Director, Employee Relations

Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center; Radford (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Radford University seeks a Director of Employee Relations to lead the Employee Relations function, supervise staff, and advise university leadership on performance, conduct, and policy interpretation. The role administers grievance procedures and conducts investigations to ensure fair, compliant practices while promoting an inclusive workplace.

The position partners with Human Resources and university leaders to address workplace issues, mitigate risk, and foster a respectful, equitable work

Qualifications

• Masters degree in HR, IO psychology, business, social work, or related field.
• Five years of progressive employee relations/H.R. experience.
• Experience interpreting policies and applying employment laws.
• Experience providing training or functional leadership in employee relations.
• Experience with HR data systems and MS Office.
• Commitment to a respectful, equitable, inclusive workplace.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Employee Relations function and supervise assigned staff.
• Provide expert consultation to supervisors, employees, and leadership on performance management and workplace concerns.
• Oversee investigations and grievance procedures, including writing reports and recommendations.
• Interpret and apply policies and employment laws to address issues.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and leadership to mitigate risk and address workplace issues.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment.

Skills

Employee relations

Investigations

Policy interpretation

Training & consultation

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s + experience

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title

Director, Employee Relations

Application Review Date

November 30, 2026

Campus Location

Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

The Director of Employee Relations leads the Employee Relations function, supervises assigned staff, and serves as the University’s subject-matter expert for all employee relations matters. This position provides expert consultation and guidance to supervisors, employees, and University leadership on performance management, workplace concerns, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, employee grievances, equal employment opportunity, investigations, and other complex employee relations matters. The Director oversees employee relations reviews and investigations, administers applicable grievance procedures, promotes consistent and equitable application of policies and practices, and partners with Human Resources and University leadership to address workplace issues, mitigate risk, and foster a positive, respectful, and effective work environment. Performs other related duties.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, Social Work, or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a combination of education and relevant experience equivalent to a master’s degree.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in employee relations, human resources, equal employment opportunity, or a related field, including: Conducting or managing employee relations investigations, including complaints involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, performance, conduct, or other employment concerns.
• Interpreting and applying employment policies and federal and state employment laws in addressing employee relations matters. Providing consultation to supervisors, managers, or organizational leaders regarding performance management, workplace concerns, conflict resolution, and employment practices. Preparing written investigation reports, findings, recommendations, or other formal employee relations documentation.
• Experience providing training, consultation, or functional leadership related to employee relations, workplace conduct, or employment practices.
• Experience working with human resources information systems and HR data, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing responsive service and supporting a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of higher education employment practices, including the varying employment classifications, policies, rules, and regulations applicable to faculty, staff, wage, student, and other employee groups.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, PHR, or a related HR/Employee Relations credential may be given preference.

Is this position Grant Funded

No

Is this position restricted

No

Is this position 100% telework

No

Hours Per Week

40

Months per Year

12

Statement of Economic Interest Required

No

FLSA Status

Exempt

Work Classification

Administrative & Professional Faculty

Normal Work Schedule

M-F 8:00 -5:00 some evenings and weekends

Employee Classification

Professional - Lecturer

Department

Human Resources

Salary

$90,000 - $122,000 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Department Contact Name

Leah Taylor

Department Contact Phone

540-831-5008

Department Contact Email

[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Statement

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.