Director of Compliance and Employee Relations

Job Summary PLNU is seeking a strategic and relational Director, Compliance & Employee Relations to serve as a trusted advisor and key leader within Human Resources. This role provides leadership in employee relations, workplace investigations, multi-state employment compliance, policy development, and manager coaching while helping foster a healthy, compliant, and people-centered workplace culture across the university. Salary & Work Arrangement Pay range: $80,000 - $95,000. Position is full‑time with a hybrid arrangement (in‑person and remote following orientation). Responsibilities Serve as a trusted advisor and primary resource for employee relations concerns. 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 to 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 in Human Resources, Business, or related field (preferred). Senior Professional HR certification (SPHR or SHRM-SCP) 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 (preferred) and 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 (hands‑on experience is a plus). Experience in higher education (preferred). Familiarity with Workday HRIS (preferred). Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population (preferred). Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement (preferred). Agreement to live in accordance with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant. 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, e‑mail, and other correspondence on paper and on a 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. Benefits Health, dental, and tuition benefits for employees and dependents. Competitive retirement matching. Paid vacation and sick time. 15 paid holidays per year. Opportunities to engage with community activities such as staff chapel and wellness program. Legal & Equal Opportunity Statement Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. In accordance with state and local “Fair Chance” laws, the job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. #J-18808-Ljbffr