Human Resources University Partner - Employee Relations

Employee Relations

The HRUP Employee Relations is a pivotal role in achieving a respectful, compliant, and high-performing workplace. This position manages key aspects of employee relations, including conducting workplace investigations, resolving conflicts, and interpreting policies to ensure fair and consistent practices. It also oversees the administration of leaves of absence and workplace accommodations, ensuring alignment with legal standards and company policies. Beyond case management, this role actively contributes to training and development initiatives that strengthen leadership effectiveness and organizational culture; employee experience initiatives; and overall support of the HR department. May support specific constituent groups. Bilingual fluency in Spanish (read, write, and speak) is required to effectively support our diverse workforce.

Employee Relations / Investigation Management :

Investigations : Manage and conduct workplace investigations from initial intake to conclusion in alignment with university procedures. This includes handling complex allegations of law or policy violations related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, bullying, or other complaints or concerns, ensuring confidentiality, neutrality, and compliance with legal and university policies. Provides timely communication to all relevant parties throughout the investigation process. Interacts with all involved in the investigatory process, helping to develop understanding, transparency, and trust around the university's investigative function.

Conflict Resolution and Mediation : In partnership with HR Partners, proactively works to address and resolve workplace disputes. This may involve informal mediation, or conflict resolution programs to address issues at their earliest stages, preventing them from escalating into formal complaints.

Develops and promotes strategies to integrate inclusion and belonging principles into employee relations and other university processes and policies. Provides proactive guidance to managers on how to foster a more equitable workplace and mitigate potential sources of bias in the workplace and talent acquisition processes.

Management of Leaves of Absence (LOA) : Manage the administration of Leaves of Absence for employees, including FMLA, military, and personal leave, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and university policies. Serve as the primary point of contact for employees requesting leave, providing clear guidance on their rights and responsibilities. Collaborate with managers and department heads to plan for and manage employee absences, minimizing operational disruptions. Maintain meticulous records of leave requests and approvals, and work closely with employee on leave, HR Partners and payroll to ensure accurate management of benefits, compensation, and return-to-work processes.

Workplace Accommodation : Oversee workplace accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and relevant legislation, ensuring timely, appropriate responses. Initiate medical provider requests in order to evaluate accommodation requests. Collaborate with employees and managers to assess accommodation needs, offering guidance on potential solutions while ensuring adherence to ADA guidelines. Provide education and training to faculty, staff, and leadership on the accommodation process, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. Maintain precise, confidential records of accommodation requests and outcomes, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements.

Document & Database Management : Compile, prepare, and maintain relevant documents to create timely and comprehensive written investigative reports that clearly identify the issues investigated, relevant policies, and summary of relevant evidence and findings. This includes accurate logs, complete reports and other documentation in relations to the investigation to analyze and for a conclusion; also related to leaves of absence and workplace accommodations documentation and correspondence.

System administrator of a database to be developed in order to manage and record complaints, leaves of absence and workplace accommodations. Develop and maintain an organized electronic filing system that encompasses all of the office's activities within the system. Analyzes data and develops reports to communicate the information on a regular basis.

Policy / Compliance : Serves as one of the department's administrative experts on human resources policies. Assist in the development of policies and is responsible for creating and maintaining standard operating procedures for respective area of responsibility.

Develops and implements communication strategies and training programs to ensure the successful and equitable rollout of new or updated policies and procedures. This includes crafting clear messaging and providing tools for leaders to manage change effectively. Designs and delivers awareness training on key policies and professional conduct to promote a respectful and productive environment.

Assist respective areas in managing compliance with authorized driver MVRs and review.

Training and Development : Design and deliver training sessions and workshops on position specific responsibilities and compliance-related topics. Provide guidance on best practices for managing employee engagement and ensuring a positive work environment. Support leadership development by developing or identifying resources. Oversee annual compliance training.

Communication and Advocacy : Act as a trusted advisor to both employees and leadership on how to navigate complex employee relations matters, including leave and accommodation issues.

Employee Engagement : Develops and promotes strategies to integrate inclusion and belonging principles into employee relations and other university processes and policies. Provides proactive guidance to managers on how to foster a more equitable workplace and mitigate potential sources of systemic bias in the workplace and talent acquisition processes.

Data Analysis and Reporting : Data-Driven Insights and Strategic Recommendations : Analyze data from complaints, investigations, and other employee relations activities to identify key trends and patterns. Provides strategic, preventative recommendations and data supported reports to enhance organizational health. Identify key themes in employee satisfaction, climate, retention, conflict resolution, in order to develop initiatives to enable a high performing, satisfied and thriving work environment. Apply and synthesize information obtained through role to inform policy development and program adjustments. Report on the effectiveness of engagement initiatives, employee relations strategies, and compliance with leave / accommodation policies.

Other duties as assigned. Maintain labor law poster compliance. Assist with oversight of I-9 compliance.

General Expectations : Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner, and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Employees must understand the mission and demonstrate the core values of the University. Additionally, demonstrate the ability to work with diverse personalities, and a service-oriented demeanor with students, fellow employees, and the public. Employees are expected to follow and abide by all University policies, rules, regulations, and guidelines.

Required Qualification : Bachelor's degree in human resources management, business administration or related field required. 5 years of human resources experience in a diverse human resources role that includes a focus on employee relations, leave and accommodation management; policy and compliance.

Preferred Qualifications : Bi-lingual fluency (read, speak and write in Spanish); SHRM and / or HRCI Certifications; Higher Education; Workday; MaxNet;

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities : Essential to perform in the role

Knowledge of and ability to follow university policies and procedures. Ability to demonstrate exceptional service in alignment with Serve with Purpose; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the campus community. Microsoft Office 365 includes proficient skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint. Workday proficiency In depth knowledge of ADA, EEO, FMLA, FLSA, Title VII, Title IX and all other federal, state, local laws and regulations related to area of concentration Excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal and written). Ability to analyze nuanced / multi-faceted situations and make sound decisions, finding mutually beneficial solutions for complex disputes, where possible. Strong ability to analyze data and situations to identify patterns and potential issues. Ability to develop and deliver training programs with effective presentation skills. Attention to detail and accuracy. Must establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively at all organizational levels. Discretion, confidentiality and exercise of good judgement is essential.

Licensure or Certifications (Specify preferred or required) : SHRM and / or HRCI certification preferred

Special Working Conditions (Ability to travel, work outside of normal business hours, such as weekends, nights, etc.) : Office setting

Work Environment : Office setting

Physical Requirements : Ability to communicate; sedentary / sit or stand for extended periods of time; use of office equipment; computer.

This position description is not intended to provide an all-inclusive listing of related job activities. The employee may be requested to perform other related activities in place of or in addition to those representative activities noted in this description.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary will be commensurate with the overall qualifications of the selected final candidate, and the hiring range is $75,000-$85,000. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employee's total compensation. Benefits include a comprehensive health program, tuition remission program, a generous contribution to the University's 403B retirement plan, employer paid life insurance, short term disability, long term disability and a generous time off. Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, supplemental life, transit, FSA, HSA, credit union and more.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification. Please note that this role is an in-person position based in Arlington, VA, with possibly 1-2 days working at an alternative work location. Position will be open until filled. Marymount is an E-Verify employer.

Marymount University is an equal opportunity employer. Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations in any of its programs or its activities, including employment and admission. The university