Employee Relations Investigator

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Employee Relations Investigator works within Vanderbilt University's Employee Relations team in the division of People, Culture, and Belonging. The team supports a fair, respectful, and productive work environment through consultation on employee relations matters, consistent application of university policies, and impartial investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other workplace misconduct. Working with human resources colleagues, university leadership, the Office of the General Counsel, and campus partners, the investigator handles sensitive workplace matters with discretion, objectivity, and care. The role conducts investigations, supports consultation and training, identifies recurring concerns, promotes accountability, supports effective resolutions, and identifies opportunities to strengthen workplace practices. It has no supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce Relations and Enterprise Expansion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5–7 years of experience.
8–11 years of work experience conducting and managing fact-finding investigations into allegations of protected-class discrimination and harassment, or comparable experience, is strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

Graduate or advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, Ph.D., or J.D.) in a relevant field.
Professional HR certification such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR.
Experience conducting and managing fact-finding investigations into protected-class discrimination and harassment allegations or a comparable field.
Experience in a university setting.

Responsibilities

Conduct impartial fact-finding investigations into workplace complaints, including allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and university policy violations, independently or with appropriate stakeholders.
Develop investigation plans; interview parties and witnesses; gather and preserve documentation and other evidence; and prepare clear, objective investigation reports.
Communicate with parties and witnesses throughout investigations and manage multiple investigations simultaneously.
Maintain updated case files in the case management system.
Analyze complex employee issues and investigation findings to identify root causes, and present objective findings and recommendations to appropriate decision-makers.
Provide employee relations leadership with ongoing status updates on reports, complaints, and investigations.
Execute employee relations processes that support compliance with institutional policies and applicable regulatory standards.
Work with university offices and community resources to help determine supportive measures and implement university policies.
Advise departmental leadership on resolution strategies that maintain a supportive work environment.
Train university faculty and staff on relevant policies and prevention measures.
Research emerging trends and forecast potential impacts on employee engagement to inform strategic initiatives.
Establish clear policies and procedures and mentor junior staff to support operational excellence and consistent practice.
Pursue subject-area expertise through self-directed professional reading and relevant professional development courses and training.