Human Resource Director - Employee Relations and HR Operations

SCCC REFERENCE #: 26-24DATE: February 25, 2025TITLE: Human Resource Director – Employee Relations and HR OperationsCAMPUS: CollegeSTART DATE: ASAPTYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-TimeRANK: ExemptPOSITION DESCRIPTION:Suffolk County Community College is the largest community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 26,000 students at its three campuses in Selden, Brentwood, and Riverhead, as well as its Culinary Arts Center in Riverhead. Established in 1959, the college offers a wide array of transfer-oriented associate degrees in the liberal arts and sciences; business; communications and the arts; computing and cybersecurity; health sciences; and many other areas. Career-facing degrees and certificates are offered in allied health professions, automotive technology, culinary and baking, manufacturing, and many other areas. The college provides high school concurrent enrollment opportunities to thousands of students each year through both Suffolk’s Beacon program and through on-campus early college classes. Designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic Serving Institution, Suffolk enrolls thousands of students in English Language Learning courses, and also serves more service veterans and military-connected students than any other college in the SUNY system.Suffolk County Community College is seeking an experienced Human Resource Director to lead all aspects of employee relations within the college as a trusted advisor to college leadership, faculty, and staff, through coaching, training, and guidance on complex employee relations matters including discipline, performance management, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and policy compliance while supporting the college's goals for engagement, retention, and strategic effectiveness. Reporting to the Vice President for Human Resources (VPHR), this key role will contribute in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, respect and an accountable workplace culture.The Human Resource Director is an exempt position; compensation will be based on the college's exempt salary and benefit plan. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision, vacation days, deferred compensation, and a defined benefit (pension) plan.Key Responsibilities: Conducts confidential workplace investigatory interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses; reviews relevant documentation and evidence including, but not limited to, allegations of misconduct and policy violations. Prepares comprehensive investigative reports with findings and recommendations. Implements early intervention strategies to reduce conflict and foster accountability. Assists managers in establishing action plans to address performance issues. Serves as the subject matter expert to facilitate conflict resolutions and mediates disputes. Partners with Legal Affairs, Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights, and other relevant offices on investigations and compliance matters, as appropriate. Tracks, analyzes, and reports on employee relations trends to inform policy development, training needs, and organizational improvements. Provides training and guidance to administrators on complex employee relations issues, performance improvement plans, coaching and counseling. Develops and implements investigation protocols, procedures, and documentation standards to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, collective bargaining agreements and college policies. Facilitates and supports grievance administration, including interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements and preparation of responses and supporting documentation. Collaborates with the VPHR to identify and implement process improvements to enhance HR operations. Ensures consistent and compliant application of HR policies, collective bargaining agreements, and civil service rules. Oversight of the end-to-end reasonable accommodation review process in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state/local regulations, and college policy. Conducts timely and thorough assessments of accommodation requests including review of medical documentation, evaluating job requirements, and collaborating with HR staff, legal counsel and department leadership to ensure a fair and equitable process. Performs other duties as assigned. The ideal candidate will demonstrate: Strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively both independently and in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Extensive experience conducting workplace investigations, including writing comprehensive investigative reports. Strong knowledge of employment law, labor relations, and compliance requirements. Experience working in a unionized environment with multiple collective bargaining agreements. Has a deep understanding of FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave regulations. Task orientated with proven ability to drive positive results. Demonstrated ability to manage complex and sensitive situations with confidentiality and sound judgment. Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills. Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to detail. Exceptional analytical, evaluative, research, and critical thinking skills to arrive at valid conclusions, make recommendations, and action plans. Strong work ethic, character and personal integrity with the ability to work with the utmost professionalism, discretion and confidentiality, as well as to establish and maintain productive working relationships. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Minimum Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 7 years of direct employee relations experience in conducting investigations in a large complex unionized environment. At least one (1) year of supervisory experience in a Human Resources or Employee Relations capacity. Preferred Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, or a related field or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. SHRM Certification or equivalent HR certification. Experience in higher education and/or public sector environments. Prior experience in a higher education setting. HIRING SALARY:The Human Resource Director is an exempt position; compensation will be based on the college's exempt salary and benefit plan. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision, vacation days, deferred compensation, and a defined benefit (pension) plan.NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE:Suffolk County Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, equal pay compensation-sex, national origin, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction or disability in its admissions, programs and activities, or employment. This applies to all employees, students, applicants or other members of the College community (including, but not limited to, vendors and visitors). Grievance procedures are available to interested persons by contacting either of the Civil Rights Compliance Officers/Coordinators listed below. Retaliation against a person who files a complaint, serves as a witness, or assists or participates in the investigation of a complaint in any manner is strictly prohibited.The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College's non-discrimination polices:Civil Rights Compliance OfficersChristina VargasChief Diversity Officer/Title IX CoordinatorAmmerman Campus, NFL Bldg., Suite 230533 College Road, Selden, New York 11784-2899(631) 451-4950orDionne Walker-BelgraveAffirmative Action Officer/Deputy Title IX CoordinatorAmmerman Campus, NFL Bldg., Suite 230533 College Road, Selden, New York 11784-2899(631) 451-4051In an emergency, contact Public Safety to make a report 24 hours a day/7 days a week by calling (631) 451-4242 or dialing 311 from any College phone.Inquiries or complaints concerning alleged civil rights violations in the College’s education admissions, programs and activities may also be directed to:Office for Civil Rights (OCR) – Enforcement OfficeU.S. Department of Education32 Old Slip, 26th FloorNew York, NY 10005-2500Telephone: (646) 428-3800Fax: (646) 428-3843TDD: (877) 521-2172Email: Also see: Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination in employment practices may also be directed to:NYS Division of Human RightsLong Island (Suffolk)New York State Office Building250 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 2B-49Hauppauge, NY 11788Telephone: (631) 952-6434TDD: (718) 741-8300Email: Also see: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)New York District Office33 Whitehall Street, 5th FloorNew York, NY 10004Telephone: (800) 669-4000Fax: (212) 336-3790TTY: (800) 669-6820ASL Video Phone: (844) 234-5122Also see: Suffolk County Community College is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment, education, access to services, programs, and activities, including career and technical education opportunities.A copy of the postsecondary career and technical education courses offered by the College is available and may be obtained on our website at: or by calling the Office of Admissions at 631-451-4000 to request a mailing.

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