Employee Relations Specialist

About the role

As a key member of the Human Resources team, the Employee Relations Specialist provides high-level HR focused administrative, operational, and project support to the Associate Director of Employee Relations & Engagement. This position assists with coordinating employee engagement initiatives and new employee orientation, supporting employee relations processes, organizing training and recognition programs, file management, maintaining confidential records, and preparing reports. The successful candidate has general HR knowledge, is highly organized, detail-oriented, customer-service focused, and capable of handling sensitive information with discretion. This role serves as a point of contact for employees, managers, and internal stakeholders while supporting efforts that promote a positive employee experience and workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Assists with employee relations documentation including review of performance check‑ins and departure questionnaires.
• Maintains confidential employee relations records and documentation in accordance with organizational policies.
• Provides guidance on HR resources and tools related to performance management to managers and leads throughout the campus.
• Maintains HR systems related to employee engagement and employee relations initiatives, including employee engagement surveys.
• Compiles data and prepares reports on program participation, employee feedback, and departmental activities.
• Coordinates HR training programs, employee engagement activities, events, and recognition/appreciation initiatives.
• Processes and responds to unemployment claims, verifying separation details and providing wage and benefit information as requested.
• Participates in phone hearings as appropriate.
• Supports existing employee recognition and appreciation initiatives and other HR‑sponsored events.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• PHR, SPHR, or SHRM‑CP certification preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HRIS systems, preferably Workday.

Qualifications

• Two to four years of administrative, human resources, project coordination, or office management experience; 4+ years experience preferred.
• Background in addressing and investigating employee relations concerns, preferably in an education setting or similar work environment.
• Deep knowledge of employment policies, procedures, and best practices, as well as state and federal employment‑related regulations.
• Experience maintaining confidentiality of all sensitive human resources information—including personnel records, payroll data, medical documents, and employee relations issues—in compliance with employment laws.

Skills

• Ability to work effectively at both a strategic and tactical level.
• Ability to utilize and analyze data to guide decision‑making.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with all constituent groups.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues, managers, and executives.

Schedule

Standard administrative hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. This is a full‑time position working 40 hours/52 weeks (1.00 FTE). The role is on‑site at the Bowdoin College campus in Brunswick, Maine; a hybrid schedule may be discussed after six months of employment based on performance.