Widener University Hiring for Director of Employee Relations at Chester, Pennsylvania Full Time

Job no: 493124

Work type: Full-time

Location: Chester

Categories: Administrators

Widener University is currently seeking a Director of Employee Relations. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, this role serves as a consultative business partner and strategist in the areas of employee relations, conflict mediation, compliance, discipline and HR policy. This includes developing, implementation, and compliance of all HR policies and procedures relative to employee relations. The Director of Employee Relations plays a lead role in the administration and enforcement of disciplinary action, grievances, dispute resolution, regular managerial training, and all relevant employee relation’s communications.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties

• The Director is also responsible for assisting in managing, developing and administration of programs, policies, and procedures related to attendance, performance, discipline, and employment processes administered by the Office of Human Resources.
• The Director will provide direction and guidance to all levels of supervisory and managerial staff to ensure a customer service-oriented approach, and support the Associate Vice President for Human Resources in accomplishing the goals of the Office of Human Resources.
• Analyses, revises, develops and manages policies (eg, discipline, grievances, performance improvement plans) related to employment issues Prepares an action plan for the implementation of new and other changed provisions; interprets provisions and other regulations affecting terms and conditions of employment.
• Advises employees, supervisors, and managers regarding interpretation and employee relations policies and ensures proper and consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Responds to and seeks resolutions to employee relations complaints ensuring a fair and neutral process for all parties. Analyzes complaints to determine appropriate level of intervention/support needed.
• Confers with employees, supervisors, and management officials to resolve disagreements informally, where possible; provides guidance in the formal resolution of grievances and appeals of disciplinary actions.
• Participates in disciplinary action cases; presents the University’s position for assigned cases; assists in the coordination of management responses; assists in the research and preparation of arbitration cases.
• Provides HR advice, counsel, and support to managers regarding the corrective action process or other employee relations complaints, working with the Associate Vice President, Human Resources as needed.
• Works with business partners and employees to resolve disputes in order to maximize a safe and respectful work environment.
• Maintains open and productive communications with employees, supervisors, management officials, representatives of external agencies as assigned, enters into informal and formal required consultations.
• In collaboration with Associate Vice President, Human Resources, recommends changes to and maintains employee policies to ensure they are up to date with current laws, trends and develop new policies that meet the University’s needs.
• Develops and delivers training related to employee relations areas of need.
• Manages the exit process and conducts all exit interviews.
• Responsible for providing related training to employees
• Compiles and analyzes key employee data including turn over and retention issues.
• Participates on various University committees as assigned
• Responsible for other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President, Human Resources

QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, or related field
• 5 to 7 years’ experience in employee relations and conflict mediation
• Ability to collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills
• Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to employment, labor and employment
• Able to negotiate conflict with employees at all levels of the institution
• Ability to be fair and impartial
• Excellent analytical, listening, problem-solving and organizational skills
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office (Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to professionally and confidentially handle highly sensitive information

Preferred

• Master’s degree in related field
• Certification or formal training in conflict mediation
• Experience in public speaking and/or delivering training
• Experience with Colleague or similar HR information system

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener’s main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D

Widener University is an equal opportunity employer that encourages excellence through diversity.

Advertised: 15 Mar 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close