Employee Relations Partner

About the role

This position serves as a strategic advisor and subject matter expert with employee relations workplace matters. This role is responsible for fostering a positive and productive academic environment by providing guidance on employee relation matters, conflict resolution, performance management, and compliance with institutional and legal standards. The Employee Relations Partner collaborates positively and closely with academic leadership, human resources, and other stakeholders to support employee well-being, engagement, and institutional goals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to various members of the campus, to include employees and academic leadership on workplace concerns, employment policies, and employment matters.
• Provide guidance on performance management, professional development, and workplace accommodations.
• As needed, collaborate with the Academic Leaders and others supporting the process to offer consultation and support regarding workplace disputes.
• Coordinate or help to mediate related disputes, foster constructive dialogue and resolution strategies.
• Conduct thorough, impartial investigations, complaints, and policy violations.
• Collaborate with legal counsel and compliance teams to ensure fair and consistent outcomes.
• Ensure institutional policies and procedures align with labor laws, accreditation standards, and best practices for higher education.
• Partner with academic leadership to review, update, and implement related policies.
• Afford assistance in training and educating administrators on relevant policies and proactive performance improvement plans as well as progressive discipline when needed.
• Provide guidance on addressing performance concerns, including developing plans, recommendations and guidance with performance.
• Support academic leaders in handling misconduct, professional standards, and workplace expectations.
• Partner with various supervisors: Business Managers, Department Administrators, Deans, Department Chairs, Provosts, and other HR leaders to align relations strategies with institutional priorities.
• Cultivate a positive rapport with staff in various departments to ensure that we are working together collegially by guiding.
• Present information to various levels of leadership/employees and when necessary, individuals outside the organization professionally and with ease.
• Collaborate with teams to promote retention strategies through advisement and counsel.
• Represent the institution in employee related discussions, committees, and advisory groups.
• Prepare and interpret the monthly statistics processes.
• Must be a detailed and excellent keeper of records and summarize meeting notes.
• Understand employment law and practices, fair and consistent review of processes.
• Review and run reports related to Employee Relations matters.
• Schedule annual training with the appropriate departments to ensure proactive collaboration is fostered and encouraged.
• Independently ensure engagement with continuing education within this discipline is coordinated.
• Create and lead innovative and when possible, hands-on sessions for professional development.
• As needed, conduct investigations and prepare the findings for the review of leadership.
• Represent the institution in employee-related discussions, committees, and advisory groups.
• Prepare draft written documentation as needed; summarize investigation findings and provide recommendations and follow up to ensure all are confident in the direction.
• All duties as assigned/requested for the betterment of our HR Division and Augusta University.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Two years of Employee Relations experience or a comparable field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Management or related.
• SHRM-CP Certification; 4 years of experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and interact with persons at all levels.
• Knowledge of Titles VI, VII, IX, ADA, of complaint resolution and HR employment function.
• Ability to conduct training programs and present complex issues to a wide range of audiences and communicate appropriate outcomes/course of action.
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational, skill-finding, investigational, negotiation of settlements, multi-tasking and prioritization skills regarding extremely complex and significant issues.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days/M-F (work outside of normal business hours will likely be required of an employee in an exempt level position)
Pay Band: B12
Salary Minimum: $62,300/annually
Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position.
Recruitment Period: 6/10/26 - Until Filled

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan)
• Earned vacation time
• Sick leave
• 13 paid holidays
• Tuition Assistance Program for full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months

Conditions of Employment

• All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.
• If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check complete for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.
• Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.
• For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
• All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgement and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

Other Information

• This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees.
• Augusta University is a patient-and-family-centered care institution, where employees partner everyday with patients and families for success.
• Augusta University is a tobacco free environment and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.
• Equal Employment Opportunity

How To Apply

Consider applying with us today!

Applicants are encouraged to tailor their resumes to the position of interest by clearly highlighting relevant work experience and skills gained from previous employment. Resumes should reflect how your background aligns with the qualifications and responsibilities of the role.

Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university

Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee

If you need further assistance, please contact us at 706-721-9365.