Labor and Employee Relations Specialist

About the role

Reporting to the Director of Employee and Labor Relations, the Labor & Employee Relations Specialist serves as a key resource in supporting positive employee and labor relations across the University. The Specialist assists in the administration of employee relations programs, workplace investigations, labor relations activities, performance management matters, disciplinary processes, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and compliance initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the intake and initial assessment of employee relations matters, providing actionable recommendations to leadership on performance counseling, dispute resolution, and disciplinary actions in accordance with University policy and collective bargaining agreements.
• Supports positive labor-management relationships by assisting with the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements, grievance processes, labor-management meetings, and contract compliance.
• Ensures that departmental policies, practices, processes, and guidelines comply with laws and regulations; assists with drafting, implementing, and interpreting policies, procedures, and guidelines at the departmental level.
• Conducts workplace investigations involving allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, policy violations, and other employee relations concerns.
• Interviews complainants, respondents, and witnesses; analyzes findings; prepares investigative reports; and recommends corrective actions and remediation measures.
• Assists department leaders in matters relating to stakeholders’ feedback and recommends strategies to improve the implementation and creation of successful departmental programs.
• Drafts and presents training programs, workshops, and educational resources related to performance management, employee conduct, workplace investigations, labor relations, conflict resolution, and policy compliance.
• Utilizes data analytics, reporting tools, automation technologies, and emerging AI solutions to improve operational efficiency, case management, trend analysis, documentation practices, and overall service delivery within Labor and Employee Relations.
• Provides administrative and project support to the Director of Labor and Employee Relations.
• Records accurate minutes during workplace investigation meetings, labor/employee relations conferences, union contract negotiations, etc.
• Supports the implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of labor and employee relations case management and tracking systems, ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and compliance with record retention requirements.
• Conducts research and evaluates technology solutions that enhance productivity, reporting capabilities, knowledge management, and employee relations operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years’ professional experience in the field of Human Resources, including experience in employee relations, labor relations, workplace investigations, or employment compliance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint Pivot)
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply employment laws, regulations and policies
• Experience utilizing HRIS, case management systems, and reporting applications.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information with discretion
• Demonstrated positive, team-oriented approach to service delivery.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information concisely and understandably to stakeholders
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with confidentiality and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated organizational, administrative, and project management skills.
• Experience utilizing technology, automation, reporting tools, and AI-enabled solutions to improve operational efficiency, documentation, workflow management, data analysis, or service delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a unionized environment and higher education setting is preferred.
• SPHR, PHR, SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, and/or certifications in Employee Relations and Investigations.

Pay

Minimum Starting Salary: $75,000
Maximum Starting Salary: $85,000
Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.