Employee Relations & Engagement Senior Specialist

About This Role

The office of Employee Relations seeks applicants for an Employee Relations & Engagement Senior Specialist within the division of Human Resources. This position will report to the Director, Employee Relations & Engagement (ER&E). This office is responsible for providing information and assistance to all University employees on a wide range of workplace issues.

• Primary area of responsibility working with Unclassified Professional Staff and University Support Staff to mediate dispute/conflict resolution, consultation and advice of dispute resolution and conflict coaching.
• Administer and provide guidance on employee performance issues, working conditions, disciplinary action, behavior, and conduct issues; dispute and conflict issues for both employee and/or supervisor.
• Interpret University Handbook and policies and procedures specifically related to the Employee Relations & Engagement unit.
• Consult with Employee Relations & Engagement Director on complex and sensitive problems and issues.
• Participate in Threat Management Committee.
• Strategize with the ER&E Director with maximizing employee performance and engagement. Coaches managers to provide them with supervisory techniques and tools. Strategize with ER&E Director to develop action plans to improve employee performance.
• Develop, coordinates and/or present training for supervisory staff, managers, and administrators, to enhance engagement, morale, performance, and other relevant employee relations issue and other employee on topics, policies, and procedures in order to limit the University’s exposure to liability.
• Serves as back-up and assist the other ER&E Sr. Specialist incumbent with USS hearing process.
• Labor Relations & background checks. Administers and manages the University’s meet and confer process and administration of effective work practices and competitive and cost-effective memoranda of agreement across the University.
• Mediates relations problems and facilitate resolution. Provides interpretation of labor contracts to managers, employees, and HR staff; oversees processes for review and resolution of employee grievances. Advises managers and employees on sensitive labor relation matters, including grievance procedures, advises managers in identifying when to consult with Employee Relations & Engagement on issues to determine appropriate course of action. Strategize and consult with Vice President for Human Resources and keep ER&E Director informed of grievances and meet and confer agreements.
• Work with TA Strategic partner to review and approve applicant background checks.
• Enter and update case files in Word and the Database. Responsible for the management of ER&E data in Word, and Access, and shared drive case files. Develop statistical analysis on a quarterly/annual basis to identify ER trends. Reviews database integrity, identifies errors and implements measures to improve accuracy.

About Us

Employee Relations & Engagement has several functions designed to provide information and assistance to all University employees on a wide range of workplace issues. A part of our mission is to help foster and improve positive relationships among employees, their leaders, and coworkers by working person-to-person with people to resolve issues. In concert with ER&E’s mission, our goal is to empower employees and equip them with the skills and tools to effectively manage and find resolutions to their situations.

Administrators, supervisors, and all K-State employees can contact our office to ask questions about employment policies. We also provide guidance on conflict/dispute resolutions and guidance related to individual and organizational effectiveness in the workplace, with the goal of developing high quality and effective resolutions to workplace issues. Our office conducts mediations, facilitates conversations and coordinates the University's dispute resolution systems. We also make referrals to the ombudspersons, mediators, and other resources, when appropriate. The Director of Employee Relations serves as the campus ADA Coordinator and is responsible for the University's compliance with ADA and assists with requests for reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

Worksite Option

This position is eligible for hybrid worksite. Work is performed partially remote and partially on employer premises or designated assignment location. The Employee Relations & Engagement Senior Specialist is expected to be on campus for meetings on a regular/semi-regular basis. Candidates must in close proximity of Manhattan, KS for this position. 

An employee who is working remotely must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.  Review K-State’s remote work policy details for more information.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience. This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years human resources or relevant experience
• Project management skills and understanding of complex metrics, measurements and data
• Demonstrated track record of creative leadership in the development and articulation of employee relations policy and strategy.
• Project management skills and understanding of complex metrics, measurements and data
• Demonstrated track record of creative leadership in the development and articulation of employee relations policy and strategy.
• Effective interpersonal skills to interact with all levels of employees within Human Resources and the Kansas State University Community.
• Significant proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Image Now
• Excellent writing, proofreading skills, and experience managing websites
• Experience with file management system
• Ability to use sound judgement, discretion and maintain confidentiality
• Strong working knowledge of executive protocols, preferably in a higher education setting
• Proven ability to be organized, detailed oriented and accurate
• Ability to gather and present information effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to assess situations, identify issues and exposure/risks, and generate appropriate solutions in compliance with policies and procedures
• Experience in Conflict Resolution
• Customer Focus: Gains insight into customer needs. Identifies opportunities that benefit the customer. Builds and delivers solutions that meet customer expectations. Established and maintains effective customer relationships.
• Instills Trust: Follows through on commitments. Is seen as direct and truthful. Keeps confidences. Practices what he/she teaches. Shows consistency between words and actions
• Collaborates: Works cooperatively with others across the organization to achieve shared objectives. Represents own interests while being fair to others and their areas. Partners with others to get work done. Credits others for their contributions and accomplishments. Gains trust and support of others.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

Cover Letter

Resume

Three professional references with current contact information

Screening of Applications Begins

Immediately and continues until position is filled. 

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$53,581 - $65,000 annually