Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations SpecialistThe Employee Relations Specialist serves as a dedicated resource within the Office of Human Resources, supporting the University's commitment to fostering a workplace culture grounded in respect, professionalism, accountability, and inclusion. The position plays a key role in advancing employee relations initiatives that support UNE's strategic goals and institutional values while contributing to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Guided by the UNE Nor'easter Competency Model, the Employee Relations Specialist demonstrates excellence in Leading Self, Collaborating with Others, and Driving Results through the effective management of employee relations concerns, workplace investigations, case management, reporting, consultation, and project coordination. The Employee Relations Specialist serves as a trusted partner to employees, managers, and campus stakeholders by conducting intake and assessment of workplace concerns, managing employee relations cases, supporting investigations, analyzing workplace trends, and recommending proactive strategies that foster positive employee experiences. The position also provides administrative and case management support to the Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance, including assisting with case intake, documentation, and coordination of lower-level complaints and inquiries.About the University of New England UNE is Maine's largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state's top provider of health professionals and home to Maine's only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.Benefits Overview Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage. Up to 8% retirement plan match. Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year. Educational benefits: UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners. UNE tuition waiver for dependents of employees with 1 year of full-time service. 50% tuition reduction if less than 1 year of full-time service.Responsibilities Employee Relations Case Management Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations concerns, workplace complaints, policy inquiries, and conflict resolution matters. Conduct intake meetings, assess concerns, and manage employee relations cases through resolution, ensuring timely follow-up and accurate documentation. Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding performance management, workplace concerns, policy interpretation, and conflict resolution. Conduct workplace investigations involving misconduct, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other employee relations matters. Prepare investigative reports, findings, recommendations, and related case documentation. Partner with Human Resources Business Partners and Employee Relations leadership to ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant practices. Employee Relations Analytics and Program Support Conduct exit interviews, analyze findings, identify trends, and recommend strategies to improve engagement, retention, and workplace culture. Track, analyze, and report employee relations data and metrics to support organizational decision-making. Identify opportunities for proactive interventions, training, policy enhancements, and workplace climate improvements. Assist in the development of employee relations resources, programs, and educational initiatives. Title IX and Compliance Support Support intake, documentation, tracking, reporting, and administrative coordination for Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance matters. Maintain case files, case management systems, and compliance-related documentation. Collaborate with the Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance and other stakeholders to support compliance initiatives and reporting requirements. Project, Training and Operational Support Supports the planning, implementation, and evaluation of employee relations and compliance-related initiatives. Supports the design, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of management and leadership development initiatives for professional staff, including manager training programs, newsletters, discussion forums, and other learning and development opportunities. Maintain project plans, timelines, records, and supporting documentation. Contribute to process improvement efforts that enhance service delivery, operational effectiveness, and the employee experience. Perform other duties as assigned.Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Higher Education, Psychology, Legal Studies, or a related field required and three (3) years of professional experience in employee relations, human resources, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, compliance, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. Experience conducting intake meetings, gathering facts, documenting findings, and managing sensitive workplace matters. Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, employment laws, and regulatory requirements. Experience preparing reports, case documentation, summaries, or recommendations based on fact-finding and analysis. Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information and exercise sound professional judgment. Experience collaborating with employees, managers, and leaders across multiple organizational levels. Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases, projects, or competing priorities simultaneously. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience using databases, case management systems, HRIS platforms, or reporting tools. Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills demonstrated through professional interactions, documentation, and presentations. Preferred Qualifications Experience conducting workplace investigations involving employee misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or policy violations. Experience supporting employee relations, compliance, Title IX, civil rights, or workplace culture initiatives. Experience analyzing workforce data, identifying trends, and developing recommendations to support organizational improvement. Experience in a higher education environment. SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or related professional certification.EEO Statement Summary Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.Vaccination Statement (PLEASE NOTE) Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine's immunization requirements for clinical activity.Additional Note This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extension.Anticipated Pay Range $65,000 - $70,000 University of New England