Associate Director, Employee Relations

Northampton Community College; Town of Bethlehem (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement contribution

Tuition waiver

Vacation days

Sick days

4-day weeks (Summer)

Holiday break

Job summary

Northampton Community College (NCC) is seeking an Associate Director of Employee Relations to foster a positive, compliant work environment for faculty and staff. The role leads investigations, advises on policies, and collaborates with management to resolve labor relations issues.

The position requires a strong background in HR, 5+ years of experience, and familiarity with union environments, federal/state laws, and CBAs. NCC offers robust benefits and professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of HR experience in employee or labor relations.
• Knowledge of federal/state employment laws and collective bargaining agreements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive investigations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as HR contact for labor and employee relations questions.
• Investigate workplace concerns and act as Level 1 grievance officer.
• Advise on performance management, disciplinary procedures and policy interpretation.
• Support management in compliant handling of investigations and training.
• Interpret and implement labor and HR policies and laws.

Skills

Strategic planning

Conflict resolution

Communication

Policy advisory

Confidentiality

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Master's degree preferred

PHR or SHRM-CP certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Workday

Job description

Associate Director, Employee Relations

This posting will close on: 11/13/2026 **No further applications will be accepted on or after this date**

Primary Function

The purpose of this position is to foster a positive, productive, and compliant work environment for NCC faculty, staff and administration. Act as first point of contact to resolve employee conflicts, conduct investigations into complaints and allegations of misconduct, handle grievances, advise on policies, and ensure compliance with labor laws and NCC's collective bargaining agreements. Consult with management staff in order to address employee relations issues and resolve them at the earliest opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary HR contact for employees and supervisors on labor and employee relations questions and concerns.
• Investigate workplace complaints and concerns, mediate conflicts, and function as the Level one grievance officer for labor contracts and as a Title IX Deputy investigator for employee related complaints.
• Advise administrators, faculty and staff on multiple human resources topics including employee and labor relations, performance management, and human resources compliance.
• Assist with fostering a positive and productive work environment while balancing the needs of the workforce with operational and legal requirements.
• Address and resolve workplace issues, promoting a positive work environment while ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.
• Provide guidance to supervisors about procedures for employee coaching and counseling, performance evaluations, the development of performance programs and disciplinary procedures.
• Interpret and implement HR policies, procedures and federal/state employment laws to ensure compliance.
• Maintain knowledge of a wide variety of complex federal/state employment laws, College policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Professional Certification in Human Resources such as PHR or SHRM-CP.
• Skills, Knowledge, Abilities: Excellent planning, organizing, communication, collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with applicable Federal and State employment laws.
• Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ Human Resources experience handling employee relations or labor relations, preferably in a Unionized Higher Education environment.
• Experience developing performance improvement and development plans.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Workday experience preferred.

Benefits Snapshot

• Comprehensive medical plan options for you and your family (plus dental and vision)
• College retirement contribution of 8% of your salary upon hire
• NCC tuition waiver
• Up to 25 days’ vacation/floating
• 10 sick days
• Four (4) day workweeks during Summer
• Holidays (including a week+ break between Christmas and New Year's)

Please visit https://www.northampton.edu/about/working-at-ncc/employee-benefits/index.html for more details on the full array of benefits.

Title IX

Please visit www.northampton.edu/titleix for information on the College's Title IX Policy, Title IX Coordinator and Deputies, contact information and resources.

Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is currently available online. The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the College will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-Campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the College or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, stop by the NCC Public Safety Office at 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020 or request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 610.861.5588 or emailing [e-mail].