Human Resources Employee Relations

Nikole Dunkley

Chesapeake, VA ***** • 757-***-**** • ******.*******@*****.*** • WWW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikoledunkleysphra9731410 • WWW: https://thewomenweadmire.com/2024/01/thetop50womenleadersofvirginiafor2024/ • WWW: Bold Profile

Professional Summary

Strategic and results-oriented Human Resources Professional with extensive experience leading HR operations, compliance, and organizational development across multiple industries. Adept at driving HR transformation, fostering high-performance cultures, and aligning HR initiatives with business objectives. Proven track record in legal compliance, employee relations, labor strategy, and multi-department oversight. Trusted advisor to executive leadership with expertise in workforce development, DEI, and HR technology implementation. Deep experience in talent management, organizational development, and strategic planning. Strong focus on fostering team collaboration and driving impactful results. Skilled in leadership, conflict resolution, and employee engagement. Known for reliability and results-driven approach.

Accomplishments

Secured a grant through VJIP/ VDEP for the expansion of the organization creating over 100 jobs.

Supervised team of 11 staff members, including the management of the security and information technology departments.

Oversaw the automation of all HR processes by successfully leading the HRMS integration of ADP.

Strategically supported the business through a change in senior leadership and organizational direction. This transition led foundational changes to the business. The result was a transparent communication strategy, with less than 3% attrition as a result of the changes.

Work History

Vice President of Human Resources, 05/2023 to 04/2025

Lyon Shipyard – Norfolk, VA

Led the process of developing the company's culture and mission statement. Analyzed challenges and threats to the business and provided solutions to ensure the company was not left exposed, HR-wise.

Serve as a strategic HR leader, overseeing employee relations, legal compliance, policy development, and workforce planning.

Partner with employment legal counsel and led the HRBPs to ensure compliance with employment laws and HR policies.

Lead internal investigations into employee grievances, ensuring fair, compliant, and well-documented resolutions.

Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency by automating manual tasks and adopting advanced software solutions.

Track engagement metrics such as retention, absenteeism, and participation rates in programs to gauge success and identify areas for improvement.

Recommended appropriate resolutions to employee relations concerns and handled disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.

Developed and implemented HR policies, training programs, and engagement initiatives to enhance workplace morale.

Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.

Oversaw 401(k) administration; serve as fiduciary, ensuring compliance with 5500 filings and anti-discrimination testing.

Collaborated with executive leadership to align human resources strategy with overall business objectives, driving improved organizational performance.

Reduced time-to-fill for open positions by optimizing recruitment strategies and leveraging strong relationships with external agencies.

Created wellness programs that addressed both physical and mental well-being, leading to a healthier workforce overall.

Implemented performance management systems to monitor employee progress, providing actionable insights for improvement opportunities.

Established succession planning frameworks to prepare employees for future leadership roles within the organization.

Developed effective change management strategies to guide employees through periods of organizational transformation while minimizing disruptions to daily operations.

Director of Human Resources, 06/2022 to 04/2023

The New York Times – Norfolk Shared Services Center – Norfolk, VA

Acted as HR strategic business partner for Norfolk operations, advising senior leadership on talent strategy, policy, and culture.

Led DEI initiatives, employee engagement strategies, and leadership development programs.

Collaborated with the corporate HR team in New York on labor relations, compensation, and total rewards.

Managed the onboarding process, providing new hires with necessary tools for success from day one.

Directed each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding.

Maintained "open door" policy to encourage employee communications and resolution of issues.

Coordinated and worked with management on performance evaluations, supervisory practices, dispute resolution, and employee accountability.

Director of Human Resources, 04/2015 to 06/2022

Lyon Shipyard – Norfolk, VA

Successfully transitioned Lyon Shipyard from a personnel department to a full-service HR function.

Led two class action lawsuits and contributed to Lyon Shipyard's legal defense.

Managed an 18-month ADP integration project, overseeing HRIS implementation for payroll, benefits, and employee self-service. Improved data accuracy and accessibility, resulting in a 25% increase in HR operational efficiency.

Directed recruitment, performance management, workforce development, and compliance programs.

Developed succession planning, leadership training, and engagement initiatives to retain top talent.

Served as the company's EEO/AAP Officer, ensuring compliance with OFCCP, AAP, and EEO-1/VETS 4212 reporting.

Orchestrated the development of the LSY Tech Weld School and represented Lyon Shipyard in WELDnow, a workforce partnership with the City of Norfolk, VEDP, VJIP, and TCC.

Maintained optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and initiating recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates.

Managed complex employee relations issues, reducing legal risks and maintaining a positive work environment.

Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.

Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.

Directed each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding.

Director of Human Resources, 01/2014 to 01/2015

JQH Embassy Suites & HRCC

Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.

Increased employee engagement with open communication channels and regular feedback opportunities.

Directed hiring and onboarding programs for new employees.

Conducted investigations and assisted with handling employee complaints involving Affirmative Action and EEOC to promote equitable workplace.

Participated at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen human resources services, relationships and mission.

Regional HR Manager – Distribution, 01/2006 to 01/2014

Dollar Tree Stores – Chesapeake, VA

Implemented successful change management initiatives, supporting employees during organizational transitions.

Conducted thorough employee evaluations, providing feedback and guidance for professional growth.

Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.

Established strong relationships with key stakeholders to foster collaboration across departments and functions.

Provided ongoing support to managers in areas such as performance management, conflict resolution, and coaching techniques.

Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations, minimizing financial discrepancies through detailed program management.

Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.

Used technologically relevant digital systems to manage payroll and benefits programs.

Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to review paperwork, obtain feedback, and procure available information for new training processes.

Reduced turnover rates by developing effective retention strategies and fostering a positive work environment.

Senior Corporate Recruiter, 01/2003 to 01/2006

Dollar Tree Stores

Mentored junior recruiters, providing guidance on best practices and fostering a supportive team environment.

Evaluated and refined recruitment metrics, enabling leadership to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively.

Leveraged data-driven insights to inform recruitment decisions, optimizing processes for improved efficiency and effectiveness over time.

Negotiated competitive compensation packages, securing top talent for the organization while maintaining budgetary constraints.

Reduced agency reliance by proactively building internal talent pipelines for hard-to-fill roles through targeted headhunting efforts and networking events attendance.

Senior HR Generalist, 01/2001 to 01/2003

Trilegiant Corporation

Corporate IT Recruiter, 01/2000 to 01/2001

Metro Information Services

Career Placement Director, 01/1999 to 01/2000

EasTech

HR Office Manager, 01/1997 to 01/1999

WORKPlace Staffing Agency

Education

Business Administration: 01/1995

Canisius College

Attended 1993 – 1995

Skills

Strategic HR Leadership & Organizational Development

Employee Relations & Labor Law Compliance

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

Compensation, Benefits & 401(k) Administration

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

HR Technology & Process Optimization

Investigations & Legal Compliance

Change Management & Leadership Development

HR Policies Development

HR Analytics

HR Policies and Procedures

Organizational Culture

Education & Certifications

SPHR Certification – HRCI (Cert #80004365ASPHR)

EEOC Training Institute – Federal EEO Investigator Certificate

Human Resources Management Certifications – SHRM & HRCI (ODU)

MD-110 Federal EEO Investigator Training

National Business Institute – HR Law Compliance Certification

References

Ken, Kimball, General Manager/SVP at Lyon Shipyard, **********@***.***, ***.*******@************.***, 757-***-****, Lyon Shipyard

Professional Leadership & Board Memberships

Executive Board of Directors (Secretary) – Norfolk SPCA

Board of Governance Member – Elizabeth River Project (2023 – 2025)

TCC Workforce Development Board Member (2023 – Present)

Board Member – Virginia Ship Repair Association (2015 – 2022, 2023 – 2025)

Board Member – Norfolk Propeller Club (2021 – 2022)

SHRM & HRILG Member

Volunteer work

Norfolk SPCA

As a member of the executive board I support the operation at shelter by filling the need for an HR consultant for employee relation and employment law/ compliance issues.

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