Assistant Director of Employee Relations

Job Description SummaryThe Assistant Director of Employee Relations will direct and coordinate guidance and support in employee relations case management. The position will manage employee relations practices to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local laws, conducting investigations, creating, and developing reports to appropriate parties. This role requires an individual with strong administrative and people skills, a high attention to detail, and a collaborative approach. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of HR practices, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with other HR professionals and University leadership.Essential Functions And Responsibilities• Lead investigations and recommend corrections of internal claims of discrimination, harassment/hostile work environment and/or retaliation or conduct in the workplace which violates University policies/procedures, Federal, State, and Labor laws (ADA, FMLA, USERRA) or accepted manner of conduct.• Assist management in resolving or preventing negative workplace conflicts, grievances and disagreements by creating action plans to address problem areas where disparate treatment/impact is identified.• Collaborate with the Director of Employee Relations, Executive Director Talent Development, legal, etc. to discuss investigation summary, outcomes and recommended action related to employee complaints as well as presenting discipline, up to and including termination, with management.• Lead in the development and implementation of policies, reporting procedures, administrative guidelines and Employee Handbook.• Oversee the exit interview review process and discuss findings with senior level leadership.• Participate in the development and presentation of employee relations policy communication to human resource business partners and Liberty leadership.• Oversee the recording of all employee relations case management into human resources case tracking system.• Collaborate with the Director of Employee Relations, Executive Director Talent Development, legal, senior leadership, etc. to resolve and prevent Workers Compensation cases.• Collaborate with the Director of Employee Relations, Executive Director Talent Development, legal, senior leadership, etc. to engage in review and resolution of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Medical Leave Act (FLMA) claims.• Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.• Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.• All other duties assigned.Supervisory Responsibilities• This position will require overseeing team members including hiring, training, coaching, developing, scheduling, and evaluating.• Work Independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; will have direct supervision over lower-level staff.Qualifications And CredentialsEducation and Experience• Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field.• 5+ years of experience in an employee relations or workplace investigation environment.• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential preferred.• 3-5 years of related experience in safety administration preferred.• 2 years of supervisory experience preferred.• Master’s level degree preferred.ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOBCommunication and Comprehension• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.• Possess superior public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business, government and community customers and associates.• Superior organizational skills.• Strong presentation skills.• Excellent computer and scheduling skills.Problem Solving• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.Physical and Sensory Abilities• Required to travel to local and campus locations.• May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.• Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.WORKING CONDITIONSWork EnvironmentThe working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate. Working environment also includes facilitation of events outdoors occasionally.Driving RequirementsUse of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.Disclaimer Liberty University’s hiring practices and EEO Statement are fully in compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment preference to members of their own religion. Liberty University is in that category.