HR Employee Relations Specialist

HR Employee Relations Specialist | Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 | Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

The HR Employee Relations (ER) Specialist serves as a Human Resources strategic advisor to academic and administrative units on matters impacting the employee–employer relationship for faculty, staff, and student employees. The role leads workplace investigations; supports the grievance process, advises on performance management, corrective action, and policy interpretation; partners on accommodations and leave intersections; and builds manager capability through coaching and training—while aligning solutions with institutional policies and higher-ed culture and governance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive human resources/employee relations experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and advising on performance management and corrective action.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Professional Certification: SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP or PHR/SPHR
• Maxient/Ellucian Banner experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge

• HR technical domains tied to ER: employee & labor relations, employment law/compliance, performance management, investigations, and policy administration.
• Familiarity with higher-ed structures, faculty/staff roles, and shared governance.
• Understanding of ADA interactive process, FMLA/leave intersections, EEO/Title VII, Title IX, and grievance procedures.

Skills

• Investigation planning, interviewing, credibility assessment, and clear report writing.
• Coaching leaders, conflict resolution/mediation, facilitation, and training delivery.
• Data literacy for ER case tracking and trend analysis.

Abilities

• Exercise sound judgment, neutrality, and discretion with sensitive/confidential issues.
• Build trust across diverse constituents (faculty, staff, students, unions, compliance offices).
• Balance risk, fairness, and institutional values; manage multiple cases with competing deadlines.

Core Competencies

• Consultation & Business Acumen: Applies ER expertise to academic and administrative contexts.
• Relationship Management & Communication: Builds credible partnerships; communicates complex policy/contract topics clearly.
• Ethical Practice: Acts with integrity, neutrality, and respect; safeguards confidentiality.
• Critical Evaluation: Gathers facts, evaluates evidence, and synthesizes findings into actionable recommendations.
• HR Expertise (Employee & Labor Relations): Proficient in ER/ELR functional areas including investigations, grievance handling, and contract/policy administration.
• Change & Culture Stewardship: Helps leaders implement policy/process changes; supports positive climate consistent with higher-ed values.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds at times.
• Ability to use a keyboard.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

 Work Environment

• Occasional evening/weekend work for urgent matters.
• May handle cases at multiple campus locations; some travel may be required.
• Handles confidential and sensitive information consistent with policy, law, and privilege expectations.

Applications should include:

• A cover letter detailing experience and alignment with the role.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume highlighting experience and accomplishments.
• Three (3) professional letters of recommendation.
• College transcript showing highest degree earned (an official transcript will be required for finalists).

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• None

How to Apply:

Interested applicants must complete a Southern University employment application.

External applicants can apply here.

Current Southern University employees should apply here.

Point of Contact:

Kretrice Chisley

Interim Director of Human Resources

kretrice_chisley@sus.edu

 A criminal background check and reference verification are required.

AAP/EEO Statement

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University and A&M College forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws. This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made concerning hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.