Job Details

Director of Employee Relations - 251064
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Position Number: 6018355
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Position Type: Human Resources

Director of Employee Relations - 251064

Western Carolina University

Department: Human Resources and Payroll

About WCU: Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including: 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary: The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus.

The Director of Employee Relations will serve as a key member of the HR senior leadership team to promote WCU's mission of employee excellence. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources and Payroll, the Director of Employee Relations will be responsible for leading the university's efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the University workforce through continuously improving policies, programs and processes in the areas of performance management, employee engagement, retention and recognition, internal communication, internal dispute resolution, mediation, and assistance with grievance and appeal procedures.

Those serving in this position will work regularly with key university stakeholders across the WCU community to develop a culture of continuous improvement, equity, and opportunity.

Candidates should demonstrate exceptional interpersonal, communication and management skills; strong conceptual, strategic planning and problem solving skills; high level of organization; ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment; ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the university; strong strategic leadership, analytical and presentation skills; mediation and problem solving skills; ability to effectively diffuse stressful situations in a positive manner; ability to build strong working relationships instilling trust and confidence in colleagues at all levels; work successfully with diverse work groups; skilled at conflict management and able to manage stressful situations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications: Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.A Masters degree (or equivalent of Bachelors degree and related experience) in Human Resources, Counseling, or other related field of study and a minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants: Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.To complete the application process, please include a cover letter, your current resume, and a list of at least three professional references with their complete contact information.For questions or additional information please contact Cory Causby, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources & Payroll at 828-227-3142 or via email at causby@wcu.edu

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/29993