The Employment Law & Labor Relations Specialist serves as the organization's internal employment law authority across a multi-state funeral and death care operation. This role provides proactive legal guidance to HR and operational leadership, ensures multi-jurisdiction compliance, and manages team member relations matters with a legally sound, risk-informed approach. The ideal candidate brings deep employment law knowledge, sharp analytical instincts, and the ability to translate complex legal requirements into clear, actionable guidance.

Key Responsibilities

Monitor, interpret, and advise on federal, state, and local employment laws across all operating jurisdictions (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, ADEA, NLRA, WARN, and state equivalents)
Conduct multi-state compliance audits and remediate gaps in HR practices, policies, and documentation
Manage EEOC charges, state agency complaints, and demand letters in partnership with outside legal counsel; support litigation preparation as needed
Advise on employment law implications of business decisions including RIFs, restructurings, acquisitions, and new state market entries
Draft and maintain employment policies, handbook content, and state-specific addenda to reflect current law across all operating states
Serve as subject matter expert on multi-state leave law (FMLA, state paid leave programs) and the ADA interactive accommodation process
Conduct workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy violations; provide guidance on corrective action and terminations
Deliver employment law training to HR staff and managers on wage and hour, harassment prevention, leave administration, and lawful discipline
Maintain a multi-state compliance calendar covering posting requirements, mandatory notices, and regulatory deadlines
Partner with legal counsel on severance agreements, separation packages, and state-by-state enforceability of restrictive covenants

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Labor Relations, or related field
5+ years of HR experience with a heavy emphasis on employment law compliance and labor relations
Demonstrated multi-state experience (5+ states strongly preferred)
Strong working knowledge of federal employment laws and the ability to navigate varying state-level requirements
Experience managing EEOC charges and agency complaints
Excellent written communication skills; ability to draft clear policies and position statements
High discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive legal and personnel matters

Preferred:

J.D. or paralegal certification
PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP

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