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Note: Current FAU employees must apply as an internal applicant by logging into their existing Workday employee account.
Position Summary:
Associate Director, Employee Relations & Development
Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice-President for Human Resources, the Associate Director for Employee Relations and Development has primary responsibility for administering and managing Employee Relations and Development programs, services, and activities for the University. The Associate Director has three direct reports and provides consultative and directional guidance for all the following HR functions: employee relations, all University leaves (i.e., Leave of Absence (with and without pay), FMLA, Sabbatical, etc.), performance management, workers compensation, unemployment & professional development.
The Associate Director for Employee Relations and Development is a FLSA exempt, full-time, 1.0FTE position located on the Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus. Normal office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday and minimal hours of work expected are 40 hours/week. Occasional evening and weekend hours are expected. Occasional travel to FAU’s satellite campuses (as needed) and for professional development (i.e., attending conferences, training, etc.) are expected.
Expectations:
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Employee Relations – The Associate Director is the lead Employee Relations officer, handling complex ER and related situations, and collaborates and consults closely with University General Counsel (GC) to ensure for consistency in the administration of ER and related programs.
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Absence Management & University Leaves – Provides oversight over all University Leave and related programs and services; including Worker’s Compensation and Unemployment. Lead and guide the Leave Administration Manager to coordinate with appropriate stakeholders (Office of Risk Management, OCR9, and any and all other Schools, colleges, departments, divisions, etc.) to administer Leave and related situations, including making determinations of “eligibility” for the various programs, in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and provisions at the institutional, state, and federal levels.
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Employee Development and Training (and Related Programs)– Provides oversight of employee development, which includes the annual performance and related merit process, employee service awards and career development, trainings, and related. Lead and guide the Training and Development Manager in guiding the University community and employees on program policies, process, procedures, and expectations. Collaborate with the appropriate appointing authorities to inform as well as set expectations regarding skills and/or training requirements across all employment categories for career and/or job development and training needs.
FAU Benefits and Perks:
If Benefits & Perks are important to you, then FAU is the place to be! Working at FAU has its perks! In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, FAU offers:
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Excellent benefit packages including Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and much more.
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State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.
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State employees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
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Flexible work arrangement plans - https://www.fau.edu/hr/employee_relations/flexwork.php
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Sick Leave Pool Program
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Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President’s discretion).
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Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day - https://www.fau.edu/hr/documents/community-engagement-volunteer-leave4-2015.pdf
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Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty - Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment. For in-unit faculty, the EESP program may be extended to spouses and dependent children (eligibility rules apply).
For details on FAU's amazing offers visit us at https://www.fau.edu/hr/benefits/index.php
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Minimum Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field, and minimally six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in employee relations, labor relations, employment law or related field are required for appointment. Effective interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral) including experience presenting to and guiding others to achieving performance targets will be necessary for this role.
Desired/Preferred Qualifications:
A Master’s degree or a Juris Doctorate, or other specialized certificate and/or training in Human Resources (or closely related areas) is highly preferred. Experience working in higher education with knowledge of higher education structures and operational practices will prove to be valuable for this role. Effective supervisory experience including leading and guiding a team of employees is desired. Expertise in and effective use and working knowledge of technological Human Resources Information System (HRIS) software (with a strong preference for Workday) is also desired.
Salary:
Commensurate with Experience.
College or Department:
HR: Human Resources
Location:
Boca Raton
Work Days and Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Application Deadline:
2025-04-28
Special Instructions to Applicant:
APPLICATION:
All application materials must be electronically submitted via Workday, Florida Atlantic University’s talent management platform, and includes: (1) a letter of application explaining your interest in this role and how you meet the qualifications for this position; (2) a current resume; and (3) names and contact information for (minimally) three professional references.
OFFICIAL SEALED TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED:
Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS REQUIRED:
Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (level I and level II), motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol, and drug screening check.
REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATIONS:
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact Human Resources at 561-297-3057. For inquiries concerning employees, job applicants or other available accommodations, please email [email protected] or call the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at (561) 297-3004.
Top Skills
What We Do
Florida Atlantic University, founded in 1961, is currently serving more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at sites throughout its six-county service region in southeast Florida. The University's student body, which ranks as the most ethnically and culturally diverse in Florida's State University System, includes many men and women of non-traditional age.
Long known as an outstanding teaching institution, FAU is undergoing rapid development as a center of cutting-edge research, particularly in the biomedical arena. This process has been accelerated by the University's partnerships with four internationally known biomedical research organizations, the Scripps Research Institute, the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies and the Max Planck Society. Additionally, FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine recently welcomed its inaugural class.
