Director of Employee Relations

We're looking for a Director of Employee Relations to join our dynamic HR leadership team and provide support, guidance and coaching to staff and managers across the US. The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader with a proven track record of developing, implementing, and overseeing all employee relations policies, programs, and procedures. You'll act as a key advisor to leadership and employees on a wide range of employee relations issues, ensuring consistency and fairness across the organization.

What you will do:

• Lead and manage a team of Employee Relations Specialists supporting US staff and managers, including leaves of absence, investigations, conflict resolution, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
• Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with EF’s labor and employment policies, updating them as needed to align with changes in the law or organizational goals.
• Provide expert guidance and support to management and staff on complex employee issues, such as sensitive terminations, accommodations, and workplace investigations.
• Conduct and oversee impartial and thorough investigations into employee complaints, including harassment, discrimination, and other policy violations.
• Evaluate trends in employee relations issues to identify root causes and propose proactive solutions to ensure a continued safe, supportive environment for staff and managers alike.
• Collaborate with in-house counsel to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Design and deliver training programs for managers and employees on topics like effective communication, conflict resolution, and legal compliance.
• Serve as a mediator in disputes between employees or between employees and management to facilitate constructive outcomes.
• Mentor a team of Employee Relations Specialists, providing coaching, guidance and professional development.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of all employee relations cases and actions.

Who you are

You love what you do and want to collaborate and grow with a team who is passionate about creating an environment where employees can thrive. You are looking to immerse yourself in supporting EF people, and work in a setting that has the opportunity and growth of a large company with the flexibility and camaraderie of a small, private one. Additionally, you have:   

• Prior HR experience; at least 10 years required, with at least 5 years in an employee relations leadership role.
• Strong ability to build credibility among management and peers.
• Exceptional interpersonal and strategic communication skills. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify trends and develop strategic solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and discretion in managing confidential information. 
• Depth of experience with full-cycle employee relations and leaves of absence administration. 
• Experience working with key State and Federal Leave laws as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Comprehensive understanding of, and experience with, US employment law, including employee classification, pay, wage and hour compliance across seasonal, part time, fulltime, salaried and hourly exempt and non-exempt staff. 
• A passion for interacting and supporting staff members through consultation and guidance. 
• A drive for excellence in the service provided to our most important customers: our staff! 
• Experience with ADP Global View and Oracle HCM preferred.
• Bonus but not required: HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR).

Why you’ll love working here: Perks, Benefits, 

and more!

This is the most fun, high caliber place you’ll ever work. Ask any employee why they love EF (whether they’ve been here 10 minutes or 10 years) and they’ll probably tell you the same thing: it’s the people. When you work at EF, you join a purpose-driven, international and energetic community that thrives on continuous learning, fearless innovation and mutual support. 

In addition, you can expect:

• Commitment to professional growth: robust monthly calendar of trainings and workshops
• Four weeks paid vacation your first year, ten paid holidays, and two floating holidays
• Exciting business travel opportunities
• 25% company match on your 401(k) contributions
• Market-leading medical, dental and vision coverage, along with options for life and disability insurance, legal and pet insurance
• Dependent care, healthcare and commuter Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Access to fertility care and family-building support
• Wellness benefits including a yearly fitness reimbursement
• Frequent social and learning events, including access to our employee-run resource groups
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Tenure-based sabbatical eligibility
• EF Product Discounts (discounts on travel, international language schools, Au Pair program and more)
• Discounts at local venues and businesses
• Amazing offices designed to match the caliber of the people who work there, plus the flexibility of working from home one day a week. 

About EF Education First

Some companies are in the Business of Technology.

Others are in the Business of Finance….Sports…Or Soft Drinks.

At EF, we're in a different kind of Business.

One that's a little less tangible, and a lot more important.

Because our Business, what we make, makes everything else possible.

We're in the Business of Understanding.

Between people.  Between cultures.

For over half a century we’ve been the leader in international educational programs and experiences designed to foster such understanding.  Through Language, Cultural Exchange, Academic Studies, and Educational Travel, we create the kinds of immersive experiences that challenge biases, open minds, and pave the way for a more understanding world. 

You’ll find our 115 offices located in some of the world’s greatest cities, and filled with smart, driven people who push each other to be better every day. And yes, we have technology, we have finance, we even have sports with our own professional cycling team.  But it’s what we do with it – Building greater understanding, breaking down barriers, and creating a better world…that makes all the difference.