Employee Relations Specialist I/II/III

The Employee Relations Specialist supports the administration of employee relations, workplace investigations,

and HR compliance activities. The role provides guidance to employees and managers, manages assigned

investigations and casework, and assists with the administration of employee relations programs and processes.

Working in partnership with HR leadership and other university offices, the Specialist helps ensure workplace

matters are addressed consistently, objectively, and in accordance with applicable policies and legal

requirements.

Employee Relations Support: Serves as a point of contact for employees and managers on a broad range of workplace matters. Provides guidance on policies, procedures, performance concerns, corrective action, conflict resolution, and workplace best practices. Assists with resolving employee concerns and promotes consistent, fair, and equitable application of university policies.

Workplace Investigations: Assists with managing assigned employee relations investigations, including planning the investigation, gathering and analyzing information, conducting interviews, assessing evidence, documenting findings, and preparing reports or recommendations. Coordinates with HR leadership, legal counsel, and other university offices as appropriate. Maintains complete, accurate, and confidential case records in HR case management systems and helps ensure investigations are timely, objective, and impartial.

Program and Process Administration: Assists with the administration of employee relations and HR compliance programs and processes, which may include leave administration, unemployment claims, drug testing, grievance and disciplinary matters, employee programs, litigation holds, and related case tracking. Coordinates documentation, communications, timelines, and follow-up activities to support accurate, timely, and consistent administration.

Policy and Regulatory Compliance: Supports compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and university policies. Assists in identifying potential compliance concerns, researching requirements, reviewing practices, and developing or revising policies, procedures, guidance, and documentation. Escalates significant issues and partners with appropriate stakeholders to support effective resolution.

Training and Advisory Support: Assists in developing and delivering training and resources on employee relations, investigations, policy compliance, conflict resolution, documentation, and effective workplace communication. Provides practical guidance to managers and employees and identifies when matters require additional review or escalation.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement: AssistsHR colleagues, university leaders, legal counsel, and other institutional partners on employee relations matters and workforce initiatives. Develops and maintains tools to track employee relations data, identify trends, and support reporting and informed decision-making.

Reviews case trends and operational needs, recommends improvements, supports reporting and recordkeeping, and contributes to projects and committees that promote a fair, consistent, and compliant work environment.

Level I: Bachelor's degree

Level II: Bachelor's degree + 2 years of experience in HR, employee relations, or a related field.

Level III: Bachelor's degree + 4 years of experience in HR, employee relations, or a related field.

• Knowledge of HR laws, policies, and best practices, with familiarity in conflict resolution and case documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with HR Case Management Systems such as Maxient and EthicsPoint preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

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