Senior Director, Head of Associate Relations

Why Join GEICO? At GEICO, we offer a rewarding career where your ambitions are met with endless possibilities. Every day we honor our iconic brand by offering quality coverage to millions of customers and being there when they need us most. We thrive on relentless innovation to exceed our customers’ expectations while making a real impact on local communities nationwide. Founded in 1936, GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. Location This is a hybrid role, with an onsite presence of 3 days per week at our Bethesda, MD; NYC, NY; or Chicago, IL office. Reports To Head of Associate Experience Role Overview As Head of Associate Relations, you will lead and shape the enterprise Associate Relations function, setting the long‑term strategy and operating model that enables a fair, consistent, and values‑driven associate experience across the organization. This role is responsible for transforming how Associate Relations operates—modernizing people capabilities, standardizing and scaling processes, and leveraging technology to improve outcomes, transparency, and trust. You will serve as a senior thought partner to executives and HR leadership, providing strategic counsel on workforce risk, culture, and governance while ensuring the function is positioned to meet the needs of a complex, growing organization. Rather than focusing on day‑to‑day case management, this role defines the vision, standards, and expectations for how employee relations work is delivered across the enterprise. Key Responsibilities Enterprise Strategy & Transformation: Define and execute a multi‑year Associate Relations strategy aligned to the Associate Value Proposition and overall people strategy. Design and evolve the Associate Relations operating model, including role clarity, case segmentation, escalation paths, and decision frameworks. Lead the modernization of Associate Relations processes, ensuring consistency, scalability, and defensibility across all regions and business units. Champion the use of data, insights, and technology to improve case outcomes, identify systemic issues, and inform leadership decision‑making. Leadership, Governance & Influence: Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leaders on employee relations risk, organizational health, investigations governance, and complex workforce issues. Establish and oversee enterprise governance standards for investigations, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation to ensure fairness and consistency. Partner closely with Legal, Compliance, and HR leadership to anticipate risk, strengthen controls, and align on mitigation strategies. Represent Associate Relations in executive forums, delivering clear, actionable insights on trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement. People & Capability Building: Lead, develop, and inspire a high‑performing Associate Relations leadership team, building bench strength and future‑ready capabilities. Set expectations for judgment, decision quality, and executive presence across the function. Establish learning, coaching, and quality standards that elevate investigative rigor, empathy, and consistency. Policy, Risk & Compliance Oversight: Own the strategic direction of employee relations policies and frameworks, ensuring alignment with employment law, organizational values, and evolving business needs. Ensure the function is positioned to proactively manage compliance risk across federal, state, and local employment regulations. Oversee the development of enterprise‑level training and enablement strategies for leaders and HR partners related to employee relations and workplace conduct. Insights & Continuous Improvement: Use quantitative and qualitative insights to identify patterns, systemic issues, and cultural risks. Translate data into strategic recommendations that drive improvements in engagement, trust, and retention. Lead continuous improvement efforts that strengthen the associate experience while balancing organizational risk and accountability. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or equivalent experience; advanced degree or certifications preferred. 10–12 years of progressive leadership experience in Associate Relations or Employee Relations, with demonstrated success leading enterprise‑scale functions or transformations. Proven experience designing and scaling investigations or employee relations operating models in large, complex organizations. Deep expertise in employment law, EEO regulations, anti‑retaliation principles, and investigations governance. Strong executive presence and judgment, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, high‑stakes matters, and competing priorities. Track record of influencing senior leaders and driving alignment across cross‑functional partners. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complexity and deliver clear, defensible recommendations. Unwavering integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to fairness, confidentiality, and ethical leadership. Annual Salary $195,000.00 – $315,000.00. This range is a general guideline. Final compensation will depend on scope and responsibilities of the role, candidate’s experience, education, location, and market considerations. At this time, GEICO will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position. Equal Employment Opportunity The equal employment opportunity policy of the GEICO Companies provides for a fair and equal employment opportunity for all associates and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. GEICO Pledge Great Company: Protecting customers through life’s twists and turns with innovation and integrity. Great Careers: Personalized development programs, mentorship, and certification assistance. Great Culture: Inclusive and collaborative culture rooted in shared success. Great Rewards: Competitive pay, benefits, and flexibility to support your well‑being and future. Opportunities for Students & Grads Learn more about GEICO Benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr Government Employees Insurance Company