Assistant Vice President, Employee Relations & HR Compliance

Reporting to the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Employee Relations and Compliance leads Auburn University's employee relations function and serves as a senior advisor on complex workforce, compliance, and policy matters. The role provides decision authority for FMLA matters and consultative support for HR policy governance and multistate employment matters. Working with University Human Resources leadership and the Office of General Counsel, the AVP promotes consistent application of employment policy, informed decision-making, and practical risk management while preserving operational ownership within functional HR units.

• Employee Relations Leadership: Oversees the University’s Employee Relations function, including the Director 
  of Employee Relations and related staff. Establishes institution-wide standards and governance for employee 
  relations practice, including case management, investigations, workplace conduct matters, conflict resolution, 
  and corrective action. Serves as the escalation point for the University’s most sensitive, complex, or high-risk 
  employee relations matters. Guides HR leaders and Business Partners in the consistent interpretation and 
  application of employee relations principles, University policy, and sound HR judgment. Identifies trends, 
  institutional risks, and recurring issues in employee relations matters and recommends improvements to 
  strengthen consistency, decision-making, and risk mitigation.
• FMLA Decision Authority: Provides review and decision support in complex FMLA matters, especially those 
  that intersect with employment actions or other determinations requiring senior HR judgment. Partners with 
  UHR leadership to assess regulatory changes, interpret implications for the University, and support updates 
  to FMLA-related processes, guidance, and decision points. Defines escalation criteria for complex or high-risk 
  FMLA matters and serves as the final decision authority for escalated cases. Supports institutional readiness 
  for changes in leave-related laws and regulations.
• Policy Governance and Interpretation: Partners with UHR leadership to shape the governance framework for 
  HR policy development, review, interpretation, and maintenance. Partners across UHR to support policy 
  drafting, alignment, and consistent application while preserving ownership within functional units. Identifies 
  policy gaps, ambiguity, and recurring interpretive issues and recommends improvements.
• Multistate Employment Consultation & Support: Provides consultation on multistate employment matters, 
  including compliance considerations, registration requirements, and associated risk. Partners with the 
  responsible UHR director to interpret emerging multistate employment requirements and assess their 
  implications for University practice.
• Compliance Guidance: Advises UHR leadership on complex or sensitive workforce matters requiring legal 
  compliance, compliance risk, or broader institutional implications and helps translate regulatory 
  developments into practical HR guidance. Develops and delivers training on workforce risk, policy application, 
  and emerging employment issues to support consistent and informed decision-making.

Juris Doctorate J.D. from an accredited institution and 8 years of in employee relations, employment law, or HR compliance, including experience advising on complex workforce matters, policy interpretation, and organizational 
risk.

• Strong knowledge of employment law and regulations, including leave-related requirements and multistate employment considerations
• Experience leading teams and influencing decision-making in a complex organization
• Sound judgment in high-risk situations
• Ability to influence across functions without direct authority 
• Strong policy interpretation and problem-solving skills 
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills 
• Exceptional discretion and professionalism 
• Ability to translate legal and regulatory requirements into practical guidance

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

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