Employee Relations Specialist

The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for fostering a positive, productive, and compliant workplace environment. This role manages employee relations matters, conducts workplace investigations, advises managers and employees on HR policies, and ensures compliance with employment laws and Union’s standards in a thorough, neutral, respectful, and timely manner. The ideal candidate is a trusted advisor who demonstrates sound judgment, confidentiality, and strong conflict resolution skills.

Employee Relations Specialist

Pay Status and Classification: Exempt,  Regular Full-time

Supervisor: Sr Director of Benefits & HR Systems

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution

• Serves as the primary point of contact for employee relations concerns.

• Investigates complaints related to policy violations and workplace conflicts.

• Conducts fair, thorough, and timely investigations; documents findings and recommends appropriate actions.

• Facilitates conflict resolution between employees and management.

• Provides coaching and guidance to managers on performance management and disciplinary processes.

• Maintains documentation and files for investigations, incidents, and programs as needed.

• Collaborates closely with the Director of Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator to ensure employee matters related to discrimination, harassment, bias, or retaliation are responded to promptly and appropriately. 

Policy Interpretation & Compliance

• Interprets and applies company policies consistently and fairly.

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

• Supports policy development, updates, and communication initiatives.

• Partners with legal counsel, when necessary, on complex employee relations matters.

• Processes unemployment claims and represents the College in unemployment hearings and proceedings.

Performance Management Support

• Guides managers through progressive discipline processes.

• Assists in drafting performance improvement plans (PIPs) and corrective action documentation.

• Supports termination processes to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.

• Assists with the preparation, launch, and training for the annual performance plan process.

• Provides support with coaching and training initiatives 

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintains accurate and confidential records of investigations and employee interactions.

• Tracks and analyzes employee relations data to identify patterns and areas for improvement.

• Prepares reports, including Exit Questionnaire data, and summaries for HR leadership.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of Employee Relations work experience.

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.

• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality.

• Ability to demonstrate acute attention to detail.

• Ability to demonstrate excellent judgment and discretion when responding to employee relations requests and handling difficult or volatile situations effectively.

• Ability to provide guidance to managers and employees on complex and significant employee relations issues.

• Ability to prioritize tasks to meet established and variable deadlines, with the flexibility to respond to stressful situations and unexpected demands.

• Strong foundational knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.

• Excellent writing skills to prepare clear, concise, and well-written documents.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Google Suite (Docs, Sheets) and familiarity with HRIS or ER case management tracking software.

• Excellent conflict resolution and mediation skills.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of Employee Relations work experience.

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience.

• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR).

Compensation:

The annual salary range for this position is $68,000-73,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time

• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)

• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs

• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development

• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan

• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability

• Tuition programs

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).