Assistant Director, Employee Relations

Location: Rochester, NY Category: Professional Staff Posted On: Thu Oct 30 2025 Job Description:

Function of Position:

Reporting to the Executive Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development, the Assistant Director of Employee Relations supports a positive and productive work environment by providing expert guidance, support, and oversight in all matters related to employee relations for the College. This role is responsible for managing internal employee investigations, assisting with conflict resolution, ensuring compliance with College policy and employment law, and providing proactive training and counsel to supervisors and employees. A strong understanding of civil service rules and procedures is essential to effectively navigate employee relations within a public-sector higher education environment.

Examples of Duties & Responsibilities:

Key duties include acting as a primary contact for employee relations matters, managing and conducting employee complaint investigations, providing guidance to supervisors, and facilitating conflict resolution. The role also involves assisting in the development and implementation of employee relations policies to ensure legal compliance and alignment with collective bargaining agreements and civil service requirements. Additional responsibilities include developing and delivering training, collaborating on high-level employee relations issues, analyzing data, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting MCC's mission.

• Manages relationships with all employees, both unionized and non-unionized, and their representatives.

• Handles a wide range of issues affecting overall workplace culture, such as conflict resolution, performance management, employee engagement, diversity, and internal investigations.

• Ensures fair and consistent application of College policies, civil service regulations, and collective bargaining agreements for all staff and faculty.

• Proactively fosters a positive and productive work environment for all employees.

• Provides guidance and support to managers and supervisors handling day-to-day employee relations concerns.

MCC Expectations:

• Adheres to the College Code of Conduct.

• Contributes to, supports, and maintains an equitable, inclusive, and collaborative College environment.

• Maintains technological competencies utilized by the College.

• Commits to the philosophy of a comprehensive community college.

• Commits to professional growth. which includes seeking ongoing training in diversity, equity, and inclusion to better serve students.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field.

• 5-7 years of progressively responsible HR experience with a strong focus on employee relations.

• Demonstrated knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including civil service rules and procedures.

• Proven experience conducting investigations and managing complex employee relations issues.

• Strong judgment, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and maintaining a respectful workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field or HR certification (SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR).

• Experience in higher education or a unionized civil service/public sector environment.

• Knowledge of labor relations principles and HR systems.

• Bilingual and able to read, write, and speak Spanish or other languages proficiently

Additional Information:

Salary: Salary is determined based on experience, internal equity, and college budget. This position has a starting annual salary of $70,000.

MCC offers a Flexible Work Policy for benefit-eligible employees. Types of flexible work arrangements include flextime/staggered shifts, remote work/telecommuting, and compressed work schedules. The availability of flexible work arrangements varies by division, department, and position, based upon business and operational needs. Limitations to flexible work arrangements are outlined in the official policy.

Prohibition of Remote Work Outside New York State: Remote work locations outside New York State are not authorized by the College due to out-of-state tax and regulatory implications. In limited circumstances, prompted by business or operational needs, the College may approve requests to work remotely outside of New York State, on a short-term, temporary basis.

Monroe Community College prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, familial status, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, domestic violence, victim status, criminal conviction, or any other characteristic or status protected by state or federal laws or College policy in admissions, employment, and treatment of students and employees, or in any aspect of the business of the College.

Notice of Non-Discrimination (https://www.monroecc.edu/diversity/notice-of-non-discrimination/)

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