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. The Director of Employee Relations will be responsible for overseeing and managing all employee relations matters, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all 50 states. You will manage a team of Employee Relations professionals, lead complex investigations, and partner with executive leadership to foster a positive, legally compliant, and high-performing culture.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Team Management
  • 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.
• Multi-State Compliance & Risk Management
  • 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).
• Investigations & Performance Management
  • 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.
• Training & Organizational Culture
  • 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.

Qualifications

• 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.