Employee Relations Specialist

Fairfield University is a co-educational, comprehensive Jesuit university with a 200-acre campus located along the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, CT. The University is comprised of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students pursuing degrees within 5 schools: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Charles F. Dolan School of Business, The School of Engineering, The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and School of Education and Human Development. As an expression of our Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity, Fairfield embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values.

Job Description:

REPORTS TO: Director of Employee Relations

DIVISION: Human Resources

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for providing HR support with employee relations. Conducts prompt, thorough and complex investigations, including interviews and risk assessment. Resolves manager and employee issues by acting as a mediator through providing guidance on conflict and dispute resolution.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Management, or related field; or equivalent related experience.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a Human Resources environment.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  
  
• Outstanding critical thinking skills
  
  
• Thrives in a rapidly changing environment
  
  
• Aptitude to make recommendations to effectively improve processes
  
  
• Strong foundational knowledge in the field of human resources
  
  
• Team player
  
  
• Proficient in labor relations
  
  
• Conflict resolution skills
  
  
• Robust working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
  
  
• Project and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks
  
  

WORK CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT: Requires a high degree of confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Serves as the primary point of contact for HR employee relations matters including but not limited to mediations, progressive discipline, performance management, corrective action, and workplace investigations
  
  
• Promote a culture of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration across the University
  
  
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
  
  
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of HR best practices and legal requirements
  
  
• Interpret and administer HR policies and procedures, providing guidance and support to employees
  
  
• Oversee and manage the University’s ADA Accommodation process for faculty and staff
  
  
• Administers the University’s Pet Therapy Program
  
  
• Updates and/or creates policies and procedures
  
  
• Help manage and address labor relations issues, including facilitating conflict resolution, supporting collective bargaining processes, and ensuring compliance with relevant labor laws and regulations.
  
  
• Develops and facilitates staff and faculty trainings
  
  
• Assists with compliance issues and handbook updates
  
  
• Assists in the professional development for Human Resources, this involves: promoting an image of efficiency and courtesy throughout the University community and consistent with the Human Resources mission acting as a responsible committee representative, as requested, participating in departmental and interdepartmental meetings as requested
  
  
• Remains up to date on current trends in the Human Resources space and shares developments with HR colleagues
  
  
• Notifying supervisor immediately of any unsafe working conditions
  
  
• Performs other related duties as requested or required
  
  
• Duties may be changed and/or be added at any time
  
  

Category:

Academic - Adjunct Faculty

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.

*Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Load a resume or CV first, then upload supporting documents including a cover letter at the bottom of the third page under the "My Experience" section where it says to upload a Resume/CV. You will be able to upload up to 5 other documents in this section. You will be unable to edit your application, so please have all documents available before applying. Faculty Positions : If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email the additional documents to the applicable contact in the job description. Staff positions : If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email them to hr@fairfield.edu