Director, Employee Relations

GeneDx

Director of Employee Relations building GeneDx’s first ER function for a genomics healthcare company. Leading investigations, manager enablement, legal-risk mitigation, and scalable employee-relations operations.

Posted 8/19/2026full-timeRemote • Maryland • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $140,000 - $150,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Employee Relations, including the establishment of ER functions, conducting workplace investigations, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. Proven ability to translate legal guidance into actionable business practices while managing complex employee relations cases.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Employee Relations Function DevelopmentWorkplace InvestigationsLegal Compliance and Risk ManagementHR Analytics and Reporting ToolsPerformance Management Coaching

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Employee RelationsWorkplace InvestigationsCase ManagementPerformance ManagementDocumentation StandardsLegal ComplianceRisk AssessmentHR AnalyticsEscalation FrameworksPolicy Interpretation

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationCoachingStrategic PartnershipProblem SolvingIndependent Management

Tools & Technologies

ER Case Management SystemsHR Analytics Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

PHRSPHRSHRM-CPSHRM-SCPAWI Certification

Industry Keywords

Life SciencesBiotechDiagnosticsHealthcareRegulated EnvironmentsCLIACAPFDA

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and establish GeneDx’s first dedicated Employee Relations function
Create investigation protocols, case management infrastructure, documentation standards, and escalation frameworks
Establish an ER operating model enabling PBPs to focus on strategic business partnership
Produce quarterly ER reporting on case trends, risk indicators, hotspots, and recommendations for senior leadership
Manage approximately 130 annual ER touch points, including investigations, performance-based terminations, complex coaching situations, and policy interpretation
Personally lead workplace investigations and ensure legally defensible processes and documentation
Own termination recommendations and legal outcome discussions; escalate VP+ and precedent-setting cases
Serve as primary ER interface with Legal and translate legal guidance into operational action
Build manager-facing playbooks, toolkits, and training for performance management, progressive discipline, and difficult conversations
Coach managers and PBPs to handle performance matters independently and escalate appropriately
Provide real-time employee-relations guidance to managers and PBPs
Reduce legal exposure through consistent case management and documentation
Monitor and address ER hotspots in commercial production labs and sales teams
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and monitor regulatory changes
Report to the VP, People Experience
Work as an individual contributor with no direct reports at launch and potential for future team growth

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Experience building or significantly maturing an Employee Relations function
Proven experience personally owning and conducting workplace investigations
Experience supporting both production/operations and commercial/sales populations
Experience operating as a solo or near-solo ER resource and independently managing a full caseload
Strong partnership with employment law counsel and ability to translate legal risk into business action
Evidence of measurable ER outcomes, including reduced claims, improved resolution time, or increased manager capability
Preferred: experience in life sciences, biotech, diagnostics, or healthcare
Preferred: experience in a high-growth, mid-size company undergoing operational transformation
Preferred: familiarity with ER in regulated environments such as CLIA, CAP, or FDA
Preferred: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or AWI certification
Preferred: experience with ER case management systems and HR analytics/reporting tools
Ability to communicate effectively via phone and video calls
Ability to perform sedentary computer-based work, including prolonged sitting, repetitive typing and mouse use, and visual screen work
Occasional ability to lift up to 10 pounds

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation and benefits reflecting local market practices and legal requirements
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Mission-driven work helping patients get diagnosed earlier
High standards, strong teamwork, and meaningful ownership
Collaboration and continuous improvement opportunities