Director, Employee Relations

About the Role

Akumin is a leading provider of outpatient radiology and oncology services, partnering with top hospitals and health systems nationwide to deliver advanced diagnostic imaging and exceptional patient care close to home. With a national footprint, cutting-edge technology, and a strong commitment to innovation and patient-centered care, our teams play a vital role in improving outcomes for millions of patients each year. We are hiring for a Director of Employee Relations to join our Human Resources team. This will be a remote position that must be based in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ER Function: Develop, implement, and oversee the strategic direction of the Employee Relations department.
• Manage & Develop Talent: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Employee Relations Managers and Specialists, ensuring high-quality support and consistent application of company policies.
• Advisory Partner: Act as a trusted advisor and escalation point for senior HR leaders, executive leadership, and legal counsel on high-stakes, complex employee relations matters.
• 50-State Employment Law Expertise: Ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all 50 US states (e.g., wage and hour laws, leave laws, ADA, FMLA, EEOC, state-specific mandates).
• Policy Development: Continuously review, update, and implement HR policies and procedures to mitigate risk and adapt to the evolving national legal landscape.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify ER trends, risks, and areas of vulnerability. Partner with Legal counsel to navigate complex terminations, administrative leaves, transition agreements, and legal claims (e.g., discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination).
• Complex Investigations: Personally manage and conduct high-level, sensitive, and complex workplace investigations involving senior leadership, protected classes, or significant legal risk.
• Oversight of ER Caseload: Oversee the team's investigation processes from intake to resolution, ensuring thoroughness, fairness, and proper documentation in all disciplinary actions and grievances.
• Performance Management: Guide HR business partners and business leaders through complex performance management processes, including the drafting and execution of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) and formal warnings.
• Leadership Training: Design and deliver training programs for managers and HR professionals on employment law compliance, effective performance management, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Change Management: Support major organizational changes, restructuring, and realignments by developing communication plans and guiding leadership through sensitive transitions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources, Business Administration, Employment Law, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with a minimum of 5-7 years specifically dedicated to Employee Relations and employment law compliance.
• 3+ years of experience leading and developing a remote HR/ER team.
• Multi-State Expertise: Proven track record of managing employee relations, navigating employment laws and creating HR policies across a highly distributed, multi-state workforce (all 50 US states).
• Investigation Skills: Advanced expertise in conducting and managing complex, high-risk workplace investigations.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft sensitive documents (agreements, executive summaries, scripts) and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or specific Employee Relations/Workplace Investigations certifications (e.g., AWI-CH) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• HSA accounts with employer contributions
• 401(k) eligibility with employer match
• Paid holidays
• Defined PTO and sick time programs

Pay

The estimated salary for this role is $160,000-$185,000. Actual compensation depends on experience, skills, location, and other factors such as internal equity and budget.