Director, Employee Relations

Overview

Join to apply for the Director, Employee Relations role at Salt Lake Community College
.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. All employees are expected to maintain a permanent residence within the State of Utah as a condition of employment. New employees must provide a valid Utah residential address within 30 days of their start date.

At Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), the People & Workplace Culture (PWC) team seeks a strategic and communicative leader to serve as our next Director of Employee Relations
. This role is essential in fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture across the College. The Director leads a team of professionals who support employees and supervisors across SLCC, resolves complex and sensitive employee and labor relations issues, advises leadership, and ensures alignment of policies and practices with the College’s strategic goals. The Director will also shape long-term PWC programs and initiatives.

This position is at will.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities & Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Employee Relations
• Consultation & Coaching
• Leadership
• Collaboration & Support

• Investigate employee misconduct and policy violations.
• Lead thorough and objective investigations in compliance with laws and policies.
• Manage disciplinary processes, documentation, and communications.
• Maintain confidential records and advise on workplace matters.
• Update policies, procedures, and handbooks related to employment.

• Provide guidance to supervisors on performance management and conflict resolution.
• Facilitate mediation and meetings to resolve workplace issues.
• Support grievance processes and informal resolutions.
• Coach individuals and teams on effective workplace practices.

• Lead and mentor the Employee Relations and EEO/Title IX.
• Model and promote a positive workplace culture.
• Oversee training, quality assurance, delegation, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure excellent customer service across the College community.

• Partner with other PWC team members to achieve departmental goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to lead a team and execute strategic programs, practices, and priorities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and management skills; able to work with employees at all levels.
• Model and utilize effective communication to influence behavior and address concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity.
• Understanding of employee relations management including HR and labor relations.
• Interpret, advise, develop, and enforce PWC Policies and Procedures.
• Knowledge of organization management theory and practice.
• Broad knowledge of disability and employment laws (federal and state).
• Excellent case management skills and use of technology to track and resolve employee concerns.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, public speaking and training skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to navigate difficult situations and maintain good working relationships across the College.
• Ability to work with diverse groups and with community college students, faculty, and staff, including those with disabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience as a direct supervisor or manager (part-time and full-time considered).
• Demonstrated experience in employee relations, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Strong understanding of federal and state employment laws, including ADA, FMLA, and Title VII.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive and complex employee relations issues with discretion and professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and case management skills.

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience in higher education or public sector organizations.
• HR Certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR).
• Formal training in mediation or conflict resolution.
• Experience with collective bargaining agreements and union environments.
• Familiarity with case management systems and HRIS platforms.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities.

Salt Lake Community College is Utah’s largest open-access college in the state. We educate 45,000+ students across 100+ programs. SLCC is committed to equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. The College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable laws. This position is subject to a successful criminal background check.