Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Step into a critical, high-impact role at Montana State University as our Employee Relations Specialist, where your investigative expertise will directly drive the resolution of complex workplace challenges. We are seeking a principled professional to navigate sensitive personnel matters head-on, ensuring fair, compliant, and consistent practices through objective analysis and strategic leadership guidance.

Position Number - 4M1343

Department - Employee & Labor Relations

Division - Administration

Appointment Type - Classified

Contract Term - Fiscal Year

Semester

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FLSA - Exempt

Union Affiliation - Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE - 1

Benefits Eligible - Eligible

Salary - $77,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type - Classified Salary

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type - Open

The Employee Relations Specialist performs human resources work focused on resolving complex employee relations matters, conducting impartial workplace investigations, and providing practical guidance to support consistent and effective workplace practices. This role supports the Human Resources team and serves MSU administrators, faculty and staff by providing thoughtful consultation, timely issue resolution, policy guidance, and coaching. The position also contributes to the development and delivery of training, resources, and proactive employee relations initiatives that strengthen workplace culture and compliance. Ultimately, the Employee Relations Specialist helps ensure organizational practices are fair, consistent, and aligned with applicable policies, procedures, and employment laws.

Employee Relations Management & Consultation: Serve as a trusted HR advisor and primary point of contact for HR Business Partners, managers, and staff on employee relations matters, policy interpretation, and workplace practices. Intake, assess, and respond to requests for assistance, including workplace conflicts, complaints, and performance concerns. Partner with leaders and employees to address interpersonal concerns, support constructive communication, improve morale, and promote a respectful and productive work environment. Provide coaching and guidance to leaders and supervisors on performance management, corrective action, documentation, and disciplinary processes. Identify needs and support the development and delivery of training on workplace conduct, performance management, conflict resolution, and related employee relations topics.

Investigations & Conflict Resolution: Conduct prompt, impartial, and thorough internal investigations into workplace complaints, concerns, and allegations of misconduct. Prepare clear investigative reports that summarize findings, identify relevant considerations, and recommend appropriate corrective or remedial actions. Serve as a neutral and objective resource when evaluating sensitive workplace concerns and determining appropriate resolution pathways. Advise managers and employees on practical strategies to resolve conflict, restore working relationships, and support consistent workplace expectations.

Compliance & Administration: Support compliance with federal and state employment laws by staying current on legal and regulatory developments affecting employee relations. Maintain timely and accurate case management records, analyze trends and issues, and provide recommendations that strengthen HR policies, practices, and decision-making. Draft HR policies and organizational documentation, prepare reports and special projects, and present findings to the Director of Employee and Labor Relations. Provide responsive service and maintain good working relationships with stakeholders.

Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in human resources administration, labor or industrial relations, business or public administration, or a related field, plus at least five years of recent and relevant professional HR experience applying human resources concepts, principles, and practices; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Employee Relations & Investigations: Demonstrated background managing employee relations matters, conducting internal investigations, and resolving complex workplace concerns. HR Expertise & Compliance: Working knowledge of human resources laws, regulations, principles, and practices. Problem-Solving & Analysis: Experience developing solutions for complex HR issues, including gathering and analyzing relevant information. HR Guidance & Consultation: Documented work providing consultation or guidance to individuals across all levels of an organization. Training Design & Delivery: Prior work developing and delivering training, learning resources, or organizational development activities and programs. Software Proficiency: Proficiency using computers and software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, email, and internet tools; Microsoft Office experience preferred.

Master's degree in Human Resources or a related field. Prior experience working in human resources within a higher education environment. Possession of a professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, HRCI) or equivalent.

Effectively and confidently communicate complex concepts verbally and in writing to groups and individuals with varied levels of understanding. Navigate highly sensitive and confidential situations with a strict commitment to objectivity, accuracy, and close attention to detail. Apply, explain, and interpret institutional guidelines, employment laws, and HR procedures for a wide variety of employees and leaders. Maintain a neutral, impartial demeanor when evaluating sensitive workplace concerns, assessing conflicts, and conducting formal internal investigations. Prioritize and address a continuous volume of inquiries and case files while ensuring timely, responsive service in a fast-paced environment. Review facts from various sources to identify practical, policy-compliant solutions to workplace problems. Establish and foster trusted, effective working relationships with co-workers, university leaders, and staff across the institution. Represent the Human Resources department with professionalism, credibility, and courtesy while seamlessly adapting to evolving workplace dynamics.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but as a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This position will be in person in Bozeman, MT.

Number of Vacancies - 1

Desired Start Date - Upon completion of a successful search.

Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on September 17, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter