ABOUT THE JOB
The University of Minnesota’s Office of Human Resources (OHR) is recruiting a strategic Senior Employee Relations Consultant (ERC) to join our Employee Relations/Labor Relations Center of Expertise and Consulting team. This position addresses and consults on an array of complex HR issues, ensuring consistency across the University. The ERC will build strong relationships with HR Leads/Senior Management in colleges/units and act as the facilitator for the implementation of University-Wide OHR initiatives and programs. The successful candidate will serve as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to the HR Leads/Senior Management with the ability to influence without authority and drive great results.
The role requires a strong understanding of HR fundamentals; high-level strategic thinking; flexibility in style and approach to problem solving; demonstrated understanding of adverse impact; and experience successfully implementing, executing, and delivering on innovative HR solutions. In addition, must have solid understanding of all University policies and programs related to each employee group as well as PELRA. Must also have working knowledge of all Federal and State Laws and Regulations that apply to University employees. The ERC will collaborate with OHR leaders and University colleagues to implement strategies to foster an engaged and thriving diverse workforce.  

OHR is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of our team members. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. 
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Consult on complex HR issues including but not limited to, employee relations, workforce planning, compensation, training and development, organizational effectiveness, performance management, and policy, contract, and employment law interpretation.
• Conduct and manage investigations of complaints/charges as well as lead investigations into sensitive ER issues.
• Support labor relations activities to include overseeing the grievance process and serving as Hearing Officer, providing training for Union Activists, participating in contract negotiations, drafting Settlement Agreements and MOUs, leading Labor Management Committee meetings and consulting with the Office of General Council regarding grievances that proceed to arbitration.
• Lead or participate in the development of University-wide human resource policies, processes, procedures, best practices and training programs to meet the employment needs of student workers, faculty and staff.
• Manage HR projects as assigned.
 

QUALIFICATIONS:
Essential/Required Qualifications:
• BA/BS in Human Resources or related field, plus eight years of HR generalist experience. 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with multiple and diverse constituencies.
• Demonstrated value for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• Experience investigating and managing complex employee relations issues.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving and project management skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
• More than nine years of HR generalist experience.
• Experience working in an academic unit supporting faculty programs.
• Experience with union contract administration.
• Experience consulting on organizational design, climate assessment, and other organizational effectiveness initiatives.
• Workforce planning experience.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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