Director of Employee Relations

Reports To: Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Department: Human Resources

Classification: Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-Time

The Director of Employee Relations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all employee relations functions for the County Board of Education. Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this position is responsible for ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant employment practices and policies across the school system while supporting a positive, respectful, and safe environment for principals, teachers, students, and other employees to work, teach, learn, and flourish.

The Director serves as the district’s primary subject matter expert on employee relations, workplace investigations, disciplinary processes, grievance management, and employment law compliance, and acts as a trusted advisor to the Chief and to senior leadership in the district.

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive employee relations strategy aligned with district goals, Board policies, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Advise the CHRO and executive leadership on complex employee relations matters, risk mitigation, and workforce trends.
• Establish consistent standards and best practices for handling employee conduct, performance issues, and workplace conflicts across all schools and departments.

Direct and, as appropriate, personally conduct sensitive and complex workplace investigations, including allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and violations of Board policy.

• Ensure investigations are prompt, thorough, impartial, and well‑documented, with findings and recommendations clearly communicated to leadership.
• Coordinate with legal counsel as needed on high‑risk or legally sensitive matters.

• Provide guidance and oversight regarding disciplinary actions, performance improvement plans, suspensions, demotions, and terminations.
• Ensure disciplinary decisions are consistent, equitable, and legally defensible.
• Review and approve disciplinary recommendations for compliance with policy, contract, and law.

• Manage employee grievances, complaints, and appeals in accordance with Board policy, administrative regulations, and collective bargaining agreements, where applicable.
• Prepare responses, documentation, and recommendations related to hearings, appeals, and administrative proceedings.
• Represent or support the district in grievance hearings and administrative proceedings, as appropriate.

• Assist in the development, review, and interpretation of Board policies and administrative procedures related to employee conduct, discipline, and workplace standards.
• Monitor compliance with applicable employment laws, including but not limited to Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, ADEA, state personnel statutes, and applicable education laws.
• Recommend policy updates based on legal developments and organizational needs.

• Develop and deliver training for administrators and supervisors on employee relations topics, including progressive discipline, documentation, investigations, harassment prevention, and due process.
• Serve as a consultant to principals, department heads, and supervisors on managing employee issues proactively and effectively.
• Promote consistent application of employee relations practices throughout the district.

• Track employee relations trends, investigation outcomes, grievance data, and disciplinary actions to identify systemic issues and improvement opportunities.
• Prepare reports and analyses for the CHRO, Superintendent, and Board of Education, as requested.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen employee relations processes and workplace culture.

• Supervise employee relations staff, investigators, or HR specialists as required.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for assigned staff.