Director of Employee Relations

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 :

• 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.

FLSA : 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 :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Special Instructions to the Applicant :

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