Director, Employee Relations

Please note that this position is based in San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work, on average, three days per week in our office.

Position Summary:

The Director, Employee Relations is responsible for developing, executing, and managing the organization’s employee relations programs and practices, serving as a key advisor and subject matter expert on workplace matters and accommodations requests, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant practices across the organization. Reporting to the People Operations and Strategy leader, this role partners closely with Legal and Compliance, People Business Partners (PBPs), and business leaders to support a positive and productive work environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements employee relations policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, PDA, Title VII).
• Partners with Legal and Compliance to mitigate risk and ensure consistent application of Acadia policies.
• Leads the resolution of employee relations matters, including but not limited to investigations, disciplinary actions, accommodations, and conflict resolution.
• Maintains timely, thorough, and objective documentation and ensures confidentiality and integrity throughout the investigation and resolution process.
• Develops and delivers training in partnership with Legal and Compliance to educate managers and employees on workplace conduct, compliance, and best practices.
• Provides coaching and guidance to PBPs and managers on navigating sensitive employee issues and fostering inclusive, high performing teams.
• Advises and supports managers in addressing performance concerns, including development and implementation of Performance Improvement Plans, Coaching, Disciplinary Action, etc.
• Serves as the escalation point for sensitive or high-risk accommodations requests, ensuring thorough review, documentation, and resolution in partnership with Legal and Benefits.
• Analyzes Employee Relations (ER) data and trends to identify risks, patterns, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Leads and supports complex or high risk terminations, partnering with P&P and Legal to ensure compliance, minimize risk, and maintain thorough documentation.
• Collaborates cross functionally with PBPs, Benefits team, and other internal partners to ensure a cohesive and aligned approach to employee relations.
• Performs other responsibilities as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skills:

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience:
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years managing employee relations issues and accommodations requests.
• Proven experience managing investigations and advising senior leaders.
• Prior experience in the Biotech or Pharma industry preferred.
• Certifications:
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or similar HR credentials preferred.

Must possess:

• Deep knowledge of employment law, accommodations processes, workplace investigations, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FMLA, ADA, PDA, Title VII)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information
• Proficiency in ER case tracking systems and HRIS software
• Expert conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in coaching, influencing, facilitation, development, and problem solving with a passion to deliver results
• Excellent communication, presentation, consultation, partnership, and interpersonal skills
• Strong adaptability to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong trusting relationships in order to gain support and achieve results
• Skilled in facilitating alignment to different views of stakeholders across the business
• Proficient at creating and communicating a clear vision and effectively aligning resources and activities to achieve goals
• The ability to travel up to 10% of the time

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, see, talk or hear in a standard office environment and independently from remote locations. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Ability to travel by car or airplane independently up to 10% of the time and work after hours if required by travel schedule or business issues.

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