Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27077

Step into a critical, high-impact role at Montana State University as our Employee Relations Specialist, where your investigative expertise will directly drive the resolution of complex workplace challenges. We are seeking a principled professional to navigate sensitive personnel matters head-on, ensuring fair, compliant, and consistent practices through objective analysis and strategic leadership guidance.

Position Number 4M1343

Department Employee & Labor Relations

Division Administration

Appointment Type Classified

Contract Term Fiscal Year

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1

Salary $77,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

The Employee Relations Specialist performs human resources work focused on resolving complex employee relations matters, conducting impartial workplace investigations, and providing practical guidance to support consistent and effective workplace practices. This role supports the Human Resources team and serves MSU administrators, faculty and staff by providing thoughtful consultation, timely issue resolution, policy guidance, and coaching. The position also contributes to the development and delivery of training, resources, and proactive employee relations initiatives that strengthen workplace culture and compliance.

Ultimately, the Employee Relations Specialist helps ensure organizational practices are fair, consistent, and aligned with applicable policies, procedures, and employment laws.

• Serve as a trusted HR advisor and primary point of contact for HR Business Partners, managers, and staff on employee relations matters, policy interpretation, and workplace practices.
• Intake, assess, and respond to requests for assistance, including workplace conflicts, complaints, and performance concerns.
• Partner with leaders and employees to address interpersonal concerns, support constructive communication, improve morale, and promote a respectful and productive work environment.
• Provide coaching and guidance to leaders and supervisors on performance management, corrective action, documentation, and disciplinary processes.
• Identify needs and support the development and delivery of training on workplace conduct, performance management, conflict resolution, and related employee relations topics.

• Conduct prompt, impartial, and thorough internal investigations into workplace complaints, concerns, and allegations of misconduct.
• Prepare clear investigative reports that summarize findings, identify relevant considerations, and recommend appropriate corrective or remedial actions.
• Serve as a neutral and objective resource when evaluating sensitive workplace concerns and determining appropriate resolution pathways.
• Advise managers and employees on practical strategies to resolve conflict, restore working relationships, and support consistent workplace expectations.

• Support compliance with federal and state employment laws by staying current on legal and regulatory developments affecting employee relations.
• Maintain timely and accurate case management records, analyze trends and issues, and provide recommendations that strengthen HR policies, practices, and decision-making.
• Draft HR policies and organizational documentation, prepare reports and special projects, and present findings to the Director of Employee and Labor Relations.
• Provide responsive service and maintain good working relationships with stakeholders.

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in human resources administration, labor or industrial relations, business or public administration, or a related field, plus at least five years of recent and relevant professional HR experience applying human resources concepts, principles, and practices; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Employee Relations & Investigations: Demonstrated background managing employee…