Employee Relations Specialist - Human Resources

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Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Wyoming.  Our community thrives on the contributions of talented and driven individuals who share in our mission, vision, and values. If your expertise and experience align with the goals of our institution, we would be thrilled to hear from you. We encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our vibrant campus community today!

Why Choose Us?

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success.  Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.  Benefits include:

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW’s Benefits Summary.

JOB TITLE: 

Employee Relations Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW:   

This position offers the opportunity to join a team that plays a critical role in ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance across the university. As an Employee Relations Specialist, you will help maintain a workplace where concerns are addressed objectively, employees are treated equitably, and decisions align with university policy and legal requirements. 

This role is well‑suited for individuals who thrive in a compliance‑driven environment and are skilled at interpreting policies, analyzing information, and navigating situations where the appropriate course of action may not be immediately clear. As the first point of contact for workplace concerns, you will gather facts, assess risk, and determine next steps, often applying policy frameworks to nuanced or incomplete information. 

Key responsibilities include conducting investigations, facilitating conflict resolution, and advising employees and supervisors on policies and workplace expectations. Your ability to remain objective, ask targeted questions, and provide well-reasoned recommendations will be essential to ensuring procedural integrity. 

In addition to case management, you will support training efforts, contribute to data driven process improvements, and collaborate with HR colleagues on initiatives that strengthen compliance and mitigate institutional risk. This position requires discretion, analytical rigor, and comfort addressing issues that require interpretation within defined policy frameworks, even when not all variables are known. 

If you are looking to deepen your expertise in employee relations while contributing to a mission-driven institution, this position provides a rewarding and impactful career path. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Case Intake and Initial Assessment – 30% 

• Conduct intake of employee relations concerns, complaints, and inquiries while maintaining strict confidentiality of all sensitive information throughout the case management process. 

• Perform preliminary factfinding and triage cases to determine complexity and risk. 

• Escalate complex matters to Employee Relations Specialist Seniors. 

• Maintain accurate documentation of initial assessments. 

Investigations and Conflict Resolution – 30% 

• Conduct investigations into routine employee complaints, including attendance, performance, and interpersonal conflicts. 

• Interview parties, gather evidence, and prepare summaries of findings. 

• Draft clear, defensible investigation reports, finding letters, and recommended actions. 

• Facilitate conflict resolution meetings and recommend solutions consistent with university policy. 

• Refer complex or high-risk investigations to Employee Relations Senior Specialists. 

Policy Guidance and Consultation – 25% 

• Provide consultation to supervisors, managers, and employees on university policies, procedures, and workplace standards and issues. 

• Interpret and explain HR policies in routine employee relations matters. 

• Ensure consistent application of policies and precedents across departments and colleges. 

• Advise on corrective action processes for low to moderately complex cases. 

Training and Education – 5% 

• Assist in developing and delivering training sessions for supervisors on investigatory fundamentals, workplace conduct, performance management, and conflict resolution. 

• Support initiatives to promote positive employee relations and compliance with university standards. 

Data Management and Reporting – 5% 

• Maintain accurate case notes and records in the employee relations case management system. 

• Produce quarterly employee relations dashboards and trend analyses. 

• Identify patterns that may require policy updates or proactive interventions. 

• Conduct system testing for updates in the HRIS system. 

Collaboration and Special Projects – 5% 

• Partner with HR colleagues on cross-functional projects (e.g., performance management initiatives, employee engagement programs). Contribute to the continuous improvement of employee relations processes. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

• Provide content updates for HR websites and communication materials. 

• Participate in or deliver employee relations presentations and trainings. 

COMPETENCIES:

• Attention to Detail
• Consistency
• Judgment
• Influence
• Integrity
• Sensitivity

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field

Experience: 2 years work-related experience

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 2 years of employee relations experience 

• HR Certification (SHRMCP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, etc.) 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 

• Experience in conflict resolution or mediation
• Previous experience in higher education 

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: 

Complete the online application.  The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume or C.V.
3. Contact information for four work-related references (references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for the position).

 

WORK LOCATION: 

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work and perform essential job functions on campus, understanding our location is at 7,220 feet above sea level.

 

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS: 

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States, as sponsorship for work authorization or work visas is not available for this position.

 

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu. 

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie’s beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/