Director, Employee Relations

Akumin; Connecticut; Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

HSA contributions

401(k) match

Paid holidays

PTO & sick time

Job summary

Akumin is seeking a Director of Employee Relations to join our Human Resources team in a remote US-based role. You will oversee nationwide ER programs, lead a team of ER professionals, and ensure lawful, compliant practices across all states.

Responsibilities include managing investigations, advising executives, and shaping policy, training, and risk mitigation. This role requires strong leadership, expert knowledge of employment law, and the ability to drive a high-performing culture remotely.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business administration, employment law, or related field.
• 10+ years HR experience with 5–7 years in Employee Relations and compliance.
• 3+ years leading a remote HR/ER team.
• Experience navigating multi-state employment laws across all 50 states.
• Strong investigation and policy skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead ER strategy and manage ER team.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Oversee investigations and performance management.
• Develop and implement HR policies and training.
• Partner with executives and legal counsel on complex matters.

Skills

Employee relations leadership

Multi-state compliance

Investigation leadership

Policy development

Remote team management

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Job description

Akumin is a leading provider of outpatient radiology and oncology services, partnering with top hospitals and health systems nationwide to deliver advanced diagnostic imaging and exceptional patient care close to home. With a national footprint, cutting-edge technology, and a strong commitment to innovation and patient-centered care, our teams play a vital role in improving outcomes for millions of patients each year. We are hiring for a Director of Employee Relations to join our Human Resources team.

This will be a remote position that must be based in the United States.

The Director of Employee Relations will be responsible for overseeing and managing all employee relations matters, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all 50 states. You will manage a team of Employee Relations professionals, lead complex investigations, and partner with executive leadership to foster a positive, legally compliant, and high-performing culture.

Specific Duties

Strategic Leadership & Team Management Lead the ER Function: Develop, implement, and oversee the strategic direction of the Employee Relations department. Manage & Develop Talent: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Employee Relations Managers and Specialists, ensuring high-quality support and consistent application of company policies. Advisory Partner: Act as a trusted advisor and escalation point for senior HR leaders, executive leadership, and legal counsel on high-stakes, complex employee relations matters.

Multi-State Compliance & Risk Management 50-State Employment Law Expertise: Ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all 50 US states (e.g., wage and hour laws, leave laws, ADA, FMLA, EEOC, state-specific mandates). Policy Development: Continuously review, update, and implement HR policies and procedures to mitigate risk and adapt to the evolving national legal landscape. Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify ER trends, risks, and areas of vulnerability. Partner with Legal counsel to navigate complex terminations, administrative leaves, transition agreements, and legal claims (e.g., discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination).

Investigations & Performance Management Complex Investigations: Personally manage and conduct high-level, sensitive, and complex workplace investigations involving senior leadership, protected classes, or significant legal risk.

Oversight of ER Caseload: Oversee the team’s investigation processes from intake to resolution, ensuring thoroughness, fairness, and proper documentation in all disciplinary actions and grievances.

Performance Management: Guide HR business partners and business leaders through complex performance management processes, including the drafting and execution of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) and formal warnings.

Training & Organizational Culture Leadership Training: Design and deliver training programs for managers and HR professionals on employment law compliance, effective performance management, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive work environment.

Change Management: Support major organizational changes, restructuring, and realignments by developing communication plans and guiding leadership through sensitive transitions.

Position Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience. Human Resources, Business Administration, Employment Law, or related field

10+ years of progressive HR experience, with a minimum of 5-7 years specifically dedicated to Employee Relations and employment law compliance. 3+ years of experience leading and developing a remote HR/ER team.

Multi-State Expertise: Proven track record of managing employee relations, navigating employment laws and creating HR policies across a highly distributed, multi-state workforce (all 50 US states).

Investigation Skills: Advanced expertise in conducting and managing complex, high-risk workplace investigations.

Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft sensitive documents (agreements, executive summaries, scripts) and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Travel may be required

Preferred Requirements

SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or specific Employee Relations/Workplace Investigations certifications (e.g., AWI-CH) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• HSA accounts with employer contributions
• 401(k) eligibility with employer match
• Paid holidays
• Defined PTO and sick time programs

Compensation

The estimated salary for this role is $160,000-$185,000. Actual compensation depends on experience, skills, location, and other factors such as internal equity and budget.

Akumin Operating Corp. and its divisions are an equal opportunity employer and we believe in strength through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity & expression, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

Akumin Operating Corp. and its divisions are an equal opportunity employer and we believe in strength through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity & expression, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

Akumin opens the doors to an exceptional career in outpatient care. Recognized as a trusted national partner for hospitals, health systems, and physician groups, we provide comprehensive radiology and oncology services with a steadfast focus on patient care.

Join our team to gain access to cutting-edge technologies, thrive in a supportive work environment driven by trust and collaboration, and embark on a rewarding journey of personal and professional growth. Contribute to shaping the future of healthcare by joining Akumin.

At Akumin, we’re proud to provide a comprehensive range of top-quality outpatient radiology and oncology services to health systems, hospitals, physician groups, and patients all across the country. Our offerings include state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, pioneering radiation therapy methods, and personalized care plans created to meet each patient’s specific needs. By collaborating with a diverse array of healthcare providers, we make certain our critical services are both accessible and effective, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and fostering the overall well-being of the communities we serve.