Employee Relations Consultant

at  University of North Carolina Wilmington

PLEASE SEE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR MORE DETAILS.

PLEASE NOTE: This posting is open until filled. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application, including the ‘Work History’ section before you apply for this position. Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF WORK FOR THIS POSITION

The Employee Relations Consultant advises and maintains positive working relationships with supervisors and employees and works collaboratively to address a wide range of HR-related issues in the workplace and constructively improve work relationships, build morale and engagement, and increase productivity and retention. The position provides broad-scope consultation and intervention for managers and employees, using discretion, sound judgment to manage sensitive and confidential personnel matters. The position requires an individual with strong critical thinking skills, who is self-directed, able to work independently, and take initiative to perform the following:

Employee Relations

• Conducting meetings and providing guidance on performance, employee/management rights, conflicts, and policy interpretation.
• Managing workplace investigations and grievance processes.
• Handling employee relations cases and advises on policy application.

Formal Complaint Investigations

• Conducting investigations on policy violations and formal complaints.
• Preparing detailed reports, making recommendations, and collaborating with leadership on outcomes.
• Maintaining investigative files and responding to external inquiries.

Compliance Education and Program Development (15%)

• Promoting positive employee relations programs.
• Developing and facilitating compliance related educational workshops.
• Collaborating on training content and analyzing data for HR strategies/interventions.

Administration (5%)

• Staying updated on laws and policies.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams on HR matters.
• Participating in other HR projects and professional development as requested.

Note: This Human Resources Consultant II position is designated as Exempt from the Human Resources Act (EHRA).

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from a four-year college or university and two years of progressively responsible experience analyzing, interpreting, applying, communicating and promoting HR best practices in the context of organizational goals and objectives; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Education: Master’s degree or Juris Doctorate in a closely related field preferred.
• Experience:
• 2+ years in employee relations (counseling, performance management, grievances, investigations, supervisory development, conflict resolution).
• Experience in higher education and within the UNC System.
• Conducting investigations and report writing.
• Developing and implementing training programs.
• Conflict management/resolution and facilitating grievance processes.
• Building effective working relationships.
• Coaching and mentoring managers.
• Managing sensitive and unpredictable conflict situations.
• Working in a confidential environment.
• Skills:
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Active listening, persuasion, and influence.
• Interpreting and administering HR policies.
• Independent and team work.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Customer service orientation.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office, Zoom, Teams, SharePoint, databases, and other software (HR Acuity, PeopleAdmin).
• Certifications:
• NC OSHR Mediation certification.
• SHRM-CP or SCP certification.

The UNCW Office of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity within the Chancellor’s Division is the central office responsible for HR operations and Title IX and Clery compliance. It is organized into seven core units: Academic HR, Benefits, Classification & Compensation, Employee Relations & Engagement, HR Systems & Salary Administration, Talent Acquisition, and Title IX and Clery Compliance.