Workforce Relations Specialist

Michigan Technological University•Houghton, MI

10d•$70,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Workforce Relations Specialist at Michigan Technological University mitigates institutional risk while building managers’ and supervisors’ capacity to address complex employee issues. The role balances risk management with a positive employee experience, helping address concerns and reach fair, equitable solutions. Primary areas include investigations, corrective action, manager coaching and counseling, and interpretation of policies and contracts. The position serves on the Human Resources Department leadership team. The specialist is the institution’s primary contact for employee relations matters and provides consultative support on conflict resolution, performance issues, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement plans. The role also serves as a labor designee for bargaining units, supports labor relations and negotiations, responds to grievances and complaints, and assists General Counsel with HR-related legal matters. The specialist leads investigations, develops and applies policies and collective bargaining agreements, partners on leave matters, educates employees and managers, and maintains case documentation and reporting to identify trends and improvement opportunities. This is a 1.0 FTE, 12-month, exempt position reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer. The anticipated salary range is $70,000 to $75,000, negotiable based on experience and qualifications. Employment offers are contingent on a background check and applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship throughout the appointment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Labor Relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing comparable knowledge and abilities.
Experience, education, or training in one or more functional areas of responsibility.
Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply them.
Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, oral, and written communication skills, including electronic communications.
Excellent time-management skills and demonstrated organizational skills with attention to detail.
Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential topics.
Ability to analyze complex information and define and solve problems.
Ability to work independently under limited supervision and collaboratively within a team.
Ability to present to audiences at all levels.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a timely and professional manner in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to be flexible, diplomatic, patient, service-driven, self-starting, and willing to learn.
Ability to handle complex, high-stress, and confidential issues.
Ability to initiate and lead projects or improvements and translate ideas into actionable plans.
Commitment to preserving documentation and contributing to a safe work environment.
Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with people with varied backgrounds and viewpoints.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in higher education Human Resources.
Experience in one or more functional areas of responsibility.
PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters across the institution.
Provide prompt and consistent consultative services to managers and supervisors.
Advise and coach managers on conflict resolution, performance issues, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement plans.
Mediate workplace disputes.
Help managers prepare for difficult employee conversations and resolve concerns effectively.
Serve as a labor designee for bargaining units, including acting as contract liaison, hosting labor/management meetings, representing the employer in labor negotiations, and drafting and publishing contracts.
Respond to grievances and written complaints, and assist General Counsel with HR-related legal matters.
Lead investigations into misconduct or policy violations.
Develop, interpret, and fairly enforce institutional policies and collective bargaining agreements.
Partner with HR colleagues and stakeholders on FMLA and other leaves of absence.
Educate managers and employees on policies, rights, and best practices through individual consultations and group training.
Develop tools and templates for managers.
Partner with the Chief Human Resources Officer on complex or sensitive cases.
Refer employees to appropriate University or community resources.
Draft, review, issue, or deliver final outcome letters as appropriate.
Maintain case documentation at an appropriate level of detail and identify trends and opportunities for reporting, training, or policy changes.
Prepare clear written documentation with discoverability in mind.
Learn and apply continuous improvement strategies and participate in University and departmental improvement initiatives.
Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices in everyday work.