Employee Relations Consultant

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University is seeking a dedicated HR professional in the People, Culture, and Belonging Division to support managers with performance improvement and action plans. You will advise leaders on policies, handle disciplinary matters, and contribute to employee relations through investigations and compliant processes.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement and alignment with our values of belonging, collaboration, and growth, while leveraging AI to broaden access to development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• Investigation Certification preferred.
• Minimum two to four years experience; five to seven years preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support managers in coaching for performance improvement and action plan creation to enhance employee engagement.
• Advise leaders and employees on policies, procedures and practices.
• Assist leaders with disciplinary and performance action decisions with an overarching university perspective.
• Review, edit and provide feedback for disciplinary or performance letters.
• Assist leaders and staff with resolving employee relations issues.
• Conducts effective, thorough and objective investigations.
• Liaise with the Compliance Office to review and investigate hotline complaints and provide a resolution to the complaint.
• Conduct exit/stay interviews, summarizes findings, and discusses trends and concerns with department leadership and Engagement Consultant.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Partners with the legal department as needed/required.
• Champion measurable continuous improvement by optimizing people, processes, and technology, including AI, to democratize access and opportunity to learning, development, and growth opportunities across the organization.
• Champion of our values: belonging, self-direction, collaboration, and growth.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written & verbal communication

Listening skills

Employment laws knowledge

Multitasking

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Investigation Certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

About the Work Unit: The People, Culture, and Belonging Division at Vanderbilt University is at the forefront of enriching employee experience, moments that matter and pioneering learning practices. We aim to transform how our community learns, thrives, and connects, nurturing a culture where innovation meets excellence, supporting our university's noble mission goal.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Support managers in coaching for performance improvement and action plan creation to enhance employee engagement.
• Advise leaders and employees on policies, procedures and practices.
• Assist leaders with disciplinary and performance action decisions with an overarching university perspective.
• Review, edit and provide feedback for disciplinary or performance letters.
• Assist leaders and staff with resolving employee relations issues.
• Conducts effective, thorough and objective investigations.
• Liaise with the Compliance Office to review and investigate hotline complaints and provide a resolution to the complaint.
• Conduct exit/stay interviews, summarizes findings, and discusses trends and concerns with department leadership and Engagement Consultant.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Partners with the legal department as needed/required.
• Champion measurable continuous improvement by optimizing people, processes, and technology, including AI, to democratize access and opportunity to learning, development, and growth opportunities across the organization.
• Champion of our values: belonging, self-direction, collaboration, and growth.
• Additionally, undertake any other responsibilities as needed.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the leader of Workforce Optimization and Strategy.

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor's degree is required, Master degree preferred. Investigation Certification preferred

Experience and Skills:

• A minimum of two to four years required, five to seven years preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including written and oral communications, listening skills is required.
• Knowledge of employment laws is required.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, and Outlook) is required.

ABOUT US

At Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice. We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. 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, or any other characteristic protected by law.