Employee Relations Partner; Part-Time - Office of Human Resources

Overview

The Office of Human Resources within Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a dedicated Employee Relations Partner to join our People & Organizational Effectiveness team and help shape a culture of trust, transparency, and excellence across our university community.

• Lead unbiased investigations into internal staff complaints, documenting findings and collaborating with leadership to implement effective solutions.
• Serve as a trusted resource and backup for HR Business Partners, addressing workplace concerns promptly and professionally.
• Partner with the Office of Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel to standardize investigative procedures and improve communication and transparency across the university.
• Analyze employee relations trends and develop initiatives, training, and presentations to enhance campus culture and climate.
• Act as an impartial Hearing Officer for select cases, reviewing reports, conducting hearings, and determining appropriate outcomes.
• Triage and categorize all incoming Ethics Hotline reports, and lead the investigation and resolution process for all reports related to Human Resources matters.
• Maintain confidential and sensitive communication with employees, ensuring all matters are handled with integrity and care.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Strong Investigative Skills
  :
  Conduct fair, methodical investigations; gather and assess evidence; and document findings clearly and accurately.
• Expertise in Employment Law & HR Policies
  :
  Apply federal/state labor laws, university policies, and guidelines to ensure compliance and support informed decision‑making.
• Conflict Resolution & Mediation Abilities
  :
  Facilitate productive conversations, help resolve workplace conflicts, and maintain positive relationships.
• Exceptional Communication Skills
  :
  Communicate clearly, professionally, and empathetically across all levels of the organization.
• Analytical & Critical Thinking
  :
  Identify trends, analyze complex issues, and recommend data‑driven solutions to enhance the workplace environment.
• Emotional Intelligence
  :
  Navigate sensitive situations with empathy, tact, diplomacy, and objectivity.
• Collaboration & Influence
  :
  Build effective partnerships with HR colleagues, leadership, and legal counsel; influence decisions to achieve positive outcomes.
• Organizational & Project Management
  :
  Prioritize competing demands and deliver employee relations initiatives with accuracy and timeliness.
• Good Judgment & Decision‑Making
  :
  Make fair, consistent, and ethical decisions while assessing potential risks and impacts.
• Training & Advisory Skills
  :
  Support managers by mentoring them, addressing employee concerns, and delivering programs that strengthen culture and understanding.

• Education
  :
  Bachelor's degree in human resource management or a related field required;
  Master's preferred.
• Experience
  : 5 to 8 years of professional HR experience, including at least 2 years in employee relations (or equivalent combination of training, education, and experience).
• Certifications (Preferred): SHRM‑CP/SCP or HRCI PHR/SPHR.

• Successful completion of a pre‑employment background check.

• Position type: part‑time (approximately 22 hours/week).
• Location:
  
  Pittsburgh, PA.
• Work posture: hybrid schedule with on‑campus/in‑office presence 3 days/week.
• Employment status: exempt position.

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits.
• Paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life, accidental death, and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to a Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.
• Other benefits available.

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

We are committed to ensuring a fair and respectful workplace for all employees.