Job Title: Employee Relations Director

Industry: Education

Location (city, state): Tulsa, OK

Assignment Type: Full-Time

Pay: $70-80K

Work Schedule: Regular business hours; occasional evenings and weekends may be required based on operational needs. Reliable attendance is expected.

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

About The Company

The employer is committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace where employees are supported, workplace concerns are addressed fairly, and organizational policies are applied consistently. The organization values collaboration, accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement.

Job Description

The Employee Relations Director is responsible for promoting a productive and respectful work environment through employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, HR policy development, and employment compliance. This position serves as an impartial resource for employees, supervisors, and leadership, helping resolve workplace concerns, manage conflict, and maintain fair employment practices.

Working closely with organizational leadership, the Employee Relations Director identifies opportunities to improve HR processes, strengthen supervisory practices, minimize employment-related risks, and enhance the employee experience. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong judgment, integrity, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive matters professionally and confidentially.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations and Workplace Investigations

• Manage employee complaints, grievances, and workplace disputes from initial review through resolution.
• Conduct impartial investigations, including interviewing relevant individuals, reviewing documentation, assessing evidence, and preparing factual reports with recommendations.
• Advise employees and supervisors on workplace conduct, conflict resolution, interpersonal issues, and HR policies.
• Partner with leadership to evaluate investigation findings and determine appropriate corrective actions and follow-up.
• Help managers and employees address workplace challenges through effective communication and conflict management.
• Identify recurring employee concerns and recommend strategies to address underlying issues and reduce future risks.
• Protect confidential information and escalate significant findings or sensitive concerns to appropriate leadership.
• Promote fairness, accountability, mutual respect, and consistent application of workplace policies.

Performance Management and Leadership Support

• Administer the annual performance review process, including scheduling, communication, tracking, and completion follow-up.
• Advise supervisors on employee performance, attendance, conduct, and disciplinary concerns.
• Assist managers with employee coaching, progressive discipline, performance improvement strategies, and appropriate documentation.
• Encourage consistent performance standards and workplace expectations across departments and teams.
• Develop supervisor resources, templates, and practical tools for managing employee performance and documenting concerns.
• Deliver training on employee relations, performance management, workplace conduct, and HR policies and procedures.
• Help employees and managers understand their workplace responsibilities and applicable organizational guidelines.
• Identify supervisory training needs and recommend development opportunities to strengthen management effectiveness.

Human Resources Compliance and Risk Management

• Review HR practices, personnel documentation, and employment procedures to support compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws and relevant program requirements, including Head Start regulations when applicable.
• Conduct HR audits and compliance reviews to identify potential gaps, inconsistencies, and areas requiring corrective action.
• Research employment law updates, regulatory requirements, and HR best practices to support informed leadership decisions.
• Provide HR guidance related to ADA accommodations, FMLA leave, workers' compensation, and other employee leave or workplace matters.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Recommend improvements to HR controls, documentation standards, and procedures to reduce employment-related risks.

HR Policies, Procedures, and Organizational Improvement

• Develop, review, and update HR policies, employee handbooks, procedures, and related workplace guidance.
• Convert legal and regulatory requirements into clear, practical information for employees and supervisors.
• Create standardized forms, reference materials, and tools to support consistent HR practices.
• Collaborate with leadership to communicate policy changes and facilitate implementation.
• Review employee feedback, HR processes, investigation trends, and compliance findings to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support initiatives related to employee engagement, workplace culture, performance improvement, and organizational effectiveness.
• Perform additional HR responsibilities as assigned to support departmental priorities and organizational objectives.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in human resources, employee relations, workplace investigations, or a related area.
• Demonstrated experience managing sensitive employee issues, conducting or supporting workplace investigations, advising supervisors, and interpreting workplace policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing or revising HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks.
• Experience with employment compliance, HR audits, or workplace risk management.
• Background in performance management, employee coaching, and corrective action processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, and general HR practices.
• Excellent interviewing, fact-finding, analytical, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to evaluate sensitive situations objectively and respond with professionalism, discretion, and fairness.
• Strong judgment and problem-solving abilities, including assessing risks and determining when concerns require escalation.
• Ability to research employment regulations, interpret policies, and apply requirements to workplace situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, factual, and professional reports.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently while maintaining confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships across a diverse workforce.
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with employees, supervisors, and senior leadership.

Additional Details

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must satisfy applicable background screening and eligibility requirements for working in an environment serving children, including required clearances.
• Regular and dependable attendance is required.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends may be necessary to address employee matters and organizational needs.
• The position is primarily office-based, with occasional local travel.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Local travel may involve exposure to routine traffic hazards.
• Responsibilities may change as organizational priorities evolve. Additional duties may be assigned as appropriate.

Perks

• Medical insurance eligibility.
• Dental insurance eligibility.
• Vision insurance eligibility.
• 401(k) eligibility.
• Opportunity to contribute to workplace culture, employee development, and organizational improvement.
• Opportunity to collaborate with leadership and influence effective HR practices and employee relations initiatives.

Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.