Employee Relations Consultant, Human Resources

Wake Forest University Pre-College Programs; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University Pre-College Programs seeks an Employee Relations Consultant to serve as HR subject-matter expert and trusted advisor across the University. You will handle employee relations matters, conduct investigations, and support performance management, policy application, and corrective action with leaders, managers, and staff.

The Consultant partners with HRBPs and campus offices, maintains proactive outreach, and helps strengthen manager effectiveness and the employee experience

Qualifications

• Expert for employee relations and workplace conduct.
• Guides managers on performance and corrective action.
• Advocates for policy interpretation and consistency in practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct Employee Relations consultation to leaders, managers, and staff.
• Manage assigned Employee Relations matters from intake to resolution.
• Coordinate with HR partners and Legal Counsel as needed.
• Develop Employee Relations education and outreach for managers.

Skills

Employee relations

Consultation

Conflict resolution

Investigations

Policy interpretation

Job description

Employee Relations Consultant, Human Resources page is loaded## Employee Relations Consultant, Human Resourceslocations: Winston Salem, NCtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R0009186****External Applicants:****Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description.Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:* Navigate to the \"My Experience\" application page.* Locate the \"Resume/CV\" document upload section at the bottom of the page.* Use the \"Select Files\" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.**Important Note: The \"My Experience\" page is the *only* opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. *You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.*******Current Employees:****Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. *Do not apply from this website.***A *cover letter is required for all positions;* optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified.****Job Description Summary**The Employee Relations Consultant serves as a Human Resources subject-matter expert and trusted advisor on employee relations, workplace conduct, performance management, corrective action, conflict resolution, investigations, policy application, and related employment matters. The Consultant provides direct Employee Relations support to leaders, managers, and employees across the University and independently manages assigned Employee Relations matters within established HRER practices and under the direction of the Director of Employee Relations and Leave Administration. The Consultant maintains an active and visible presence across campus, builds strong relationships with campus partners, participates in relevant meetings, programs, and events, and conducts proactive outreach to identify concerns early and strengthen manager effectiveness. The Consultant collaborates with HR Business Partners and other HR colleagues when coordination, divisional context, or cross-functional support would benefit the matter.**Job Description****Please note:** applications will be accepted until October 9th, 2026, at 5:00 PM (EST).**Essential Functions:*** Serves as an Employee Relations subject-matter expert for assigned campus areas and across the University, providing direct consultation and support to leaders, managers, and employees. Independently manages Employee Relations matters within established practices and under the direction of the Director of Employee Relations and Leave Administration. Adjusts assignments and provides support across campus as needed based on case volume, complexity, team capacity, and institutional priorities.* Receives, assesses, and responds to Employee Relations concerns and complaints. Manages assigned cases from intake through resolution, including consultation, documentation, follow-up, and closure. Exercises independent judgment within established HRER practices and consults with the Director regarding significant, complex, or higher-risk matters.* Facilitates conflict resolution and workplace conversations when appropriate and connects employees and leaders with other University resources when additional support or specialized review is needed.* Coordinates with HR Business Partners and other HR colleagues as appropriate to provide aligned support and obtain relevant divisional or operational context. Partners with the Office of Institutional Equity, Office of General Counsel, Leave Administration, and other University offices based on the nature of the matter.* Maintains an active and visible campus presence through regular engagement with leaders, managers, employees, HR Business Partners, and other HR colleagues. Participates in relevant departmental meetings, campus programs, employee forums, Staff Advisory Council meetings, leadership programs, HR events, and other University activities where Employee Relations involvement would strengthen relationships, awareness, or support.* Conducts proactive outreach to campus partners to understand emerging workplace concerns, identify opportunities for early intervention, and strengthen awareness of Employee Relations resources and practices.* Develops and delivers Employee Relations education and outreach related to performance management, workplace conduct, documentation, corrective action, conflict management, policy expectations, and related employment practices.* Provides guidance to managers, employees, and HR colleagues regarding the interpretation and application of University employment policies and practices. Provides specialized Employee Relations consultation when matters involve disputed interpretation, corrective action, complex employee concerns, or elevated risk.* Coordinates with Leave Administration and the appropriate accommodation resource when Employee Relations matters intersect with protected leave, return-to-work, attendance, performance management, or workplace accommodations. Ensures that proposed corrective action involving leave, medical restrictions, or accommodation concerns is appropriately coordinated before action is taken.* Provides consultation to managers and leaders regarding performance, conduct, attendance, workplace expectations, documentation, and escalation pathways. Coaches managers on communicating expectations, providing feedback, and addressing workplace concerns.* Reviews and supports the development of formal corrective actions, Performance Improvement Plans, separation documentation, and related materials for factual support, consistency, objectivity, appropriate tone, and alignment with University practices.* Consults with the Director regarding significant corrective actions, complex matters, potential involuntary separations, or other cases presenting elevated risk.* Uses designated HR and case-management systems to document Employee Relations activity, monitor assigned matters, and support applicable Employee Relations processes.* Consults with HR Business Partners and Compensation when compensation or merit decisions present Employee Relations concerns, inconsistencies with documented performance, or other employment-related risk.* Provides Employee Relations consultation regarding reorganizations, reductions in force, involuntary transfers, demotions, separations, and other organizational changes that present Employee Relations implications or risk. Collaborates with HR Business Partners, Compensation, Legal Counsel, and other partners as appropriate.* Strengthens manager capability through coaching, education, and consultation related to performance management, workplace conduct, documentation, corrective action, conflict resolution, policy expectations, and other Employee Relations practices. Collaborates with Learning and Development, HR Business Partners, and other HR colleagues when broader education or organizational support is appropriate.* Supports the centralized Employee Relations exit process and reviews exit information, separation data, case activity, and other relevant workforce information to identify recurring themes, emerging concerns, and opportunities for proactive intervention. Shares appropriate findings with HR leadership, HR Business Partners, and campus leaders as appropriate.* Collaborates with HR colleagues and campus partners to identify recurring workplace concerns, opportunities for proactive intervention, and strategies that strengthen manager effectiveness and the employee experience.* Maintains complete, accurate, and timely Employee Relations case records in the designated case-management system in accordance with University documentation and record-retention requirements.* Conducts or manages Employee Relations