Sr. Director, Employee Relations at YMCA of Greater Seattle

Our Commitment to Equity

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Job Summary

Under direction from the HRVP, the HR Director of Employee Relations is responsible for the development and implementation of employee strategies and programs that include labor relations, performance management, investigations, and support the HRVP with management and leadership coaching. This position will supervise staff on the employee relations team providing administration, coordination, and support of employee personnel records and information systems.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.

What you'll get from working at The Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance 

• Retirement with generous employer contributions 

• Free access to mental health resources 

• Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO) 
• Full-time employees qualify for a 50% discount, and part-time employees qualify for a 25% discount, on eligible Childcare Services. 

Hiring Range: $100,170 - $137,043 annually

• Provides expert advice to HR, managers and employees about YGS policies and processes, labor, and employment law compliance, wage/hour laws, sexual harassment, and discrimination prevention, etc.
• Provides proactive coaching to supervisors to curate a culture of respect, objectivity, and responsiveness as it relates to workforce performance.
• Manages employee relations and employee performance issues, and facilitates conflict resolution between employees and supervisors.
• Responsible for leading the internal investigative process, including complaints of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other work-related issues.
• Conducts effective, thorough, and objective conversations, meetings, and interviews in the investigative process, utilizing independent judgment and best practices in recommending final steps to the HRVP; finalizes and approves investigation summaries and reports for HRVP and CEO review.
• Partners with internal employment counsel, risk management, and other HR functional teams to effectively manage employee relations issues/investigations.
• Creates insights from performance reviews and corrective action data to inform processes and improvements to drive a culture consistent with YGS values.
• Coordinates with supervisors and the Talent Development team to support employee professional growth plans.
• Implements a system with the ER team for tracking all employee information in personnel records.
• Coordinates and implements with risk management the Annual Refresher for required training for YGS employees.
• Leads the annual development, revision, and distribution process of the employee handbook.
• Leads Labor Relations initiatives, contract negotiation, grievance review, management and resolution to create a positive atmosphere necessary to achieve business objectives.
• Remains current on legal environment and labor law updates and educates YGS staff, as appropriate, ensuring all compliance is communicated as required.
• Serves as subject expert/trainer in appropriate employee relations training and developmental resources, including, but not limited to, corrective action, coaching employees in performance concerns, and legal policies.
• Coordinates with Unemployment vendor to process claims and prepare for and attend hearings
• Coordinates with outside counsel on legal implications for upcoming HR and YGS initiatives and/or provides clarity on changes in federal, state, and local laws
• And other duties as assigned.

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Code of Conduct for Applicants 

• BA/BS degree in human resources, business, industrial psychology, or other related discipline.
• 5+years of HR experience along with a strong generalist background.
• Labor relation or employment law experience required.
• Knowledge of State and Federal employment laws.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, practices, and investigation techniques
• Knowledge of and successful previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.)  
• Ability to pass a criminal background and reference check per company policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, or related/similar certifications
• Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful. 

COMPETENCIES

1. Business Acumen.
2. Influence.
3. Communication. 
4. Critical Evaluation.
5. Relationship Management.
6. Ethical Practice.

You'll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you: 

• Thrive on working in a collaborative environment. 

• Are very adaptable. 

• Have high ownership and strong work ethic. 

• Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet. 

• Truly enjoy being of service to people. 

• Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together. 

• Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all. 

OUR MISSION 

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.  

OUR VALUES 

• Respect 

• Responsibility 

• Honesty 

• Caring 

• Passion for Excellence 

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law. 

We are a drug & alcohol-free workplace. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.

If you need assistance of any kind with the application process, reach out to [email protected].