Employee Relations Business Partner, Public Safety

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Employee Relations Business Partner for Public Safety is integral in managing employee relations within a dynamic police department workforce, consisting of both sworn and non-sworn officers, amounting to over 400 full-time employees. This role is a strategic resource equipped to handle the complexities inherent in such diverse staffing, particularly focusing on the administration of university policies and resolving employee and labor relations issues through specialized conflict resolution strategies. The Employee Relations Business Partner ensures adherence to the department's general orders, while upholding performance management and disciplinary processes, and developing and implementing departmental procedures, guidelines, and training programs. As a subject matter expert, this position provides guidance on employee relations, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and other core university policies, actively supporting a high-volume and high-performance work environment, considering the unique challenges of law enforcement personnel and department-specific directives.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Required in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 5 years in HR management with a strong emphasis on employee relations, including handling labor relations and performance management.
Strong communication skills for effective relationship-building within the organization.
Proven capacity to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and expertise.
Familiarity with HRIS systems, particularly Oracle Cloud HCM, and advanced Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.
Ability to effectively manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
Strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail.
Demonstrated ability to exceed expectations in contributing to team success.

Nice To Haves

HR Certification Preferred (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP).
Experience in a law enforcement environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure adherence to university policies and the department’s general orders, providing clear guidance to both sworn and non-sworn officers.
Address and resolve complex employee relations issues specific to the diverse police department workforce, utilizing tailored conflict resolution strategies.
Oversee performance management systems and disciplinary processes, ensuring fair and consistent application across all personnel.
Develop and implement training programs and departmental procedures that align with the specific needs of a law enforcement environment, incorporating both general university guidelines and the department’s unique requirements.
Act as a bridge between university policies and department operations, facilitating effective communication and understanding among staff at all levels.
Serve as the go-to expert for employee relations, providing guidance on policies related to leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits.
Maintain strong relationships with both Public Safety and the People, Culture, and Belonging (PCB) teams to foster a supportive and cohesive work environment.
Address inquiries and concerns from employees quickly and equitably, prioritizing resolution-oriented communication.
Navigate the distinct challenges posed by a workforce of sworn and non-sworn officers, ensuring that all HR processes reflect a strong understanding of the specific demands and constraints of law enforcement.
Offer informed insights into the unique dynamics of the police department, ensuring policies and practices are both compliant and supportive of high-performance expectations.
Continuously evaluate and enhance operational procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness in handling HR functions within the department.