What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Employee Relations position at Inside Higher Ed?
UNC Asheville Overview
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and striving to be an inclusive campus community.
UNC Asheville is committed to promoting diversity and a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and the ability to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds. The successful candidate is expected to foster an inclusive work culture where uniqueness of beliefs, backgrounds, talents, capabilities and ways of living are respected and welcomed.
Position Type
EHRA Staff
Title
Director of Employee Relations
Position Number
006089
Recruitment Range
$85,000-$95,000
Work Schedule And Hours
Office hours are Monday-Friday, from 8:00 am. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be needed to perform job-related duties to help further the mission of the institution.
Full-Time / Part-Time
Full-Time
Months Per Year
12 Months
Position Summary
The Director of Employee Relations will set strategic direction, vision, and goals for all aspects of employee relations across the university. This role will oversee the policies, procedures, and programs of the University Employee Relations area, developing and improving programs related to employee morale and satisfaction.The Director will work within the campus as a strategic representative of the Office of Human Resources, they will collaborate with key stakeholders to evaluate changing business and workforce talent needs while spearheading and promoting employee engagement initiatives. Essential job responsibilities of the Director include:
Exempt
Required Education/Experience/Skills
A bachelor’s degree required and 5 years of progressive relevant experience related to employee relations, labor relations, or labor/employment law with emphasis on employee relation and employee engagement.
Preferred Education/Experience/Skills
Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the closing date for each specific position. Please note that any documents submitted to Human Resources or the hiring departments become property of UNC Asheville and will not be returned. Official verification from each college/university you have attended are required upon employment, and will be requested directly from the college/university by Human Resources or from the National Student Clearinghouse. Any expense will be the responsibility of the employee. Educational degrees must be from an appropriately accredited institution. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training and experience requirements, management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. It is the policy of UNC Asheville to conduct pre-employment background investigations on all candidates selected for employment. If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice.
Posting Number
E0537
Posting Date
11/13/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and striving to be an inclusive campus community.
UNC Asheville is committed to promoting diversity and a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and the ability to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds. The successful candidate is expected to foster an inclusive work culture where uniqueness of beliefs, backgrounds, talents, capabilities and ways of living are respected and welcomed.
Position Type
EHRA Staff
Title
Director of Employee Relations
Position Number
006089
Recruitment Range
$85,000-$95,000
Work Schedule And Hours
Office hours are Monday-Friday, from 8:00 am. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be needed to perform job-related duties to help further the mission of the institution.
Full-Time / Part-Time
Full-Time
Months Per Year
12 Months
Position Summary
The Director of Employee Relations will set strategic direction, vision, and goals for all aspects of employee relations across the university. This role will oversee the policies, procedures, and programs of the University Employee Relations area, developing and improving programs related to employee morale and satisfaction.The Director will work within the campus as a strategic representative of the Office of Human Resources, they will collaborate with key stakeholders to evaluate changing business and workforce talent needs while spearheading and promoting employee engagement initiatives. Essential job responsibilities of the Director include:
- Manages the employee relations program for the university for employees at all levels and classifications. The Employee Relations Director offers a full range of consultative and programmatic services including, but not limited to, the following: supervisory consultations related to performance and professionalism, conduct, disciplinary issues, and separations from the university of any kind (e.g., discontinuations and dismissals); assistance and counseling to faculty and staff involving workplace concerns and disputes; monitoring department climates, and management of employee engagement surveys.
- Provides leadership in ensuring best practices on a wide range of employee relations issues; provides advice and guidance on complex and challenging matters.
- Advises/refers faculty and staff on appropriate grievance procedures, advises supervisors and managers on corrective action procedures, and provides employee relations support to university departments.
- Facilitates or liaises with investigations into alleged violations of university policies, aid in preparing investigation reports and providing guidance to academic and administrative units on addressing the outcome of such investigations; manages the employee appeals processes.
- Analyzes and evaluates data on retention and related issues, conducts exit interviews, and provides recommendations and support to management.
- Maintains the highest levels of integrity, confidentiality, and a commitment to creating an environment in which employees can thrive.
Exempt
Required Education/Experience/Skills
A bachelor’s degree required and 5 years of progressive relevant experience related to employee relations, labor relations, or labor/employment law with emphasis on employee relation and employee engagement.
Preferred Education/Experience/Skills
- A master’s degree preferred.
- Strong leadership and analytical skills
- Experienced mediator/investigator with well-developed conflict resolution skills who can handle sensitive and confidential information in a professional and high-level manner.
- Thorough understanding of human resources and labor relations principles, practices, and procedures.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with employees, boards, officials, directors, and other stakeholders.
- Successful record of creating, improving, and executing programs at small and large scale.
- Experience consulting and coaching supervisors and management in employee relations concerns.
- Proven ability to establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships with individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to compose and present comprehensive reports.
- Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines related to affirmative action and civil rights enforcement.
- Some experience in higher education, including employee relations experience involving academic faculty is a plus but not required.
- Ability to lead with both a decisive and consultative style, foster open communications, and proactively build positive relationships with faculty, staff, students, and diverse constituencies.
- Ability to build strong working relationships, instilling trust and confidence in colleagues at all levels.
- Ability to work successfully with diverse work groups.
- Self-motivated and able to meet critical deadlines; flexible at setting and revising priorities while managing multiple projects.
Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the closing date for each specific position. Please note that any documents submitted to Human Resources or the hiring departments become property of UNC Asheville and will not be returned. Official verification from each college/university you have attended are required upon employment, and will be requested directly from the college/university by Human Resources or from the National Student Clearinghouse. Any expense will be the responsibility of the employee. Educational degrees must be from an appropriately accredited institution. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training and experience requirements, management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. It is the policy of UNC Asheville to conduct pre-employment background investigations on all candidates selected for employment. If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice.
Posting Number
E0537
Posting Date
11/13/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Salary : $85,000 - $95,000