Director, Employee Relations
$140,000–$150,000 year
RemoteGaithersburg, Maryland, United States
Job Summary
Build GeneDx's first dedicated Employee Relations function from the ground up, designing investigation protocols, case management infrastructure, and escalation frameworks. Manage approximately 130 annual ER touch points, including workplace investigations, performance-based terminations, complex coaching situations, and policy interpretation, while personally leading all investigations to ensure legal defensibility. Serve as the primary interface with Legal on high-risk matters and drive the cultural shift from "HR handles it" to "leaders own performance" by building manager playbooks and training. Create quarterly ER reporting on case trends and risk indicators for senior leadership. This individual contributor role requires 8+ years of HR experience with 5+ in employee relations, reporting to the VP, People Experience in a hybrid setting in Gaithersburg, MD.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 8+ years of progressive HR experience with 5+ years focused on employee relations
- Demonstrated experience building or significantly maturing an ER function — not just operating within one
- Proven track record of personally owning and conducting workplace investigations (not supporting or advising)
- Experience supporting both production/operations and commercial/sales populations
- Track record of operating as a solo or near-solo ER resource, managing a full caseload independently
- Strong working partnership with employment law counsel; fluency in translating legal risk into business action
- Evidence of measurable ER outcomes: reduced claims, improved resolution time, increased manager capability
- Preference for a hybrid (2-3 days onsite) position in Gaithersburg, MD, but will consider remote
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in life sciences, biotech, diagnostics, or healthcare industries
- Experience in a high-growth, mid-size company (500–3,000 employees) undergoing operational transformation
- Familiarity with ER in regulated environments (CLIA, CAP, FDA, or similar)
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or AWI certification
- Experience with ER case management systems and HR analytics/reporting tools
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