Director, Employee Relations
Job ID: 283547
Location: Augusta University
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary:
*

About Us
Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 10,500 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values https://www.augusta.edu/about/mission.php make Augusta University an institution like no other.
Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state.
The University System of Georgia https://www.usg.edu/hr/orientation/welcome_to_the_board_of_regents_university_system_office is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Location
Augusta University -
Our Health Sciences Campus:
1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912
Our Summerville Campus:
2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904
College/Department Information
Our mission in the Human Resources Division of Augusta University is to serve as a strategic resource for making Augusta University a top-tier university that is a destination of choice for education, health care, discovery, creativity and innovation. We enable and enhance the effectiveness of the organization by delivering reliable and creative HR services and solutions that support our customers and advance the university mission, vision and values. We provide HR expertise, strategic and timely support, creative and competent advice, meaningful and courteous service, and efficient and reliable processes.
Job Summary
Reporting to the AVP, Employee Engagement/Deputy CHRO, the Director, Employee Relations, is responsible for overseeing and managing employee relations programs, policies, and procedures to promote a positive and productive work environment. This role ensures compliance with labor laws, fosters workplace fairness, and provides guidance on employee relations matters to maintain a culture of integrity, belonging, and engagement.
Responsibilities
Employee Relations Strategy & Program Management
Develop and implement employee relations strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
Oversee investigations into employee complaints, workplace conflicts, and disciplinary matters, ensuring fair and impartial outcomes.
Establish policies and procedures for dispute resolution, grievance handling, and disciplinary actions.
Foster a culture of open communication, collaboration, and trust between employees and management.
Provide expert guidance to leadership on managing workplace conflicts and employee concerns.
Workplace Investigations & Conflict Resolution
Oversee and conduct confidential workplace investigations related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other employee relations matters.
Provide recommendations and resolution strategies for workplace disputes and conflicts.
Maintain accurate documentation of investigations, grievances, and corrective actions.
Serve as a neutral party in mediating disputes between employees and management.
Compliance & Policy Development
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, and EEOC regulations.
Monitor changes in labor laws and proactively update policies and procedures to maintain compliance.
Partner with Legal, HR, and management teams to mitigate legal risks and handle employee disputes.
Conduct training programs for managers and employees on employee relations best practices and legal requirements.
Leadership & Collaboration
Lead, mentor, and develop an Employee Relations team, ensuring continuous growth and performance improvement.
Partner with HR Business Partners and other stakeholders to support employee relations initiatives.
Collaborate with department leaders to address workforce concerns and implement effective employee relations strategies.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on employee relations trends and workforce management.
Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum of 7 years of progressive HR experience with a minimum of 3 years of experience in employee relations, and 3+ years direct management experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.
Professional certification such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or other relevant HR certifications.
Experience in Higher Education
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Strong knowledge of employment laws, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution techniques.
Demonstrated experience handling complex employee relations issues and managing workplace investigations.
Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to build trust and credibility with employees and management.
Ability to develop and implement policies and programs that foster a positive work environment.
Conflict Resolution & Mediation
Legal & Regulatory Compliance
Leadership & Team Development
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Policy Development & Implementation
Conditions of Employment
All candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during the course of their employment and beyond.
Other Information
This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."
Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
How To Apply
Consider applying with us today!
https://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/
Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university
Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee
If you need further assistance, please contact us at 706-721-9365
To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=12000&JobOpeningId=283547&PostingSeq=1
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