Employee Relations Specialist, Senior - Human Resources

University of Wyoming Research and Economic Development • Laramie, WY

8h • $61,008 - $73,200 • Onsite

About The Position

The Employee Relations Specialist, Senior provides expert guidance and support on complex employee relations matters across the University of Wyoming. The role partners with managers, HR colleagues, and institutional leadership to address workplace concerns, ensure compliance with university policies and regulatory requirements, and promote a positive and accountable workplace culture. It leads complex employee relations initiatives, advises leadership on workforce and organizational strategies, supports change management, and uses data-driven analysis and best-practice recommendations to improve workplace effectiveness.

The position serves as a first point of contact for workplace concerns, gathering facts, assessing risk, and determining next steps, including when information is nuanced or incomplete. It conducts investigations, facilitates conflict resolution, and advises employees and supervisors on policies and workplace expectations. The work requires discretion, analytical rigor, objectivity, and procedural integrity. The role also supports training, data-driven process improvements, and collaboration with HR colleagues to strengthen compliance and mitigate institutional risk.

This is an on-campus position in Laramie, Wyoming. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States; sponsorship for work authorization or visas is unavailable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of work-related experience.
• Valid driver’s license with a motor vehicle record compliant with the University’s Driving for University Business requirements.
• Applicants must include average hours worked per week for all current and previous positions; relevant part-time experience is prorated on a full-time-equivalent basis.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; work authorization or visa sponsorship is not available.
• Must be available to work on campus.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• At least two years of Employee Relations experience.
• Human Resources experience in higher education.
• SHRM or HRCI certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead specialized consultation and training on employee relations, performance improvement, and disciplinary issues for managers, employees, and HR professionals.
• Investigate potential non-protected-class compliance violations and advise university constituents on remediation and prevention of workplace issues.
• Monitor corrective actions and follow up with managers on required process steps.
• Receive and handle employee complaints, escalate matters when disciplinary or legal action may be necessary, communicate policy changes, advise supervisors on employee treatment and policies, respond to policy violations, and help resolve workplace conflict.
• Maintain detailed case records related to employment history and potential legal actions.
• Consult with supervisors on supporting documentation for corrective actions and performance management.
• Develop impartial Performance Improvement Plans in partnership with managers and guide managers and employees through performance management.
• Interpret and explain policies, procedures, the employee handbook, and regulations related to employee matters.
• Collaborate with HR staff on professional development, recognition, and mentorship programs; coordinate university-wide training and evaluate courses using metrics and measurements.
• Create and implement employee protocols to enhance workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Interview workers about attitudes toward the work environment and supervision, facilitate resolution of employee relations concerns, and coordinate and facilitate the Employee Assistance Program.
• Develop and administer a formal exit interview program and meet with employees planning to leave to discuss their work experience.
• Work independently with minimal supervision in ambiguous situations and persevere through barriers to resolution.
• Supervise and train support staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Provide content for the HR website.
• Develop, conduct, or participate in specialized presentations and training on operational or technical HR information.
• Represent the manager in the manager’s absence, as directed.

Benefits

• Retirement contributions, with the state contributing over 15% of gross salary and total contributions exceeding 19% when combined with the mandatory employee contribution.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions and four deductible options.
• Vacation leave, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior