Director of Compliance and Employee Relations

Director of Compliance and Employee Relations Posting Number: R0004348 Location: Point Loma Campus - San Diego, CA Benefits Health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. Opportunities to engage with community through staff chapel and wellness program. Job Summary This role provides leadership in employee relations, workplace investigations, multi‑state employment compliance, policy development, and manager coaching while fostering a healthy, compliant, people‑centered workplace culture. Salary: $80,000 – $95,000 (actual salary determined by experience, education, and other factors) This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Job Status Full time Job Description What We're Looking For Strong experience advising leaders and employees through complex employee relations matters with professionalism and discretion Deep understanding of employment law, compliance frameworks, and workplace investigation practices, particularly within California employment law Ability to build trust and maintain confidentiality while navigating sensitive situations Strong coaching and conflict resolution skills with the ability to support managers through difficult employee conversations and decisions Experience developing and improving HR policies, procedures, and compliance practices Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment and make balanced recommendations Ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the university Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally in sensitive situations Openness to learning and leveraging emerging HR technologies and AI‑enabled tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population is preferred What You'll Be Doing Serve as a trusted advisor and primary resource for employee relations concerns, supporting employees, managers, and supervisors across the university Provide structured coaching and guidance to leaders regarding performance management, conflict resolution, corrective action, and employee communication strategies Lead and conduct workplace investigations involving employee concerns, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, and other sensitive matters Develop investigation plans, conduct interviews, document findings, and prepare investigation summaries and recommendations Collaborate with legal counsel and compliance partners on complex or high‑risk employment matters as needed Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local employment laws and ensure university employment practices remain compliant across multiple states Contribute to the development and maintenance of HR policies, handbook updates, and state‑specific policy addenda Support oversight of the ADA interactive process, including accommodation requests, documentation review, and implementation of reasonable accommodations Supervise the Student Employment Manager and support student employment operations and compliance Partner with HR leadership on the redesign and revitalization of the university's performance management process and employee development initiatives Represent Human Resources on university committees, working groups, and institutional initiatives Qualifications Bachelor's Degree with an emphasis in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred Senior Professional HR certification (SPHR or SHRM‑SCP) from HRCI or SHRM strongly preferred Proficiency in Google Workspace, Zoom (or similar platforms), and Microsoft Excel 5‑7 years of HR experience with increasing responsibility, including direct experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, and employment compliance Proven experience managing HR compliance and policy across multiple states; specific expertise in California employment law required Demonstrated ability to coach managers and leaders through complex and sensitive employee situations with discretion and sound judgment Openness to adopting AI tools and HR technology is expected; hands‑on experience with such tools is a plus Experience in higher education preferred Familiarity with Workday HRIS preferred Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population is preferred Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU's Community Life Covenant. The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local 'Fair Chance' laws Physical Requirements Work is primarily sedentary and may require sitting for extended periods of time Use of computer equipment including keyboard, mouse, and monitor Vision to read documents, email, and other correspondence on paper and computer monitor Hearing and speaking abilities to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone Ability to stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 10 pounds throughout the day Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. Apply online at #J-18808-Ljbffr