Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

Stanfordlivetickets; Redwood City (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 18 days

Tuition assistance

Flexible work options

Health benefits

403(b) plan

Mental health programs

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Stanford University is seeking an Employee & Labor Relations Specialist to advise on complex matters campus-wide, interpret policy language, and conduct investigations. The role is hybrid, with on-site work at Stanford’s Redwood City campus at least two days per week; full-time hours.

The ideal candidate will balance confidentiality with decisive action and collaborate across departments. Key duties include managing investigations, advising on leave, workforce reductions, and contract

Qualifications

• Experience in employee and labor relations, NLRA/NLRB, and employment laws.
• Knowledge of ERISA requirements.
• Experience with mediation and a grievance program.
• Ability to develop collaborative working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Advise and counsel managers, employees, and HR partners on complex employee and labor matters.
• Interpret and draft policy and contract language; adjudicate background checks.
• Manage investigations, report writing, and corrective actions.
• Guide leave administration (FMLA/CFRA) and ADA interactive process.
• Oversee reductions in workforce and terminations; facilitate negotiations.
• Provide training on policies, contracts, and compliance.
• Coordinate with legal while handling disputes and arbitrations.

Skills

Employee relations

Labor law

Dispute resolution

Mediation

Confidentiality

Communication

Project management

Policies & procedures

Team collaboration

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, law, org behavior

Job description

Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.

Position Overview

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, will be self‑motivated in a fast‑paced environment, and have the ability to work independently and with a team.

Location: This position is currently hybrid, on‑site minimum two days per week, at Stanford’s Redwood City campus location.

Work Hours: Full‑time.

Qualifications

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.

(* Consistent with its obligations under the law, 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.

Compensation and Benefits

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 ( https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) 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.

Why Stanford is for You

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world‑class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

Benefits that support you, and your future

• 18+ PTO days per year
• Health benefits start when you start
• Flexible work options
• $6000+ annual tuition and training assistance
• 403(b) plan
• Mental health and wellness programs
• Free and discounted commuter transportation
• Applies to regular full‑time positions.

Notice to Applicants

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

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.

Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relations.

Why work at Stanford

• World‑changing work in a culture of continuous learning
• An inspiring community that values collaboration
• High‑quality health and wellness benefits that put you and your family first
• Access to world‑class education and career development, with tuition reimbursement, training assistance, and more