Director Employee Relations and HR Leave Administration

Job Summary: 

The Director is responsible for the direction of employee relations and leave and accommodation teams. This role will ensure an engaged employee relations function consistent with enterprise visions, values and people strategy. The Director will also oversee the employee leave programs; ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations and providing a positive experience for employees on leave. 
 

This role manages the HR Leave and Accommodation team who have responsibility for in-house protected leaves, paid and unpaid leaves and workplace accommodations. Works to ensure compliance with state, federal and company leaves and all leave-related regulations while supporting ADA education and compliance. Leads team through regular process improvement efforts in support of customer experience and efficient workflow.   
 

Additionally, this role manages the Employee Relations Consultant team who provide advice, counsel and guidance to managers at all levels of the organization. Oversee the team’s research and investigations of complaints, charges, and lawsuits. Manage employee relations processes to ensure a proactive, fair and consistent approach. Oversee staff who conduct on-site internal investigations often involving complex employment matters including comprehensive confidential investigation reports with recommended findings for senior management review.  
 

Skills and Background You’ll Need 

• Lead complex workplace investigations which include responses to EEOC charges, employment claims, etc.  Consults with internal and external counsel to conduct complex investigations and mitigates risk by ensuring compliance with EEO policies and all Federal, State and local employment regulations as well as The Standard policies. 

• Strong knowledge of complex employee relations matters, federal and state leave laws and the ADA. Solid assertiveness, leadership courage, influence, planning, organization, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills. Demonstrated ability to develop strong trusting relationships and credibility with both business and HR colleagues quickly to gain support and achieve results. Influences others through expertise and compelling rationale, adaptable to new opinions and input Process improvement mindset with ability to analyze and synthesize data trends and develop appropriate responses in partnership with the business and the larger HR team, and able to communicate effectively with all levels of employees. 

• Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or equivalent work experience in a related field and industry.
  • 8+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years leading teams.
  • Deep expertise in employee and labor relations and 50-state leave laws and administration.
  • Solid assertiveness, leadership courage, influence, planning, organization, collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Preferred:
  • Master’s degree in HR, Business or related field.
  • Professional licensure or certification: Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Certificate Holder

Key Behaviors of a Successful Candidate 

• Customer Focus: Understands and anticipates both internal and external customer needs and develops customer-inspired solutions that exceed their expectations. 

• Engaging Hearts & Minds: Fosters empowered, collaborative teams and cultivates trusted relationships across functions. 

• Winning Together: Actively engages colleagues to achieve shared outcomes by developing trust, inviting diverse perspectives and pushing to bring the best ideas forward. 

Why join The Standard? 

We have built an enduring legacy of stability, innovation, and financial strength thanks to the contributions of the talented, creative, and compassionate people who choose to work at The Standard. To ensure we can attract and retain the best talent, when you join The Standard, you can expect: 

• A rich benefits package including a 401(k) plan with matching company contributions. 

• An annual incentive bonus plan. 

• Generous paid time off. 

• A supportive and responsive management approach. 

• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.  

• Paid time off to volunteer. 

• An employee giving program that double matches your donations to eligible nonprofits and schools. 

• Much more! 

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