HR Manager, Employee Relations Advisor

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Office of Human Resources at Teachers College, Columbia University, is seeking an HR Manager, Employee Relations Advisor who will serve as a specialized expert and HR partner, managing complex workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and labor relations for unionized and non-unionized groups. The role reports to the Director of HR Services.

Characteristic Duties And Responsibilities

• Advise HR Business Partners and HR Generalists on complex employee relations matters to ensure consistent interpretation and application of HR policies and employment practices across departments.
• Provide guidance on workplace concerns, including performance management, conduct issues, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct fair and unbiased workplace investigations involving allegations of misconduct, policy violations, or other workplace concerns.
• Develop investigation plans, gather documentation, conduct interviews, analyze evidence, and determine findings.
• Prepare clear and thorough investigation reports with recommendations for appropriate action.
• Ensure investigations are conducted in a fair, timely, and confidential manner in accordance with institutional procedures.
• Work with the HR Business Partner to monitor progress, ensure execution, and confirm closure of action items and/or sanctions in the department.
• Facilitate conflict resolution discussions between employees or between employees and supervisors.
• Support early intervention strategies to address workplace concerns before escalation.
• Promote respectful communication and collaborative problem-solving within departments.
• Support labor relations activities in coordination with HR leadership.
• Aid in the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Assist in grievance processes, including investigation, documentation, and preparation for grievance meetings or hearings.
• Assist HR leadership in preparing for collective bargaining negotiations as needed.
• Provide guidance to managers on labor contract provisions and workplace practices related to represented employees.
• Partner closely with HR Business Partners and HR Generalists to support departments across the employee lifecycle.
• Support HR client teams in developing appropriate documentation and response strategies for employee issues.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases and investigations.
• Track and analyze employee relations trends, investigation outcomes, and workplace issues across departments.
• Identify patterns or emerging workplace issues.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for the Director of HR Services and HR leadership to support proactive workplace strategies.

Key Competencies

• Effectively addresses workplace issues, mediates conflicts, and ensures fair, consistent treatment across departments.
• Exercises sound judgment in sensitive matters and maintains strict confidentiality in employee and labor relations cases.
• Buils credibility and trust with managers and employees, providing clear guidance and fostering collaborative solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field, or the equivalent in education, training and experience.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience with a minimum of 3 years of experience conducting investigations and managing complex employee relations matters in a unionized environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment and labor laws, HR compliance, and employee relations practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive reports.
• Excellent organization, planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to manage complex and sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Experience working in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
• Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR).
• Experience working within a business partner HR service delivery model.

Salary Range

$86,000- $96,000

Competitive Compensation And Benefits

Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; an exceptional employer retirement matching program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Work Modality

Hybrid/Remote