Employee Relations Specialist - Human Resources

University of Wyoming • Laramie, WY

4h • Onsite

About The Position

This position offers the opportunity to join a team that plays a critical role in ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance across the university. As an Employee Relations Specialist, you will help maintain a workplace where concerns are addressed objectively, employees are treated equitably, and decisions align with university policy and legal requirements.

This role is well‑suited for individuals who thrive in a compliance‑driven environment and are skilled at interpreting policies, analyzing information, and navigating situations where the appropriate course of action may not be immediately clear. As the first point of contact for workplace concerns, you will gather facts, assess risk, and determine next steps, often applying policy frameworks to nuanced or incomplete information.

Key responsibilities include conducting investigations, facilitating conflict resolution, and advising employees and supervisors on policies and workplace expectations. Your ability to remain objective, ask targeted questions, and provide well-reasoned recommendations will be essential to ensuring procedural integrity.

In addition to case management, you will support training efforts, contribute to data driven process improvements, and collaborate with HR colleagues on initiatives that strengthen compliance and mitigate institutional risk. This position requires discretion, analytical rigor, and comfort addressing issues that require interpretation within defined policy frameworks, even when not all variables are known.

If you are looking to deepen your expertise in employee relations while contributing to a mission-driven institution, this position provides a rewarding and impactful career path.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
• 2 years work-related experience
• Attention to Detail
• Consistency
• Judgment
• Influence
• Integrity
• Sensitivity

Nice To Haves

• 2 years of employee relations experience
• HR Certification (SHRMCP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, etc.)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience in conflict resolution or mediation
• Previous experience in higher education

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake of employee relations concerns, complaints, and inquiries while maintaining strict confidentiality of all sensitive information throughout the case management process.
• Perform preliminary factfinding and triage cases to determine complexity and risk.
• Escalate complex matters to Employee Relations Specialist Seniors.
• Maintain accurate documentation of initial assessments.
• Conduct investigations into routine employee complaints, including attendance, performance, and interpersonal conflicts.
• Interview parties, gather evidence, and prepare summaries of findings.
• Draft clear, defensible investigation reports, finding letters, and recommended actions.
• Facilitate conflict resolution meetings and recommend solutions consistent with university policy.
• Refer complex or high-risk investigations to Employee Relations Senior Specialists.
• Provide consultation to supervisors, managers, and employees on university policies, procedures, and workplace standards and issues.
• Interpret and explain HR policies in routine employee relations matters.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and precedents across departments and colleges.
• Advise on corrective action processes for low to moderately complex cases.
• Assist in developing and delivering training sessions for supervisors on investigatory fundamentals, workplace conduct, performance management, and conflict resolution.
• Support initiatives to promote positive employee relations and compliance with university standards.
• Maintain accurate case notes and records in the employee relations case management system.
• Produce quarterly employee relations dashboards and trend analyses.
• Identify patterns that may require policy updates or proactive interventions.
• Conduct system testing for updates in the HRIS system.
• Partner with HR colleagues on cross-functional projects (e.g., performance management initiatives, employee engagement programs).
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of employee relations processes.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Provide content updates for HR websites and communication materials.
• Participate in or deliver employee relations presentations and trainings.

Benefits

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

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