Employee Relations Human Resources University Partner

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Human Resources University Partner to support a respectful, compliant, and high-performing workplace. This role manages key aspects of employee relations, including investigations, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation to ensure fair and consistent practices. It also oversees leaves of absence and workplace accommodations, ensuring alignment with legal standards and university policies. Additionally, this role contributes to training and development initiatives that strengthen leadership effectiveness, organizational culture, employee experience initiatives, and overall HR support.

Bi-lingual fluency in Spanish (read, write, and speak) is highly preferred to effectively support our diverse workforce.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

• Employee Relations / Investigation Management: Manage and conduct workplace investigations from intake to conclusion in alignment with university procedures. Handle complex allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, bullying, or other complaints, ensuring confidentiality, neutrality, and compliance with legal and university policies. Provide timely communication to all relevant parties. Interact with all involved to support understanding, transparency, and trust in the university’s investigative function.
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation: In partnership with HR Partners, proactively address and resolve workplace disputes. May involve informal mediation or conflict resolution programs to address issues at early stages to prevent formal complaints.
• Develops and promotes strategies to integrate inclusion and belonging into employee relations and university processes. Provide proactive guidance to managers to foster a more equitable workplace and mitigate potential sources of bias in talent acquisition.
• Leaves of Absence (LOA) Management: Administer LOAs, including FMLA, military, and personal leave, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and university policies. Serve as primary contact for employees requesting leave, provide clear guidance on rights and responsibilities. Collaborate with managers and department heads to plan for and manage absences, minimizing operational disruptions. Maintain meticulous records and coordinate with employees, HR Partners, and payroll to ensure accurate management of benefits, compensation, and return-to-work processes.
• Workplace Accommodation: Oversee accommodation requests under the ADA and relevant legislation. Initiate medical provider requests as needed. Collaborate with employees and managers to assess needs and provide guidance on potential solutions, ensuring adherence to ADA guidelines. Educate and train faculty, staff, and leadership on the accommodation process and maintain confidential records of requests and outcomes.
• Document & Data Management: Compile and maintain documents to create timely investigative reports identifying issues, policies, evidence, and findings. Maintain logs and documentation related to investigations, LOAs, and accommodations. Serve as system administrator for a database to manage complaints, leaves, and accommodations, and develop an organized electronic filing system. Analyze data and generate regular reports.
• Policy / Compliance: Act as an administrative expert on HR policies; assist in policy development and maintenance of standard operating procedures. Develop and implement communication strategies and training programs to roll out policies and procedures, and design awareness training on key policies and conduct to promote a respectful environment. Support managing compliance with authorized driver MVRs as applicable.
• Training and Development: Design and deliver training on role-specific responsibilities and compliance topics. Guide best practices for employee engagement and positive work environment. Support leadership development and oversee annual compliance training.
• Commu…