Director of Employee Relations

The Director of Employee Relations serves as Democracy Prep’s lead employee relations expert, responsible for overseeing workplace investigations, performance management, corrective action, employee separations, and organizational risk mitigation across the network. Reporting to the Managing Director of Human Resources, this role partners closely with school leaders, network managers, legal counsel, and People Team stakeholders to ensure employee matters are handled fairly, consistently, and in compliance with organizational policies and employment law. The Director of Employee Relations plays a critical role in fostering a professional, accountable, and supportive workplace culture by coaching leaders through complex people matters, conducting sensitive investigations, advising on high-stakes employee situations, and driving consistent people management practices across the organization. This role requires exceptional judgment, strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to influence leaders at all levels, and a highly organized, solutions oriented approach to navigating complex employee relations challenges. Who You Are This role requires a proactive and detail-oriented individual who can effectively navigate complex people issues and drive positive employee relations within the organization. It also requires a determination to work through gray and sometimes ambiguous people-challenges with informed determination, ingenuity, and solutions oriented mindset. If you have a passion for supporting employees and ensuring a fair and inclusive work environment, we encourage you to apply. Strategic Leader: You are a visionary leader with a passion for driving positive change and enhancing the employee experience within our charter school network. Culture Champion: You are dedicated to fostering a culture of engagement, growth, and well-being among our faculty and staff, serving as a champion of our organizational values. HR Policy Expert: You possess a deep understanding of HR policies and procedures, ensuring their consistent and fair application throughout the organization. Problem Solver: You excel in providing guidance and support on complex and sensitive HR matters, conducting thorough investigations and implementing effective solutions. Collaborative Partner: You thrive in collaborating with leaders and stakeholders across the organization, working together to navigate disciplinary actions, performance improvement plans, and other HR challenges. Coach and Mentor: You are committed to providing consultation, coaching, and mentorship to leaders and employees, empowering them to succeed and thrive within our organization. On-the-Ground Advocate and Engager: You are willing to dedicate a significant portion of your time to local travel, engaging directly with employees across our various school locations to understand their needs and drive meaningful change. Expert Communicator: Skillfully convey subtle or complex messages clearly, as appropriate for the topic and audience. What You’ll Do Partner with key leaders such as the Deputy Superintendents, the Director of Scholar Support, and the Talent Development team as needed to advance strategic priorities around engagement, leader development, and staff well-being. Provide coaching and consultation to school leaders to strengthen leadership capacity, school culture, and adult team health as it relates to people management and employee relations. Support leaders with performance management, including coaching through difficult conversations, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement plans. In collaboration with the Managing Director of Human Resources, advise CMO managers and investigate employee relations matters, as needed. Design and deliver high-impact professional development for school leaders and school based staff, and network managers. Provide end-to-end support on complex employee relations matters, including investigations and sensitive employee iss