Associate Director, Employee Relations

The staff and faculty of Northampton Community College share a single goal: to help students transform their lives through education. It's a goal that reaps rewards thousands of times over the course of a career. Employees at Northampton receive competitive compensation and an array of benefits while working on campuses located in a region with a very high quality of life. NCC is strongly committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to identify their strengths or experiences in this area. Associate Director, Employee Relations This posting will close on: 11/13/2026 Primary Function The purpose of this position is to foster a positive, productive, and compliant work environment for NCC faculty, staff and administration. Act as first point of contact to resolve employee conflicts, conduct investigations into complaints and allegations of misconduct, handle grievances, advise on policies, and ensure compliance with labor laws and NCC's collective bargaining agreements. Consult with management staff in order to address employee relations issues and resolve them at the earliest opportunity. Responsibilities Serve as primary HR contact for employees and supervisors on labor and employee relations questions and concerns. Investigate workplace complaints and concerns, mediate conflicts, and function as the Level one grievance officer for labor contracts and as a Title IX Deputy investigator for employee related complaints. Advise administrators, faculty and staff on multiple human resources topics including employee and labor relations, performance management, and human resources compliance. Assist with fostering a positive and productive work environment while balancing the needs of the workforce with operational and legal requirements. Address and resolve workplace issues, promoting a positive work environment while ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. Provide guidance to supervisors about procedures for employee coaching and counseling, performance evaluations, the development of performance programs and disciplinary procedures. Interpret and implement HR policies, procedures and federal/state employment laws to ensure compliance. Maintain knowledge of a wide variety of complex federal/state employment laws, College policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements. Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field. Master's degree preferred. Professional Certification in Human Resources such as PHR or SHRM-CP. Skills, Knowledge, Abilities: Excellent planning, organizing, communication, collaboration and conflict resolution skills. Ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organization. Thorough knowledge of and experience with applicable Federal and State employment laws. Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality. Experience: Minimum of 5 years' Human Resources experience handling employee relations or labor relations, preferably in a Unionized Higher Education environment. Experience developing performance improvement and development plans. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required. Workday experience preferred. Benefits Snapshot The College offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees. comprehensive medical plan options for you and your family (plus dental and vision) a College retirement contribution of 8% of your salary upon hire NCC tuition waiver an abundance of time off - up to 25 days' vacation/floating, 10 sick days Four (4) day workweeks during Summer Holidays (including a week+ break between Christmas and New Year's) Please visit for more details on the full array of benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr Northampton Community College