CEHD HR Consultant

Consults on an array of HR issues including employee/labor relations, workforce planning, training and development, organizational effectiveness, performance management, and policy interpretation. Builds strong relationships with management and employees across the college to partner on solutions to complex problems and influence supervisors. Requires a strong understanding of HR fundamentals, high-level strategic thinking, flexibility in style and approach to problem solving, demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion & equity, and experience successfully implementing, executing, and delivering on innovative HR solutions.

This is a hybrid position, with the expectation to work on campus 2-3 days a week. The University encourages a healthy work-life balance and offers a flexible work environment that may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer. This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship and does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Responsibilities

• Employee & Labor Relations (45%)
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to unit leaders and employees on HR-related matters, including employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation, and conflict resolution.
  • Interpret, communicate, and ensure compliance with federal, state, contractual, and University policies and regulations related to Human Resources.
  • Support and coach employees and leaders in development initiatives, including training, professional development, and career advancement opportunities.
  • Guide and assist in the implementation of performance management strategies, ensuring consistent feedback, goal setting, and performance appraisals.
  • Advise on corrective action and disciplinary procedures in line with University policies.
  • Consult on employee and labor relations matters including layoffs, disciplinary procedures, grievances, nonrenewals, and other employee meetings. Advise and coach leaders.
  • Review complaints (formal/informal), conduct investigations as appropriate, and make resolutions and recommendations based on findings.
• Workforce Planning, Analysis, and Consultation (25%)
  • Provide strategic and operational consulting on personnel matters to ensure CEHD leaders are achieving their unit goals.
  • Conduct staffing analysis to identify organizational structures that ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Partner with the HR Director and support the implementation of compensation strategies to ensure positions are properly classified and fairly compensated to address recruitment and retention issues.
  • Partner with units to develop effective recruitment strategies, ensure fair and equitable interview practices, and support the hiring process.
• Organizational Development (15%)
  • Improve organizational effectiveness through the development of solutions to enhance leadership, improve outcomes, and drive a performance-focused culture.
  • Evaluate employee engagement survey results and consult with assigned business units on strategies to improve employee engagement and create action plans.
  • Partner with individual units on organizational design, succession planning, and skills.
  • Lead project teams in the development and implementation of comprehensive employee programs and change initiatives.
• Training and Development (10%)
  • Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture by offering programs and initiatives that enhance employee engagement, recognition, and wellbeing.
  • Identify, create, implement, evaluate, and monitor the success of training programs and recommend changes as needed.
• HR Projects (5%)
  • Lead the onboarding function by creating procedures, facilitating training, and rolling out resources for new faculty and staff.
  • Collect and analyze HR data to support decision-making and identify trends related to HR practices.
  • Participate in special committees, projects, and assignments as delegated.
  • Lead cyclical HR processes as directed.

Requirements

• Required Qualifications:
  • BA/BS in Human Resources or related field, plus six years of progressive HR generalist experience.
  • Exceptional interpersonal relationship skills and the ability to effectively navigate difficult conversations and situations.
  • Experience in Labor Relations and working with a Union representative workforce.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide feedback in a manner that preserves employee relationships yet achieves the goal of changing behavior.
  • Experience developing and implementing effective training programs for managers and employees.
  • Demonstrated ability in interpreting and analyzing application of policies, contracts, and employment law with a proven capacity to balance human and business needs to make sound decisions.
  • Demonstrated strong data analysis, prioritization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Experience with organizational design, climate assessment, and workforce planning.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in human resources or closely related field.
  • More than seven years of progressive HR generalist experience.
  • Experience and comfortability working with high-level leaders as a business partner or internal consultant.
  • Proven understanding of change management methodology with experience in managing important organizational change.
  • Experience implementing complex employee programs and initiatives.
  • Ability to balance big-picture thinking with detail-oriented application.

About the Department

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. CEHD is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay

Pay Range: $110,000 - $125,000, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% appointment. Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.