Serve as a trusted advisor and primary resource for employee relations concerns, supporting employees, managers, and supervisors across the university
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 and 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
Requirements
Strong experience advising leaders and employees through complex employee relations matters with professionalism and discretion
Deep understanding of employment law, compliance frameworks, and workplace investigation practices, particularly within California employment law
Ability to build trust and maintain confidentiality while navigating sensitive situations
Strong coaching and conflict resolution skills with the ability to support managers through difficult employee conversations and decisions
Experience developing and improving HR policies, procedures, and compliance practices
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment and make balanced recommendations
Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the university
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally in sensitive situations
Openness to learning and leveraging emerging HR technologies and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness
Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population is preferred
Bachelor's Degree with an emphasis in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred
Senior Professional HR certification (SPHR or SHRM-SCP) from HRCI or SHRM strongly preferred
Proficiency in Google Workspace and 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, specific expertise in California employment law required
Demonstrated ability to coach managers and leaders through com
Benefits
Job Summary:Salary:Pay range $80,000 - $95,000Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate's experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement working both in-person and remotely, upon completion of orientation period.Job Status:Full time***Job Description:Health insuranceDental insurancePaid time offRemote work optionsEquity / stock options
Additional Information
PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God's kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.
Pointloma · Point Loma Campus - San Diego, CA