Senior Employee Relations Advisor

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

A new role in a growing function.

Van Andel Institute is creating a dedicated employee relations function for the first time, and we are looking for an experienced practitioner to design and lead it, shaping how it serves a research and education community of more than 670 people. This is not a role stepping into an established system. It is a role-building one.

Why this role, why now

The work has grown in both volume and complexity. The themes that surface most often, performance accountability, manager capability, and workplace climate, are the areas where consistency and credibility matter most. Our faculty and supervisors deserve a dedicated, expert resource for the conversations they navigate every day. Over time, this role will help VAI address patterns proactively rather than case by case.

What you will own

As VAI's primary authority on employee relations, you will:

• Design and implement VAI's employee relations framework, case intake, investigation protocols, documentation standards, manager advisory model, and the data infrastructure that supports it

• Lead complex, sensitive, and high-risk investigations across our research, graduate education, and K–12 communities

• Serve as the trusted advisor to managers and leaders on performance, conduct, conflict, and sensitive employment decisions

• Establish institute-wide standards for performance improvement plans, corrective actions, and documentation practices

• Build the ER data and insights capability that connects what we see in cases to what we build in leadership and manager development

• Partner closely with Legal and People Development to align practices and ensure compliance

How this role connects

VAI's People function is being designed to work as a system. Manager capability, employee relations, and people development are connected, and each one strengthens the others. As the Senior ER Advisor, you will surface the patterns that indicate where development is most needed. People Development uses those insights to build the capability that, over time, reduces the volume and severity of the patterns you see. It is a feedback loop, and you are a key part of it.

What you will bring

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in employee relations, HR advisory, or HR business partner roles

• Demonstrated experience leading complex investigations and advising senior leaders

• Strong working knowledge of employment law and risk management

• Experience designing or improving ER processes, frameworks, or governance models

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field

• Sound judgment, discretion, and the credibility that comes from doing this work well over time

Preferred

• Experience in a research, academic, healthcare, or nonprofit environment

• Experience building or formalizing an employee relations function from the ground up

• Experience partnering with legal counsel on sensitive or high-risk cases

• HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR)

Location & work model

This role is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. VAI offers a flexible work model that supports balance while recognizing that employee relations work is fundamentally relational, investigations, manager coaching, and the trust that comes from being present require meaningful onsite engagement. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to the greater Grand Rapids area.

Ready to build this with us?

If you are an experienced employee relations professional who is energized by the chance to shape something from the ground up, we would love to hear from you. This is a rare opportunity to define how a respected research and education institute supports its people, and to do work that is visible, valued, and genuinely consequential.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter telling us why this role and VAI's mission resonate with you. We read every application and want to understand not just your experience, but what draws you to this work.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One!

About Van Andel Institute

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.   

As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process.  This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines. 

About Grand Rapids, MI  

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile.  A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.  

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.