PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.
Benefits:
We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.
PLNU is seeking a strategic and relational Director, Compliance & Employee Relations to serve as a trusted advisor and key leader within Human Resources. This role provides leadership in employee relations, workplace investigations, multi-state employment compliance, policy development, and manager coaching while helping foster a healthy, compliant, and people-centered workplace culture across the university.
Salary:
Pay range $80,000 - $95,000
Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement working both in-person and remotely, upon completion of orientation period.
Job Status:
Full time
***
What You’ll Be Doing
Serve as a trusted advisor and primary resource for employee relations concerns, supporting employees, managers, and supervisors across the university
Provide structured coaching and guidance to leaders regarding performance management, conflict resolution, corrective action, and employee communication strategies
Lead and conduct workplace investigations involving employee concerns, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, and other sensitive matters
Develop investigation plans, conduct interviews, document findings, and prepare investigation summaries and recommendations
Collaborate with legal counsel and compliance partners on complex or high-risk employment matters as needed
Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local employment laws and ensure university employment practices remain compliant across multiple states
Contribute to the development and maintenance of HR policies, handbook updates, and state-specific policy addenda
Support oversight of the ADA interactive process, including accommodation requests, documentation review, and implementation of reasonable accommodations
Supervise the Student Employment Manager and support student employment operations and compliance
Partner with HR leadership on the redesign and revitalization of the university’s performance management process and employee development initiatives
Represent Human Resources on university committees, working groups, and institutional initiatives
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred
Senior Professional HR certification (SPHR or SHRM-SCP) from HRCI or SHRM strongly preferred
Proficiency in Google Workspace and Zoom (or similar platforms) and Microsoft Excel
5–7 years of HR experience with increasing responsibility, including direct experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, and employment compliance
Proven experience managing HR compliance and policy across multiple states preferred, specific expertise in California employment law required
Demonstrated ability to coach managers and leaders through complex and sensitive employee situations with discretion and sound judgment
Openness to adopting AI tools and HR technology is expected; hands-on experience with such tools is a plus
Experience in higher education preferred
Familiarity with Workday HRIS preferred
Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population is preferred
Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant
The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws
Physical Requirements
Work is primarily sedentary and may require sitting for extended periods of time
Use of computer equipment including keyboard, mouse, and monitor
Vision to read documents, email, and other correspondence on paper and computer monitor
Hearing and speaking abilities to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone
Ability to stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 10 pounds throughout the day
***
At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential.
Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.
