Job Description

Position Summary

The Senior Employee Relations Specialist is a key member of the Human Resources team and

serves as a subject matter expert in employee relations, workplace investigations, conflict

resolution, and performance management.

This role is responsible for fostering a positive and compliant workplace culture through consultation, coaching, and strategic guidance provided to managers, supervisors, and employees.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of employment laws, strong interpersonal and analytical skills, and the ability to balance complex

Organizational priorities with fairness, discretion, and sound judgment.

Key Responsibilities

Investigations & Case Management

 Conduct thorough, fair, and timely investigations into employee complaints, including

allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and policy violations.

 Manage complex ER cases from intake through resolution, maintaining detailed documentation using internal case management systems.

 Draft investigative summaries, findings, and recommended actions in accordance with university and USG policies, employment laws, and best practices.

 Collaborate with legal counsel and compliance offices as needed.

Employee Relations Support & Consultation

 Provide proactive and responsive consultation to managers and employees on

performance management, behavioral concerns, disciplinary actions, and workplace conflict.

 Guide leaders through formal disciplinary and grievance procedures, including drafting formal notices and final written warnings.

 Coach supervisors and department heads on best practices related to employee engagement, motivation, and team dynamics.

Training & Development

 Develop and facilitate engaging and informative training sessions for managers and employees on workplace conduct, performance management, policy compliance, and effective communication.

 Contribute to the development of online resources and tools to educate the campus community on ER topics.

Policy & Compliance

 Interpret and apply federal, state, and local labor laws, university policies, and USG regulations.

 Assist in reviewing and updating HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance and relevance.

 Monitor employee relations trends and recommend proactive strategies to mitigate risk.

Unemployment and Claims

 Represent the university in unemployment claims hearings and assist with related documentation and preparation.

 Coordinate with external agencies and internal stakeholders during employment claims

or audits.

Project Management & Process Improvement

 Lead or support special projects focused on enhancing the employee experience, improving internal processes, and tracking ER metrics.

 Analyze data trends and provide insights and recommendations to HR leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

 Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Public

Administration, or related field.

 A minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in employee relations, HR investigations, or related HR functions.

 Demonstrated ability to conduct objective, thorough, and well-documented investigations.

 Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

 Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels.

 Excellent writing and presentation skills.

 Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

 Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple ongoing cases and projects.

 Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

 Experience working in higher education, government, or a unionized/public sector

environment.

 Familiarity with the University System of Georgia (USG) or Georgia State University policies

and procedures.

 Professional certification such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP.

 Experience developing and implementing HR policies and delivering large-scale training

programs.

 Demonstrated success representing an employer in unemployment hearings or similar

proceedings.

 Experience leading or supporting employee grievance procedures or performance

management plans.

 Familiarity with principles of organizational change and employee engagement

initiatives.

Core Competencies

 Integrity and Confidentiality: Exercises sound judgment and handles sensitive matters

with the utmost discretion.

 Customer Service Orientation: Acts as a trusted advisor and resource to employees

and managers.

 Initiative and Accountability: Takes ownership of work, follows through on

commitments, and delivers high-quality outcomes.

 Collaboration and Teamwork: Fosters a cooperative work environment and values

diverse perspectives.

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