Employee Relations & Development Specialist

Radford University; Radford (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Radford University seeks an Employee Relations & Development Specialist to support employee relations, development, performance management, and organizational effectiveness. The role partners with supervisors and HR colleagues to coach, train, and guide on workplace concerns and policy understanding.

The specialist will oversee the performance management process, deliver leadership development programs, and provide resources to strengthen supervisory performance, employee engagement, and overall

Qualifications

• Strong experience in human resources with responsibility for employee relations or development.
• Experience providing consultation, coaching, and guidance to supervisors and employees on workplace matters.
• Ability to assess workplace concerns and ensure consistent application of employment policies.
• Strong skills in building relationships and communicating with diverse audiences while handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Support employee relations and development initiatives and lead performance management processes.
• Develop and deliver leadership development and workplace learning opportunities.
• Provide resources to strengthen supervisory effectiveness, engagement, and organizational performance.

Skills

Employee relations

Consultation & coaching

Workplace guidance

Relationship building

Tools

LMS

Performance management systems

Job description

Title: Employee Relations & Development Specialist

Application Review Date: November 30, 2026

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

The Employee Development and Relations Specialist supports the University’s employee relations, employee development, performance management, and organizational effectiveness initiatives. This position works directly with supervisors and employees, providing consultation, coaching, training, and guidance on workplace concerns, employee performance, conflict resolution, employment policies, professional development, and effective working relationships. The Specialist assists supervisors and employees in addressing workplace challenges, resolving concerns, navigating performance and conduct matters, and understanding applicable employment policies and practices. The position oversees and supports the University’s performance management process, develops and delivers leadership development and workplace learning opportunities, and provides resources to strengthen supervisory effectiveness, employee engagement, and individual and organizational performance. The Specialist partners with departments and HR colleagues to address workplace needs, support employee and leadership development, and promote a respectful, productive, and effective workplace.

Required Qualifications

• Strong professional experience in human resources, with responsibility for employee relations, employee development, performance management, talent management, or a related area; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing consultation, coaching, and guidance to supervisors, managers, and employees regarding workplace concerns, performance management, employee conduct, conflict resolution, employment policies, workplace communication, and employee development.
• Demonstrated ability to assess workplace concerns, provide sound guidance, support resolution of employee relations matters, and promote consistent application of employment policies and practices.
• Strong ability to build effective working relationships, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and handle sensitive employee matters with professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and appropriate confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education, training, and/or experience in human resources, organizational development, industrial/ organizational psychology, higher education administration, or related field.
• Experience working in a higher education environment or other complex organization.
• Experience designing, facilitating, and evaluating leadership development or supervisor development programs.
• Experience utilizing LMS and performance management systems.
• Experience using employee engagement data, performance trends, or organizational assessments to identify opportunities for improvement and develop solutions.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position 100% telework: No

Hours Per Week:40

Months per Year:12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status:Exempt

Work Classification:Classified Staff

Normal Work Schedule:Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. may be varied and include evenings and weekends

Employee Classification: Human Resources Analyst II

Department: Human Resources

Salary:$59,800 - $78,000

Department Contact Name: Leah Taylor

Department Contact Phone:[phone]

Department Contact Email:[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Statement

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.