Sr. Director, Employee Relations

Company Description

VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most.

As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks - including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel - with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service.

VERSANT is an industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever-evolving world.

Job Description

Role Purpose:

This role is responsible for advancing a respectful and professional workplace by overseeing the Company’s efforts to uphold the principles of its Respect in the Workplace Policy. The position manages and investigates employment-related concerns, including allegations of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and retaliation, ensuring matters are addressed promptly, fairly, and consistently. In addition, the role leads company-wide initiatives to strengthen employee relations through training programs, focus groups, and other proactive engagement efforts designed to promote a positive employee experience. This position reports to the Chief Employment & Labor Counsel.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into sensitive and complex employee relations matters, including allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, concerns regarding managers, and work environment issues
• Prepare investigation plans, interview summaries and reports, and related documentation, and accurately record cases in the Company’s case management system
• Communicate investigation outcomes and recommendations clearly and effectively to appropriate stakeholders
• Partner closely with the Employment Law teams to identify trends, assess risk, and recommend training, policy updates, or other proactive measures
• Lead and collaborate on initiatives that promote positive employee relations and a respectful workplace culture
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and training programs related to respect in the workplace
• Support the administration and oversight of the Company’s integrity helpline, including intake, triage, and follow-up
• Provide strategic guidance on a broad range of employment-related matters to mitigate legal and employee relations risk to the organization

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree; law degree preferred
• Minimum of 7 years of Employee Relations experience or 5 years of Employment Law experience, including significant experience conducting workplace investigations and providing employment-related trainings

Eligibility Requirements:

• Interested candidate must submit a resume through www.versantcareers.com to be considered
• Must be willing to work in the Company’s New York City or Universal City offices on its hybrid schedule
• Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States

Desired Characteristics:

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Strong analytic and organizational skills
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach
• Ability to identify, prioritize, and resolve issues quickly and effectively
• Ability to interface and communicate effectively with all levels of employees, managers, and executives, including conducting employment trainings
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• Excellent leadership, problem solving, project management, and presentation skills

Additional Information:

• $165,000-$180,000 (bonus and LTI eligible)

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis