Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University Human Resources seeks an Employee & Labor Relations Specialist to advise on non-routine matters, draft policy language, and guide managers and staff across campus. The role includes investigating disputes, handling leave administration, and advising on workforce reductions within a hybrid work model at the Redwood City campus.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in HR or related field and 3–5 years of relevant experience, strong discretion, and excellent

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3–5 years of relevant experience or combination of education and experience.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of employee and labor relations and employment laws.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice, counsel, and training on non-routine employee and labor relations matters to HR representatives, managers, and employees.
• Manage all facets of employee relations, including investigations and resolutions of disputes and documentation.
• Advise on leaves (FMLA, CFRA) and compliance with ADA and interactive process.
• Design and deliver training on policies, collective bargaining agreements, and compliance.
• Manage collective bargaining agreements and facilitate negotiations and arbitrations as assigned.
• Research trends in labor/employee relations and develop programs to improve the university’s relations framework.
• Conduct investigations, hearings, and conflict resolution meetings as needed.

Skills

Mediation

Discretion/confidentiality

Presentation skills

Project management

Coaching

Interpersonal communication

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in human resources management, labor law, organizational behavior, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS systems

Job description

Stanford University Human Resources (UHR) is seeking an Employee & Labor Relations Specialist who will contribute to all areas of employee and labor relations university-wide. This position includes interpreting and drafting policy/contract language, adjudicating background check matters, providing guidance on corrective actions, separations, and grievances, and conducting investigations and drafting reports. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to make sound decisions while maintaining the highest level of discretion and confidentiality, be self‑motivated in a fast‑paced environment, and work independently and with a team. This position is currently hybrid, on‑site minimum two days per week, at Stanford’s Redwood City campus location.

Job Purpose

Provide advice, counsel, and training to Human Resources representatives, managers, employees, and other members of the Stanford community in non‑routine moderately complex employee and labor relations matters.

Core Duties

• Manage local efforts in coordination with legal counsel related to non‑routine or moderately complex employment matters, litigation, and government agency charges.
• Provide advice and counsel regarding leave administration, e.g., FMLA, CFRA, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the requirements under this law, e.g., the interactive process.
• Manage all facets of employee relations, including investigations and resolutions of employment disputes. Manage accurate documentation of investigations or other employment or labor matters.
• Provide advice and counsel regarding reductions in workforce, terminations, or corrective action.
• Facilitate sound and consistent employee and labor relations decisions.
• Act as an objective and confidential intermediary for employees and supervisors. Manage conflict resolution, mediation facilitation, problem solving, and negotiation with/between supervisors and employees.
• Provide guidance to managers, supervisors, and employees on university policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Design and deliver training for employees, supervisors, managers, and local human resource managers pertaining to employee relations and related compliance (e.g., training regarding policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and/or applicable state and federal legal requirements).
• Manage the development of policies, processes, and communications applicable university‑wide.
• Manage collective bargaining agreements for a school/unit or university‑wide basis, as assigned, including facilitating contract negotiations, responding to grievances and information requests on behalf of the university, and assisting with arbitrations.
• Research trends and practices in labor/employee relations – report on findings, propose and develop programs that will enhance employee and labor relations at the university.
• Conduct investigations, hearings, and conflict resolution meetings as needed.
• Adjudicate background check issues.
• Manage the Protection of Minors program, policies, and processes university‑wide.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, labor law, organizational behavior, or other related field and 3‑5 years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Intermediate to advanced knowledge regarding employee and labor relations, the National Labor Relations Act, the National Labor Relations Board, and state and federal employment laws. Working knowledge of Employment Retirement Income Security Act requirements. Demonstrated experience with mediation and other dispute resolution systems and techniques. Experience managing a dispute resolution program or grievance program. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships in a consulting environment. Excellent coaching skills regarding employee and labor relations. Ability to work independently with moderate supervision in a team‑based environment. Demonstrated experience managing collective bargaining agreements. Experience with interest‑based negotiations and problem solving strongly preferred. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Must have excellent presentation skills. Project management skills in a multiple‑location/unit environment. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters. Strong, fundamental computer skills in technology/platform supporting business operations and communications.

Certificates and Licenses Required: None

Physical Requirements

Frequently stand/walk, sit, perform desk‑based computer tasks, use a telephone, and grasp lightly/fine manipulation. Occasionally twist/bend/stoop/squat, reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds, write by hand, sort/file paperwork. Rarely kneel/crawl. — The University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working Conditions

Travel on campus to schools/units, occasional out‑of‑town travel.

Work Standards

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations. Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.

Pay Range

The expected pay range for this position is $140,000 – $165,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.