director, Employee Relations manages the relationship between the organization and its employees to foster a positive, fair, and productive work environment. Responsibilities include resolving conflicts, investigating grievances, ensuring compliance with labor laws and company policies; and developing strategies and programs to improve employee engagement and communication. Supervises employees dedicated to employee relations areas and ensures all employee relations practices are applied consistently across the University and USA Health. Works closely with applicable leadership and the General Counsel's office, as needed, ensuring that decisions are legal and ethical and align with the vision, mission, and values of the institution.

• Leads and facilities the day-to-day operations of all aspects of employee relations including performance evaluations, discipline, conflict resolution and grievance management, policy and compliance, employee engagement, management guidance, workplace investigations, and policy development.
• Oversees and conducts internal investigations related to policy violations, retaliation, harassment, and discrimination allegations by gathering and documenting information, conducting interviews, maintaining confidentiality and thorough organized records, while ensuring timely completion.
• Reviews, edits, and prepares reports of investigation findings to include summaries of allegations, alleged policy violations, summary of interviews and relevant documents, analysis of the findings, and recommendations.
• Keeps supervisor abreast of employee relations matters, including investigation findings and recommended actions.
• Counsels, educates and clarifies proper interpretation of employee relations related policies and procedures to employees, supervisors and department heads.
• Works closely with leadership to develop and implement strategies and objectives for improvement in areas of employee relations, while promoting consistent application of policies.
• Ensures documentation related to employee relations matters are compliant and that policies, principles and practices are applied consistently and fairly.
• Provides guidance and support in the assessment of employee relations matters to ensure proper progressive discipline is applied.
• Reviews, drafts, proofs, and finalizes written disciplinary and termination letters, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policy/legal requirements.
• Oversees the Grievance and Appeal process to ensure it is followed appropriately.
• Oversees and conducts investigations related to EthicsPoint (Hotline). Ensures that updates are accurately entered in the electronic system records as needed. Ensures all Ethics Point cases assigned are concluded and closed in a timely manner.
• Establishes reporting for various data sources related to Employee Relations metrics and reviews to assess where action may be taken to simplify or streamline processes or provide additional training, as applicable.
• Stays abreast of relevant state and federal laws and communicates and implements changes when appropriate.
• Ensures confidentiality of information, based on business need to know.
• Prepares annual EEO related reports.
• Prepares and facilitates presentations and training programs to support a fair and consistent employee experience.
• Maintains all employee relations materials, procedures and policies.
• Interprets and explains employee relations policies, procedures to department heads and employees.
• Supervises staff to include assigning duties, checking work, preparing performance evaluations, approving time off and handling disciplinary matters.
• Develops human resources policies and procedures.
• Conducts related surveys/analysis of plans as needed to ensure practices, procedures and policies remain up to date and comparable to peer institutions.
• Develops reports and presents information to leadership as required.
• Maintains a collaborative partnership with all other HR managers to ensure appropriate resources are available to support employee relations efforts.
• Participates in institutional events and/or serves on various committees.
• Regular and prompt attendance.
• Ability to work schedule as defined and additional hours as required.
• Related duties as required.

Posting Information

Number of Vacancies: 1
Position End Date: Open Until Filled
Job Open Date: 12/04/2025
Working Days: Monday - Friday
Working Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Job Location: Main Campus
Full Time: Regular or Temporary (Full Time)

Supplemental Questions

1. * Are you at least 18 years of age?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have a legal right to work in the United States?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * The University of South Alabama typically does not sponsor individuals for staff positions. Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * What is the highest level of education you have completed?
   • Less than High School
   • High School Diploma or equivalent
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree (or will obtain within 6 months)
   • Masters Degree (or will obtain within 6 months)
   • Terminal Degree (or will obtain within 6 months)
5. * How many years of related experience do you have?
   • Less than 1 year
   • Between 1 - 3 years
   • Between 3 - 5 years
   • Between 5 - 7 years
   • More than 7 years
6. How did you hear about this position?
   • USA website
   • LinkedIn
   • Zip Recruiter
   • Indeed
   • HigherEd Jobs
   • Alabama Career Center / Alabama Works
   • Facebook
   • Word of mouth
   • Other

Applicant Documents

1. Resume

1. Cover Letter

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis. If you feel you have been discriminated against, please notify the Equal Employment Opportunity Investigator or the Associate Vice President, Finance and Administration/CHRO.

EO Employer minorities/females/veterans/disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.

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