Associate Vice President, Employee Relations

Essential Job Statements 

• Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, ERISA, and HIPAA. Partners with internal stakeholders and external government agencies, including the VCUHS Office of Compliance, General Counsel, the Department of Health Professions, DOL, Joint Commission and CMS to ensure policy compliance.  

• Oversee and contribute to the development of coaching, mentoring and training programs for people leaders on employment law, HR policies, conflict resolution, mediation, supervision, and trends. 

• Oversee and may directly conduct investigations that tend to be most complex, have significant risk or are high visibility situations, including charges of discrimination, harassment, unfair management practices, and internal complaints. Research nature of complaint and partner with the General Counsel’s Office on high profile risk cases. Act as a collaborator and consulting partner for Business Advisory and ER team members on complex questions and cases.

• Manage critical incident investigations, respond to emergency situations, and develop recommendations based on findings.

• Respond to EEOC charges of discrimination citing management’s course of action and details regarding final decisions; collaborate with the General Counsel’s Office regarding findings and final reporting.  

• Manage team member dispute resolution/grievance procedure in an equitable manner in collaboration with leadership and the General Counsel’s Office.

• Establish credibility throughout the organization with management and the HR staff in order to be an inclusive and effective listener and problem solver of people issues. Provide regular and reliable reporting to various stakeholders on team member performance and improvement efforts.

• Provide consultation and guidance on department reorganizations, reduction(s) in force, workers compensation, unemployment compensation, background investigations, and EAP.  Consult on reorganization and involuntary separation actions; provides guidance on the process.

• Develop performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and success of employee relations activities. 

• Collaborate on teams and committees to ensure operations and programs are integrated and aligned with the health system’s vision and the employee relations lens and perspective are considered. 

• Select, develop, mentor and retain the staff needed to accomplish assigned responsibilities across the Employee Relations Team. 

• Enhance processes around case management, collaboration and handoffs with other stakeholders, establishing consistent expectations with team members. 

Patient Population 

Not applicable to this position.

Employment Qualifications 

Education Required:    

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or closely related field

Education Preferred:    

Advanced degree in human resources, business administration, law, or related field

Licensure Required:    N/A
Licensure Preferred:    

Certification Required:    

N/A

Certification Preferred:    

PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP
Certifications/registrations in employee relations

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Experience Required:    

10 years of progressive leadership experience in human resources/employee relations

Years and Type of Experience Preferred:    

12 years of related leadership experience including 5+ years in leadership role with significant business impact

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:    

•    Exceptional communication skills combined with demonstrated problem solving ability are critical for this role. 
•    Ability to strike a balance between strategic partnership-building and rolling up your sleeves. 
•    Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment. 
•    Viewed as a resource for advice and guidance by peers and senior leaders. 
•    Effective understanding of matrix structures and politically savvy. 
•    A deep sense of empathy and understanding for the needs of diverse groups of people 
•    Ability to cope with pressure maintaining a high standard of deliverables. 
•    Excellent organization and follow-through skills. 
•    Ability to analyze data and propose methods for continuous improvement. 
•    Ability to work in a confidential environment. 
•    Ability to work in a fast moving and changing environment. 
•    Ability to effectively and inclusively communicate in various mediums to diverse audiences. 
•    Able to build relationships, develop credibility with internal clients and mentor HR colleagues. 
•    Strong ability to multi-task and respond effectively to changing priorities and demands. 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:    

Experience coaching and mentoring in an informal or formal setting. 
Experience working on various HR programs/projects. 
 

Working Conditions