Full-Time
Associate Director Employee Relations
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
10,001+ employees
Specialized orthopedic and rheumatology care provider
Compensation Overview
$112k - $170.9k/yr
New York, NY, USA
Hybrid
Hybrid role based in New York City.
Bachelor's
 People & HR (1) |
|---|
Get referred to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
See people who can refer or advise you
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required.
- A minimum of 8 years in an Employee Relations role, or as an HR Generalist with significant employee relations experience, is required.
- Experience working in HR systems is required.
- Ability to effectively manage time to handle multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Deep understanding of U.S. employment laws at the federal, state, and local levels.
- A positive, solutions-focused mindset.
- Ability to conceive of and implement things that may not have been done before.
- A forward-thinking, innovative approach to assessing, improving, and influencing change.
- Demonstrated ability to influence employees at all levels, from frontline employees to senior leaders.
- Ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships collaboratively.
- Confidence and decisiveness when advising others.
- Impeccable attention to detail and follow-through.
- Strong technical and analytical skills, including comfort working with HR data.
- Active listening skills and ability to interpret verbal and nonverbal communications.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Conduct and lead investigations related to allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour issues, and policy violations.
- Partner with managers to address performance and conduct issues fairly, consistently, and efficiently while demonstrating appropriate nuance and adaptability.
- Coach, educate, and empower managers on methods for preventing and addressing issues while balancing risk mitigation, engagement, and fairness.
- Provide a safe and trusted place for employees by listening to and helping address their workplace concerns.
- Partner with the Leave Management team by advising and guiding on complex leave and accommodation situations.
- Disseminate employee-relations best practices through communications, processes, and training for managers and employees.
- Leverage employee-relations and other metrics to identify trends and recommend preventive strategies and long-term solutions.
- Interpret and communicate HR policies, recommending updates where necessary or beneficial.
- Collaborate regularly with employee-relations team members, Human Resources colleagues in other focus areas, and internal stakeholders including Legal, Compliance, Risk, and Security.
- Remain abreast of current and changing employment laws.
- Experience working in HR systems, with Workday HRIS and HR Acuity preferred.
- Healthcare experience is a plus.
HSS focuses on orthopedics and rheumatology, treating musculoskeletal conditions for adults and children. It provides diagnostics, consultations, surgeries (including joint replacement guided by computer navigation and robotics), and follow-up care, supported by research and medical education. It differentiates itself with top-tier specialty care, access to advanced technology, and an integrated program of research and training. Its goal is to improve musculoskeletal health by delivering expert clinical care, leveraging technology, and advancing knowledge through research and education.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$36.6M
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
1863
Get referred to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Kellen Tower adds 94,000 square feet and more private rooms for complex surgery.
- HSS's January 28, 2026 Ema AI rollout cuts scheduling friction and expands capacity.
- FIFA named HSS surgeon Riley J. Williams III venue medical officer for World Cup 2026.
What critics are saying
- NYU Langone and Northwell keep closing the orthopedic quality gap in New York.
- Kellen Tower opened March 2026 after delays, exposing costly construction execution risk.
- Legent Health and other ASC platforms commoditize HSS surgeries, weakening its premium moat.
What makes Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) unique
- HSS ranked No. 1 in orthopedics again on August 4, 2026.
- HSS combines orthopedics, rheumatology, and pediatric orthopedics under one specialty brand.
- HSS couples clinical care with 20 labs, 300 researchers, and education worldwide.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Wellness Program
Gym Membership
Family Planning Benefits
Fertility Treatment Support
Professional Development Budget
Conference Attendance Budget
Training Programs
Stock Options
Company Equity
Remote Work Options
Flexible Work Hours
Hybrid Work Options
Phone/Internet Stipend
Home Office Stipend
Parental Leave
Adoption Assistance
Childcare Support
Bereavement Leave
Mentorship Program
Education allowance
Tuition Reimbursement
Professional Certification Support
Mental Health Support
Relocation Assistance
Employee Discounts
Meal Benefits
Pet Insurance
Commuter Benefits
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 9%1 year growth
↑ 9%2 year growth
↑ 9%Three local businesses in the Palm Beaches; leaders visit to show appreciation. The Palm Beaches have become one of the most competitive business destinations in the Southeast - home to more than 577 corporate headquarters, 6,231 healthcare facilities, and 720 distribution and logistics operations. But the data only tells part of the story. What makes Palm Beach County's business growth distinctive is the range of companies choosing to invest here and the reasons they stay. To recognize that investment firsthand, local business leaders recently joined the Business Development Board of the Palm Beaches for a central region bus tour visiting three companies that represent the depth and diversity of the county's economy. From a globally ranked healthcare institution to a Shark Tank brand shipping nationwide to a homegrown entrepreneur scaling a national company from downtown West Palm Beach - each stop illustrated why companies in Palm Beach County have access to the talent, infrastructure, and quality of life that larger markets struggle to match. Top orthopedics facility: HSS Florida. When Hospital for Special Surgery opened its 60,000-square-foot facility in West Palm Beach, it made a statement about the caliber of companies choosing Palm Beach County as an expansion market. HSS has held the No. 1 ranking in orthopedics from U.S. News and World Report for 16 consecutive years and has been named the world's top orthopedic hospital by Newsweek for five straight years. Since opening, HSS Florida has provided care to approximately 40,000 patients, doubled its physician roster from seven to 14, expanded from two to four operating rooms, and added satellite locations in Wellington and Jupiter. The facility now employs approximately 120 people across the Palm Beaches and continues to grow. For executives and professionals evaluating a business relocation to Palm Beach County, HSS Florida answers a critical quality-of-life question: can I access world-class specialized healthcare here? The answer is yes - without leaving the county. A national brand that ships from Palm Beach County: Boarderie. Not every company in Palm Beach County relocated from somewhere else. Some of the county's most compelling business growth stories started right here. Boarderie, co-founded by Aaron Menitoff and Rachel Solomon in 2020, is the first and only company shipping fully pre-assembled, catering-quality charcuterie boards overnight nationwide - and every board ships from its headquarters in Riviera Beach. What started as a pandemic-era pivot became one of the fastest-growing food and logistics brands in the country. Boarderie secured a deal with Lori Greiner on ABC's Shark Tank, saw sales surge 1,000 percent post-airing, and has generated more than $70 million in lifetime revenue. The company earned a spot on Oprah's Favorite Things list and set a Guinness World Record for the largest charcuterie board ever created. Today Boarderie operates a 15,000-square-foot production facility in Palm Beach County, produces up to 3,000 boards daily, and employs more than 70 team members. The company could have located its headquarters anywhere in the country, but it continues to stay in the Palm Beaches - a decision rooted in the same workforce access and infrastructure advantages that draw Fortune 500 companies to the region. Local entrepreneurial success story: Ideal Nutrition. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in downtown West Palm Beach, Ideal Nutrition has grown into a scalable, innovation-driven healthy meal delivery company with several large distribution and production centers across Palm Beach County. The company employs hundreds of people in advanced logistics, operations, technology, and management - and continues to expand into new markets nationally. The origin story is what sets Ideal Nutrition apart in the conversation about business growth in Palm Beach County. Founder and CEO Wolfgang Brunet is a graduate of both Palm Beach State College and Florida Atlantic University. He launched the company in the same county where he earned his education, scaled it here, and continues to invest in the community that shaped his career. Ideal Nutrition is proof that Palm Beach County does not just attract companies from other markets. It develops the entrepreneurs who create them - and provides the infrastructure for those companies to compete nationally from day one. What these companies say about Palm Beach County's business environment. Three companies. Three different backgrounds. HSS Florida is a world-class institution that chose this market for expansion. Boarderie is a startup that grew into a nationally recognized brand without ever leaving. Ideal Nutrition is a homegrown company led by a local graduate who turned a Palm Beach County education into a thriving enterprise. Together they reflect the depth of a county economy that supports businesses in healthcare, innovation, logistics, and advanced operations - all within a region that also leads the state in financial services growth and is establishing itself as a hub for quantum computing and defense technology. Their growth generates more than revenue. It creates good jobs, expands career pathways, and strengthens the diversified economy that makes Palm Beach County one of the most attractive business environments in the country. To explore business opportunities in Palm Beach County, visit bdb.org. Let's talk. With customized strategies, essential resources, and a collaborative network of industry leaders, Business Development Board is here to fuel your success.
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) ranked No. 1 in Orthopedics in Newsweek's "Best Hospitals for Specialized Care" HSS is also nationally ranked in Neurology and named a "Best Children's Hospital" in Orthopedics June 18, 2026 - Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is named No. 1 in orthopedics in Newsweek's newly released "America's Best Hospitals for Specialized Care 2026" rankings. HSS was also recognized among the nation's top hospitals for neurological care. This list can be viewed on Newsweek's website. Newsweek, in partnership with Statista, evaluated leading hospitals across seven care specialties: cancer, cardiac, endocrine, gastrointestinal, neurological, orthopedic and pulmonary. Rankings are based on a comprehensive methodology that includes a nationwide survey of medical professionals and hospital managers, patient experience data, patient-reported outcome measures, and specialty-specific safety and quality measures. In another newly released Newsweek ranking, Lerner Children's Pavilion at HSS was named among "America's Best Children's Hospitals" for pediatric orthopedics. "When faced with a complex medical challenge, choosing the right hospital and specialist is one of the most important decisions patients and families can make," said Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA, HSS president, CEO and surgeon-in-chief emeritus. "This recognition reflects the extraordinary expertise and dedication of our HSS colleagues, who are committed to delivering the highest standards of evidenced-based, compassionate patient care." "This honor underscores the clinical excellence and collaborative approach that define care at HSS," said Douglas E. Padgett, MD, surgeon-in-chief at HSS. "Our teams are continually advancing innovation, elevating patient outcomes, and providing highly individualized, expert care to every patient we serve." HSS is consistently ranked as a top hospital for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions by leading ratings organizations. Patients travel to HSS from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, often seeking care for complex cases and specialized surgical procedures. The institution's ongoing dedication to research, quality improvement, and knowledge-sharing continues to position HSS as a thought leader in musculoskeletal health. HSS is the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 16th consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2025-2026), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report "Best Children's Hospitals" list (2025-2026). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a fifth consecutive year (2025). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection and complication rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. In addition, more than 200 HSS clinical investigators are working to improve patient outcomes through better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat orthopedic, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The HSS Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 165 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. www.hss.edu. Post Views: 3
Riley J. Williams III, Chief of the Sports Medicine Institute at Hospital for Special Surgery, has been named Venue Medical Officer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He will coordinate medical care for athletes and officials at matches in the New York/New Jersey area, including the final at MetLife Stadium. Dr Williams will serve as liaison between FIFA and local medical providers, building on HSS's designation as one of three US hospitals recognised as a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence since 2014. He currently serves as team surgeon for the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty and New York Red Bulls. HSS ranks number one nationally in orthopaedics according to US News & World Report and maintains partnerships with several football organisations including the New York Red Bulls and US Youth Soccer.
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is deploying AI agents for patient scheduling and triage through a collaboration with Ema Unlimited. The 24/7 service uses conversational AI to assess patient conditions via web, text or phone, then books appointments with appropriate clinicians based on location, insurance and availability. The system includes safeguards, with complex cases escalated to human specialists. All AI decisions are auditable and patient data remains secure. HSS filters technology decisions through an AI subcommittee that scrutinises patient-facing applications rigorously. HSS plans to open a dedicated AI lab at its New York campus to democratise access across staff. Dr Barad, who co-chairs the AI subcommittee, emphasises treating agentic AI as general-purpose technology requiring unified data strategy rather than narrow use cases.
Hospital for Special Surgery appoints Dr. Joel M. Press as Physician-in-Chief. NEW YORK-(BUSINESS WIRE)-Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health, today announced the appointment of Joel M. Press, MD, as Physician-in-Chief, effective May 1, 2026, In this role, Dr. Press will help shape the future of non-operative musculoskeletal care across HSS - supporting regional expansion, optimizing practice operations, enhancing access and the patient experience across all sites of care, and overseeing a diverse portfolio of clinical programs. Dr. Press will report to Douglas E. Padgett, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief and Medical Director at HSS, and will work closely with Associate Surgeon-in-Chiefs Drs. Answorth Allen and Mathias Bostrom, as well as department and service leaders, to advance and integrate non-operative musculoskeletal care across the institution. He will also have a central leadership role in institutional initiatives focused on quality, safety, innovation, and strategic growth. "Dr. Press has made significant contributions to the advancement of musculoskeletal medicine and is one of the most highly regarded physiatrists in the diagnosis and management of non-operative sports and spine conditions," said Bryan Kelly, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of HSS. "His leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing HSS's mission to expand access to high-quality non-operative care, deepen physician engagement, and drive innovation in musculoskeletal health." Dr. Press is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He brings decades of experience building and leading high-performing, multidisciplinary musculoskeletal programs and is widely respected for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to advancing value-based, patient-centered care. "Dr. Press will be a strong asset to our executive team as we work to shape HSS's next chapter - one defined by expanded access, integrated care, clinical innovation, and enduring leadership in musculoskeletal health," said Douglas E. Padgett, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief and Medical Director at HSS. Dr. Press is currently Physiatrist-in-Chief at HSS and Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. He has built a distinguished clinical and leadership career in musculoskeletal care, including his prior role as founder and director of the Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Centers at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. A prolific scholar and educator, Dr. Press has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed publications, edited multiple textbooks, and has held national leadership roles across major professional societies in musculoskeletal medicine, rehabilitation, and sports medicine. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at Northwestern University. For 25 years, Dr. Press has been consistently named among the best doctors in the country by Castle Connolly. "I am honored to serve as Physician-in-Chief at HSS during such a pivotal moment in the evolution of musculoskeletal care," said Dr. Press. "I look forward to partnering with my colleagues to build on HSS's extraordinary legacy and help shape what comes next not just at HSS but within the field of musculoskeletal health at large." HSS is the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 16th consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2025-2026), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report "Best Children's Hospitals" list (2025-2026). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a fifth consecutive year (2025). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection and complication rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. In addition, more than 200 HSS clinical investigators are working to improve patient outcomes through better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat orthopedic, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The HSS Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 165 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. www.hss.edu. Contacts. Media: Tracy Hickenbottom/Rachael Rennich/Lizzy Keach 212-606-1197 [email protected] More News From Hospital for Special Surgery PHOENIX-( BUSINESS WIRE )-At this year's American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) annual meeting, researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) presented two studies focused on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist usage in patients undergoing surgery. GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications commonly prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, and their therapeutic potential is extending to a range of conditions including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative... PHOENIX-( BUSINESS WIRE )-At this year's American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine (ASRA) annual meeting, investigators at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) presented significant studies leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to provide insights into long-term pain risk after surgery and what patients want to know about anesthesia. These insights may ultimately help guide anesthesiologists' consultations with patients scheduled for surgery. What follows are highlights fr... PHOENIX-( BUSINESS WIRE )-A retrospective study presented at the 51st Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting by investigators at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health, found that a newly available non-opioid pain reliever was generally well tolerated by postoperative orthopedic surgery patients - an important step forward in advancing non-opioid pain management options. The medication, suzetrigine...