Senior Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

About the role

Join our Human Resources team as a Senior Employee Relations Advisor and help shape a positive, supportive work environment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In this role, you will provide expert guidance on employee relations and labor matters, partnering with managers, directors, and staff to navigate complex and sensitive investigations with confidentiality and care. Your work will contribute to maintaining our culture of inclusiveness, innovation, and collaboration, making a meaningful difference for both the organization and its employees.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and resolve highly sensitive, confidential investigations by partnering with key stakeholders to ensure equitable resolutions.
• Conduct exit interviews and provide data-driven reports to management, highlighting trends and areas of concern, while recommending corrective actions.
• Collaborate with the Director to interpret, administer, and negotiate labor contracts. Assist in preparing for union grievance meetings and contract negotiations with bargaining units.
• Assist in developing and monitoring Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), reviewing processes and documentation to enhance job performance and ensure compliance with institutional standards.
• Promote the utilization of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and support employees and managers through return-to-work programs and other initiatives to ensure successful reintegration.
• Interpret and answer policy-related questions from employees, review HR policies, the employee handbook, and union contracts regularly, recommending necessary updates.
• Assist in designing and delivering training on employee relations topics, such as workplace harassment, workplace violence, and labor laws (e.g., ADA).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Minimum of 4+ years of experience in an employee relations (ER) or similar role handling ER activities.
• Experience researching complex human resources-related issues and implementing effective courses of action.
• Experience supporting audits, surveys, and performing complex reporting and analyses; Workday experience preferred.
• Strong experience with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel), including Google Sheets and Slides, preferred.
• SHRM-CP or Professional in Human Resources (PHR) OR Employee Relations Investigations Certification, preferred.

Skills

• Emotional Intelligence: High level of emotional intelligence to manage sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy, and discretion. Ability to resolve conflicts creatively and within policy.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to conduct consistent and fair, detailed investigations and communicate complex data in a way that helps to drive decision-making.
• Professional Demeanor: Proactive, engaging attitude, with a calm and even-keeled approach to handling stressful situations and ambiguous scenarios.
• Labor Relations Expertise: Solid understanding of labor contracts, grievance procedures, and performance improvement methodologies, along with the ability to apply best practices.
• Independent Work Style: Ability to handle investigations and requests autonomously, ensuring timely and thorough resolution.
• Conflict Resolution Expertise: Strong skills in mediating and resolving workplace conflicts with empathy and diplomacy.
• Strong Communication & Influence: Excellent ability to communicate effectively and partner with senior leaders to align on solutions and strategies.
• Team Player: Capable of working independently while also contributing to a positive and effective team dynamic.

Benefits

Be part of a world-class organization dedicated to advancing treatments for pediatric catastrophic diseases. Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your contributions will make a meaningful impact. Access opportunities for professional growth and career advancement, including continuous learning and development programs.

Pay

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $70,720 - $126,880 per year for the role of Senior Employee & Labor Relations Specialist.