Employee Relations Specialist

About the role

The Employee Relations Specialist reports to the Assistant Vice President of Employee & Labor Relations and supports the College's employee and labor relations programs. This role serves as a key resource for supervisors and employees, providing guidance on employee relations, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, performance management, contract interpretation, and compliance. As a member of the Human Resources team, the Specialist collaborates with campus partners to foster a positive, compliant workplace while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Responsibilities

Employee Relations: Serve as a trusted HR resource, advising employees and supervisors on workplace issues, policy interpretation, conflict resolution, and performance management. Conduct workplace investigations, facilitate employee mediations, and support disciplinary actions. Administer labor relations activities, including grievance management, collective bargaining support, and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements. Develop and deliver supervisor training on employee relations, labor relations, and workplace best practices.

Team Collaboration: Support HR initiatives, policy development, special projects, and College committees. Collaborate with HR colleagues to provide responsive, high-quality service. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, and five (5) years of HR experience with a focus on employee and/or labor relations (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Knowledge of employment and labor laws, workplace investigations, and employee relations best practices.
• Strong communication, analytical, conflict resolution, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS, Microsoft Office, and/or Google Workspace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree, SHRM-CP/PHR certification, higher education experience, and collective bargaining experience.

Pay

The minimum starting rate of pay is $69,637.00, with a hiring range of $69,637 - $78,342.

Schedule

This is a full-time, hybrid position, with occasional evening and weekend work required. The start date is 09/28/2026.

Benefits

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college.