Title: Associate Director, Employee Relations and Compliance

Department: Human Resources

Campus: Queens

Reporting to the Director of Diversity, EEO & Compliance, the Associate Director will assist the Director in providing employee relations support to the University. This includes working independently or collaboratively, as needed, with the Director and the Employee Relations Specialist to ensure fair and respectful treatment of the University's students and employees consistent with St. John's mission, values and non-discrimination policies, and in accordance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations. This position will investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination and sexual misconduct; develop and implement programs to promote diversity initiatives; ensure the University is in compliance with employment eligibility verification requirements; facilitate immigrant and nonimmigrant petitions for foreign national employees; design and deliver employee relations training programs; and monitor the external legal environment to develop and update HR policies.

Responsibilities:

Employee Relations & Compliance:

• Investigate and provide oversight and direction in the investigation of internal complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct and other workplace matters; prepare investigative reports; and recommend appropriate resolution and monitor results.
• Function as Title IX investigator for the institution.
• Coordinate with the Office of General Counsel to interpret and apply labor and employment laws for issues such as background checks, termination decisions, OSHA complaints, and review letters and contracts.
• Participate in unemployment claims/hearings.
• In collaboration with the Office of General Counsel, monitor legislative updates and changes to employment laws to maintain University policy compliance; perform research and benchmarking around policy best practices; and recommend revisions to policies and/or practices as necessary.
• Work closely with, and provide guidance to, Directors, other HR colleagues as well as managers to address employee issues where potential EEO implications may arise.

Training for EEO, Title IX and Diversity:

• In coordination with the Director, develop and deliver training to the University community (employees and faculty) on employee relations topics as needed.
• Continually review content to ensure it meets the needs of the University and is current with respect to legal and/or internal policy changes.
• Monitor participation levels and evaluate participant feedback to continually improve program content and delivery.

Global:

• Work with outside immigration counsel to facilitate the processing and compliance of temporary and permanent work authorization requests for foreign national employees.
• Ensure I-9 employment eligibility verification processing is in compliance at all times.
• Oversee compliance issues for overseas locations.

Diversity

• Work with Director to implement and manage diversity initiatives throughout HR.
• Support University-wide diversity and inclusivity efforts.

Employee Assistance Program:

• Oversee the Employee Relations Specialist's management of the EAP vendor relationship; ensure the program continues to meet the needs of employees by monitoring participation rates and feedback.
• Ensure service delivery and program quality are executed according to contract terms; explore new services as needed; and ensure effective communications of EAP programs and services to the University Community.

Other HR Consultation:

• Participate in HR committees and activities as requested by the Director and operate as both an expert in the field of Employee Relations and as a broad-based HR professional by contributing on a range of HR related matters.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience required, preferably in higher education, with 2-5 years experience investigating claims of discrimination and extensive knowledge of all applicable employment laws strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of employee immigration matters desirable.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills (writing sample may be requested);
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Effective people management and time management; and flexibility, follow-through and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team is important.
• BA or BS in relevant discipline required; related Master's degree or JD with employment law background strongly preferred.

St. John's offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John's performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events.

St. John's University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.

I understand that any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John's University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.


To apply please click here!