Associate Director of Employee Relations and Engagement
Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, United States
Associate Director of Employee Relations and Engagement
Posting Number: S01529JP
Department: Human Resources
Job Summary Are you an HR professional with demonstrated experience in employer relations and passion for building relationships? Bowdoin College is seeking an Associate Director of Employer Relations and Engagement. The successful candidate will serve in a consultative and advisory role to department heads and supervisors while maintaining local oversight and direct support for a wide range of human resources. Broad areas of responsibility include employee relations, performance reviews, retention, employee engagement, training and development and working closely with supervisors and leaders in all aspects of people management across the College. The associate director brings a consistency of policy and procedures to employee relations work improving campus culture. Candidates must have proven interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse employee base (faculty, administrators, and support staff). Additionally, this role serves as Deputy Title IX Coordinator and the successful candidate will have experience in workplace investigations and employee relations with a strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations. This HR role is a visible strategic partner who promotes transparency, forward thinking and innovation, with an open communication approach.
Essential functions
Oversees employee relations concerns across the College, seeking to ensure all members of the College are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
Provides strategic thought partnership and coaching to leaders across the College.
Builds solid relationships with business and functional leaders.
Manages the annual staff performance review process including job description reviews, ensuring engagement and compliance.
Identifies, curates and promotes professional development and training opportunities.
Assists the VP of Human Resources with planning and administering policies relating to all phases of human resources activities.
Identifies legal requirements and regulations and ensures that policies and procedures are in compliance.
Supports the College's compensation program by ensuring alignment with goals and initiatives.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for staff.
Compensation & Benefits The hiring range for this position is expected to be: $106,000 - 120,000 annually.
Benefits and perks include a variety of health insurance plans (Medical, Vision, Dental), generous retirement plan (401(a) and 403(b)), life and disability insurance, paid time off (20 vacation days, 12 personal/sick days), paid holidays and special days off, paid parental leave (available after one year of service), access to College facilities (gym and pool), free fitness and wellness classes, and more.
Education/Skills Requirements Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Business or HR-related field. General knowledge of methods and challenges of organizational management. Demonstrated ability to keep current with, interpret and apply laws, rules, and standard procedures pertinent to the professional operations of the Human Resources function.
Preferred: HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) • Background in implementing performance management programs • Prior work in higher education helpful • Analytical skills with the ability to create and interpret standard reports • Experience with Workday HCM or similar system.
Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents Minimum of 4-7 years of related HR experience to include comprehensive work with employee relations required. 7+ years experience preferred. Contemporary knowledge of HR policies, practices, and laws. Ability to interact productively and tactfully with all levels of the organization. Ability to handle confidential and/or sensitive information and exercise discretion concerning its disposition. Initiative, sound judgment, and demonstrated ability to set priorities. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion and cultural awareness. Demonstrated ability to professionally manage highly confidential and/or sensitive information.
Additional Information Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in this posting to be considered for hire.
Standard Work Days and Hours: Administrative hours are M-F 8:30am to 5:00pm. This is an exempt-level position and requires the time commitment necessary to successfully fulfill all of the job responsibilities.
We regret that Bowdoin College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions. Employment at Bowdoin College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).
About Bowdoin Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors. We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College's multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin's reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine. Bowdoin's campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting in Brunswick, Maine. The College is located near the Maine coast, Portland, and Boston.
Additional Shift: Employment Category: Full Time Year Round • Benefits Eligible: Yes • Pay Type: Salaried • Background Check Package Requirements: Faculty/Administrative • Is driving a Bowdoin vehicle an essential function of this job?: Not specified • Is a pre-placement physical required for this position?: No
Posting Date: 03/13/2026 • Applications Accepted Until: Open Until Filled: No
Special Instructions to Applicants: If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit information for three references, including name, email address, phone number and how you know the reference.
EEO Information: Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.
To apply, visit the Bowdoin Careers page. Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Department: Human Resources
Job Summary Are you an HR professional with demonstrated experience in employer relations and passion for building relationships? Bowdoin College is seeking an Associate Director of Employer Relations and Engagement. The successful candidate will serve in a consultative and advisory role to department heads and supervisors while maintaining local oversight and direct support for a wide range of human resources. Broad areas of responsibility include employee relations, performance reviews, retention, employee engagement, training and development and working closely with supervisors and leaders in all aspects of people management across the College. The associate director brings a consistency of policy and procedures to employee relations work improving campus culture. Candidates must have proven interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse employee base (faculty, administrators, and support staff). Additionally, this role serves as Deputy Title IX Coordinator and the successful candidate will have experience in workplace investigations and employee relations with a strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations. This HR role is a visible strategic partner who promotes transparency, forward thinking and innovation, with an open communication approach.
Essential functions
Oversees employee relations concerns across the College, seeking to ensure all members of the College are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
Provides strategic thought partnership and coaching to leaders across the College.
Builds solid relationships with business and functional leaders.
Manages the annual staff performance review process including job description reviews, ensuring engagement and compliance.
Identifies, curates and promotes professional development and training opportunities.
Assists the VP of Human Resources with planning and administering policies relating to all phases of human resources activities.
Identifies legal requirements and regulations and ensures that policies and procedures are in compliance.
Supports the College's compensation program by ensuring alignment with goals and initiatives.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for staff.
Compensation & Benefits The hiring range for this position is expected to be: $106,000 - 120,000 annually.
Benefits and perks include a variety of health insurance plans (Medical, Vision, Dental), generous retirement plan (401(a) and 403(b)), life and disability insurance, paid time off (20 vacation days, 12 personal/sick days), paid holidays and special days off, paid parental leave (available after one year of service), access to College facilities (gym and pool), free fitness and wellness classes, and more.
Education/Skills Requirements Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Business or HR-related field. General knowledge of methods and challenges of organizational management. Demonstrated ability to keep current with, interpret and apply laws, rules, and standard procedures pertinent to the professional operations of the Human Resources function.
Preferred: HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) • Background in implementing performance management programs • Prior work in higher education helpful • Analytical skills with the ability to create and interpret standard reports • Experience with Workday HCM or similar system.
Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents Minimum of 4-7 years of related HR experience to include comprehensive work with employee relations required. 7+ years experience preferred. Contemporary knowledge of HR policies, practices, and laws. Ability to interact productively and tactfully with all levels of the organization. Ability to handle confidential and/or sensitive information and exercise discretion concerning its disposition. Initiative, sound judgment, and demonstrated ability to set priorities. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion and cultural awareness. Demonstrated ability to professionally manage highly confidential and/or sensitive information.
Additional Information Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in this posting to be considered for hire.
Standard Work Days and Hours: Administrative hours are M-F 8:30am to 5:00pm. This is an exempt-level position and requires the time commitment necessary to successfully fulfill all of the job responsibilities.
We regret that Bowdoin College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions. Employment at Bowdoin College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).
About Bowdoin Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors. We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College's multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin's reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine. Bowdoin's campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting in Brunswick, Maine. The College is located near the Maine coast, Portland, and Boston.
Additional Shift: Employment Category: Full Time Year Round • Benefits Eligible: Yes • Pay Type: Salaried • Background Check Package Requirements: Faculty/Administrative • Is driving a Bowdoin vehicle an essential function of this job?: Not specified • Is a pre-placement physical required for this position?: No
Posting Date: 03/13/2026 • Applications Accepted Until: Open Until Filled: No
Special Instructions to Applicants: If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit information for three references, including name, email address, phone number and how you know the reference.
EEO Information: Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.
To apply, visit the Bowdoin Careers page. Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
#J-18808-Ljbffr