Senior Team Relations Specialist

Overview The Senior Team Relations Specialist (STRS) serves as a subject matter expert and mentor within Sun's Team Relations team, playing a central role in cultivating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture across Sun Communities. The STRS brings deep expertise in employee relations, HR compliance, and risk mitigation, providing trusted guidance on complex matters including performance management, policy interpretation, workplace investigations, and employment practices. With a thorough understanding of the interconnectedness of internal policies and external regulations, the STRS proactively identifies and mitigates organizational risk while ensuring consistent, equitable application of company policies. Equally vital to the role, the STRS actively mentors and develops the Team Relations Specialist team, building capabilities through coaching, resource development, and training that elevate the function's overall effectiveness and readiness. Job Duties Champions and models the culture, values, and mission of Sun Communities by fostering a safe, inclusive, positive, and productive work environment (Essential)Serves as a recognized subject matter expert and strategic advisor to team members and leaders on complex employee relations matters, workplace concerns, and policy interpretation (Essential)Maintains accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of employee relations matters, investigations, corrective actions, and performance trends within the team relations case management system (Essential)Strategically coaches and develops leaders on effective people management practices, including performance management, conflict resolution, communication, and team member engagement (Essential)Serves as the senior escalation point for complex and high-risk investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misconduct, and other workplace concerns (Essential)Develops investigation frameworks, templates, and resources that strengthen the broader Team Relations team's capabilities (Essential)Actively mentors and develops the Team Relations Specialist (TRS) team on employee relations best practices, policy application, and risk mitigation strategies; leads by example to elevate the team's capabilities, confidence, and professional growth (Essential)Identifies areas of opportunity within the Team Relations function, taking initiative to develop and implement solutions with the intensity and urgency needed to drive meaningful results (Essential)Administers exit interviews, analyzes feedback, and identifies recurring themes and retention risks; goes beyond reporting to proactively recommend retention strategies and initiativesActs as a lead on the development, review, and maintenance of job descriptions to ensure alignment with business needs, organizational structure, and compliance requirementsDesigns and implements special projects, process improvement initiatives, and other HR-related activities that support organizational goals and strategic prioritiesAids in the management of Sun's J1 Visa program, ensuring compliant and successful execution in partnership with relevant stakeholders and in accordance with all applicable regulationsCreates and maintains resources, tools, job aids, and training materials that support the success of the broader Team Relations team and leaders throughout the organizationIdentifies areas of opportunity within the Team Relations function, taking initiative to develop and implement solutions with the intensity and urgency needed to drive meaningful resultsPerforms other duties and projects as assigned Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business or related field (Required)Master's Degree in Human Resources, Business or related field (Preferred)6 years in of progressive, hands-on Human Resources experience with a direct focus on employee relations (Required)6 years in experience conducting workplace investigations, including alleged harassment & discrimination (Required)6 years in experience interpreting and advising leaders on federal, state, and local employment law (Required)6 years in guiding & interpreting application of HR policies, procedures, & compliance requirements (Required)6 years in experience leading managers and team members through comprehensive performance management processes (Required)6 years in experience interpreting and applying FLSA, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, NLRA, and related statutes (Required)Must have a valid driver's licenseDemonstrated expertise in conducting end-to-end workplace investigations with sound judgment, objectivity, and legally defensible documentation practicesIn-depth understanding of employee relations compliance, including disciplinary procedure integrity, progressive discipline application, and retaliation-prevention protocolsComprehensive understanding of FLSA requirements including exempt/non-exempt classification analysis, minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping obligationsExcellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise investigation reports and legally sound documentationStrong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex investigations and employee relations matters simultaneouslyExcellent presentation skills with proven ability to interact with and influence all levels of the organizationStrong interpersonal, investigative, and mediation skills with demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive and high-stakes situations with professionalismAbility to maintain strict confidentiality in all matters related to employee relations, investigations, and personnel actionsDemonstrated ability to effectively mentor Team Relations professionals while fostering growth, collaboration, and a culture of continuous developmentAdvanced computer proficiency including the ability to use Microsoft applications, HRIS platforms, case management systems, email, and internetAbility to travel for on-site visits and leadership conferences.Demonstrated experience connecting people management objectives to business outcomes and organizational prioritiesDemonstrated ability to guide sound employment decisions through strong understanding of the interconnectedness of internal policies and related external regulationsRequired Certifications/Licensures:(Professional in Human Resources (PHR))Preferred Certifications/Licensures:(Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)) Benefits At Sun Communities, you will be part of an industry-leading organization where you will be challenged, inspired, rewarded and transformed. We place a high priority on our team members, and this is a big part of what sets us apart. We will ask you to give us your very best every day, and will challenge you with interesting work, stretch assignments, a collaborative and supportive work environment and plenty of learning and growth. In exchange, we will reward you with great pay, advancement opportunities, paid time off, great benefits, and flexibility. Comprehensive Medical and Prescription coverage with 4 plan options so you can choose the plan that best meets the needs of you and your familyComprehensive Dental and Vision PlansOn-Site Fitness CenterVoluntary Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement AccountsLife, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance and Dependent LifeShort and Long-Term Disability Coverage401(k) Plan with Sun matching contributionEmployee Assistance ProgramIdentity Theft InsuranceLegal Assistance PlanPet InsuranceTuition Reimbursement program providing financial support to team members who further their formal educationVacation RV Site Discounts for team members when visiting Sun resorts across the nationTeam Member Perks & Discounts program with hundreds of discounts on things like travel, merchandise, mobile phone service, and moreUp to six weeks of paid parental leave for the birth of a child, adoption, or placement of a childPaid Time Off including ten holidays, vacation, personal, sick time, bereavement and pay for jury duty Apply for a Corporate Headquarters (HQ) position, located in the Metro Detroit, Michigan market today. 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