Executive Director Human Resources Employee Relations

West Des Moines, IA

The Executive Director Employee Relations-System provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and consultation for employee relations activities across UnityPoint Health. This position serves as the system’s principal authority on the equitable and consistent application of Human Resources policies and practices and ensures adherence to applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations. The Executive Director, Human Resources Employee Relations partners with senior leadership, the General Counsel’s Office, Human Resource Market Leaders, and Human Resources Centers of Excellence (COEs) to design, develop, implement and oversee strategies, policies, programs, and education that support workforce engagement, legal compliance, and organizational performance. The role develops and executes initiatives that strengthen the employee experience, mitigate risk, and align with UnityPoint Health’s mission, vision, and values.

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.   

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for employee relations activities across the organization.
• In partnership with Labor Relations subject matter experts, develop and support labor strategy, and Employee Relations related labor activity across the organization.
• In partnership with Labor Relations subject matter experts interprets and clarifies guidance to support the effective administration of Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Build and maintain trusted, credible partnerships with business and operational leaders, demonstrating a deep understanding of both short- and long-term organizational needs and priorities.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to develop and implement system-wide programs and initiatives that enhance leader and team member understanding of HR policies, practices, and expectations.
• Offer expert counsel on complex employee relations, change management, performance management, and workplace culture in partnership with senior HR leaders and the General Counsel’s Office.
• Sponsor initiatives that advance workforce engagement, promote accountability, mitigate organizational risk, and ensure alignment with UnityPoint Health’s mission, vision, and values.
• Select, develop, mentor, and retain staff across the Employee Relations Team to achieve departmental goals.
• Set clear performance expectations, provide coaching and feedback, and support career development for direct reports and the department.
• Provide access to training and education programs for people leaders on employment law, HR policies, conflict resolution, mediation, supervision, and emerging trends.
• Build organizational credibility through inclusive and effective problem-solving, serving as a resource to senior leaders and HR teams for addressing culture, labor, and employee relations issues.
• Develop performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of employee relations activities.

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management or related field - Reqired
• Master's Degree in Human Resources or related field - Preferred
• Juris Doctorate - Preferred
• 8 years’ experience in providing Human Resources services, solutions, and leadership in roles of various levels of size, complexity, business model maturity, etc. - Required
• 5+ years’ experience in providing Labor and Employee Relations services and solutions. - Preferred
• Prior experience successfully coaching, developing, and leading a team of Human Resources professionals - Preferred