What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Employee Relations position at Desert AIDS Project?
At DAP Health, we are committed to transforming lives and advancing health equity for all. As a leading nonprofit health care provider, we deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the diverse communities of the Coachella Valley and San Diego County. Our comprehensive services range from primary care to mental health, wellness programs, and beyond, with a focus on those who are most vulnerable. Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate, innovative organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. If you're looking for a dynamic and purpose-driven environment, we invite you to explore the opportunity to contribute to our mission.
Effective: September 8, 2025
Job Summary
The Director of Employee Relations is responsible for leading and managing the employee
relations function across the organization. This role will develop, implement, and oversee
policies, programs, and practices that promote a positive work environment, ensure compliance
with employment laws and regulations, and enhance organizational performance through
effective employee engagement and conflict resolution strategies.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Employee Relations team, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management
- Develop and implement employee relations strategies that support business objectives and reinforce a positive organizational culture
- Oversee the resolution of complex and sensitive employee relations issues, including investigations, disciplinary actions, grievances, and terminations
- Ensure consistent application of HR policies, practices, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
- Analyze trends in employee relations and recommend proactive solutions, programs, and training to mitigate risk and improve workplace relationships
- Collaborate with the Learning and Development team to develop training programs on employee relations topics, including workplace behavior, conflict resolution, and management coaching
- Oversee internal investigations involving claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other workplace concerns, ensuring thorough and timely resolution
- Ensure we maintain accurate documentation and reporting of employee relations issues and investigations
- Monitor and report key employee relations metrics and trends to senior leadership
- Oversee Mission and JEDI-B team to champion mission / values workshops, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within employee relations processes and practices
- Oversee Employee Relations Manager and Performance Management Specialist to ensure strategic goals are met
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Review weekly timesheets for accuracy, review employee submissions and updates as needed; approve timesheets by required timeline
- Conduct one-on-one meetings (monthly at a minimum frequency, preferably bi-weekly), scheduled conversations, and annual performance reviews with direct reports by required timeline
- Attend mandatory Manager’s Learning Collaborative trainings
- Partner with People Operations to:
- Develop a learning plan for employee development goals to provide tools needed to excel in their position
- Implement and follow a process to address performance issues as they arise
- Prepare a comprehensive onboarding process for each specific position for all new hires
- Address serious issues that may require interventions or investigations
- Develop and monitor departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs and schedules
- Supervise, lead, coach, and use best management practices to improve staff performance
- Support and model the identified vision, values, and behaviors of the organization
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; master’s degree or JD preferred
- Seven plus years of progressive HR experience, including at least 5 years in employee relations leadership roles
- Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices
- Proven experience conducting and managing workplace investigations and conflict resolution
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism
- Experience in a fast-paced, matrixed, or global organization preferred
- Professional certification (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP) a plus
- This position is on-site at a DAP Health clinic location with the possibility of hybrid
- Requires current and valid driver’s license and current personal auto insurance
- Able to travel to DAP Health locations throughout San Diego and Riverside
- This job operates in an office setting and requires frequent times of sitting, standing, repetitive motion and talking
- Ability to lift up to 24 pound