Job Title: Director of Employee Relations

Department: Human Resources

Reports to: Vice President of Human Resources

At Redwood Living Inc. ("Redwood"), we know we are only as successful as the people who power us. Our employees are passionate, they are talented, they are empowered to make decisions that positively affect the lives of our residents. From site personnel to corporate leadership, our employees demonstrate Redwood's commitment to deliver more than expected, communicate openly and honestly, and demonstrate integrity in all aspects of our business. As we continue to grow, we seek these same qualities in every team member we bring on board.

Position Overview

Under the general direction of the Vice President of Human Resources, the Director of Employe Relations is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of employee relations within Redwood. This role involves developing and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives to foster positive employee relations and maintain a healthy work environment. The Director of Employee Relations plays a key role in resolving workplace conflicts, addressing grievances, and promoting effective communication between employees and management. Furthermore, the Director will oversee all employee relations risk management and compliance including unemployment, workers compensation, OSHA, and ADA activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee primary E/R areas of focus including resolution of personnel matters, employee handbook, unemployment administration, workers compensation, ADA administration, HR compliance, and OSHA reporting.
• Supervisory responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of the E/R team. Specifically, sourcing and onboarding a new HR Manager in 2025.
• Administers Employee Relations budget YoY with support from VP/HR.
• Utilize Yardi PayScan for invoicing and Concur for expense reporting.
• Maintain the Employee Relations distribution email box including ensuring timely responses and service level standards are met.
• Handle and resolve employee conflicts, disputes, and grievances in a fair and consistent manner using variety of techniques and methods. This involves conducting investigations and recommending appropriate actions.
• Utilize and manage the internal disciplinary review and escalation process with Operations and Home Office management teams.
• In partnership with Legal, act as system administrator for EthicsPoint anonymous employee hotline; respond to and provide case updates within the platform.
• Partner with management staff concerning employee performance issues, including, but not limited to, corrective actions, suspensions, performance improvement plans, or separations.
• Prepare HR communications related to internal protocols, process changes, new enhanced services, etc. using internal company communication channels; leverage generative AI Co-Pilot for strength in internal communication strategy.
• Assess training needs for the E/R function; when necessary, curate training resources, workshops, toolkits, and job aids for education opportunities to management staff with particular focus in anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws.
• HR administrator of the national employee handbook and supporting state supplements, including but not limited to new policy creation, revision of existing policies, and periodic handbook reviews.
• Collaborate with management and/or the Legal department concerning any organizational restructuring and planning, including, but not limited to, position eliminations, workforce reductions, and/or matters of employment policy.
• Ensure multi-state compliance with employment laws, regulations, and company policies. Staying updated on changes in labor laws and advising management on necessary adjustments.
• Prepare position specific employment agreements, severance agreements, NDAs, and similar in collaboration with the legal department or outside counsel.
• Oversee multi-state unemployment process and administration.
• File annual EEO-1 Report.
• Maintain OSHA 300 log and file annual reporting.
• Monitor and maintain federal/state labor law posters at Redwood neighborhoods and Home Office.
• Manage and oversee ADA and reasonable accommodation process. Prepare documents regarding employee requests and align with benefits administrator regarding any FMLA interplay.
• Oversee workers compensation administration including renewal process, payroll reporting, injury reporting, and claims management with broker and TPA partners.
• Maintain safety council participation for workers compensation premium rating.
• Evaluate and enhance internal return to work and light duty program and policy in 2025.
• Champion and promote safety culture at Redwood by aligning with current safety task force to enhance Redwood's current safety program in 2025.
• Lead management staff through reasonable suspicion drug/alcohol testing process and protocols when applicable.
• Oversee exit interview/surveys to gather feedback on workplace satisfaction and identify areas for improvement; analyze and assess survey results and recommend action plans.
• Approves background and MVR checks when escalated to Employee Relations (E/R) for judgment and discretion, as part of the adjudication process managed by the recruiting and talent function.
• Support onboarding processes by participating in new hire monthly training or ad-hoc training requests, such as new regional manager training sessions and introductions to the E/R function.
• All other related duties, as assigned.

Required Skills

As the Director of Employee Relations, you will be required to exhibit the following skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive conversations, resolve conflicts, and build trust with employees at all levels.
• Ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively while also being receptive to feedback.
• Exhibit high level of emotional intelligence.
• Thorough understanding of employment law and regulations to ensure company policies comply with legal standards.
• Excellent time management skills with ability to work autonomously.
• Change management skills including managing organizational change, communicate effectively during transitions, and support employees to maintain morale and productivity.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to analyze situations, identify underlying issues, and devise effective solutions.
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the org chart, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors.

Required Qualifications, Education & Certifications

• HS Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's Degree required in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Organization Psychology, or related field preferred.
• 5-7 years relevant work experience and leadership experience (with direct reports) required.
• SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP preferred.
• Computer proficiency with experience in Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Microsoft Teams and SharePoint platform experience a plus.
• Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) required with ADP Workforce Now experience a plus.

Working Conditions

This job operates in a professional office environment. In this role, the employee will routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, desk phones, iPhone, photocopiers, etc. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend and walk with the ability to lift 20 pounds where applicable.

Visit our website today for a list of benefits and perks that Redwood offers: Redwood Apartment Neighborhoods | Employee Benefits & Perks

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties and skills, and such responsibilities, duties and skills may be changed at any time.