Employee Relations & Engagement Manager

Perkins & Will; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

HRA

FSA

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement (day one)

Paid time off

Job summary

Perkins & Will is seeking an Employee Relations & Engagement Manager to be the trusted ER partner across campus, driving a healthy, equitable workplace and advising leadership on policy and risk. You will lead investigations, support performance management, and collaborate with People Ops on retention and engagement strategies.

You will analyze ER trends, advocate for IDEA, and coach managers on effective, compliant processes while ensuring a positive staff experience in a nonprofit educational

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR/Business Administration or related field required.
• Advanced certifications (SHRM-CP/SCP, SPHR) strong plus.
• 5–7+ years HR with focus on employee relations and investigations.
• Deep knowledge of state/federal labor laws and risk mitigation; nonprofit/educational setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary ER resource for employees and supervisors across campus.
• Conduct fair, timely investigations into complex employee relations issues.
• Coach managers on performance management, feedback, and conflict resolution.
• Analyze ER data and lead inclusion and engagement initiatives.

Skills

Employee relations

Workplace investigations

Performance management

Coaching managers

Policy compliance

Data analysis

DEI / Inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field

SHRM-CP/SCP or SPHR certification

Investigation/Mediation training

Job description

Perkins helps children with disabilities find their place in the world. An international NGO, we are committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities. At Perkins, we think courageously, act collaboratively, and we own our work. Join a supportive community committed to growth where your work makes a difference.

What you can expect as our Employee Relations & Engagement Manager

As our Employee Relations & Engagement Manager, you will serve as the organization’s primary subject matter expert, advocate, and key advisor on all employee relations matters across campus. Your primary directive is to champion a healthy, equitable, and harmonious workplace environment by serving as a trusted partner to both staff and leadership.

In this dedicated ER-focused role, you will take the lead on managing complex workplace issues, conducting objective workplace investigations, and guiding managers through sensitive performance management and conflict resolution. While collaborating with broader People Ops functions on retention and engagement strategies, your day-to-day focus will center on analyzing ER case trends, exit data, and employee feedback to proactively identify friction points, mitigate organizational risk, and continuously elevate the staff experience.

Core Employee Relations & Investigations

• Serve as the primary, trusted resource for employees and supervisors across campus regarding workplace concerns, policy interpretations, and institutional standards.
• Conduct fair, timely, and comprehensive investigations into complex employee relations issues—including workplace disputes, policy violations, discrimination, and harassment—ensuring thorough documentation and balanced resolutions.
• Actively mediate workplace conflicts, coach managers on difficult conversations, and guide team dynamics toward positive growth and mutual respect.

Performance Management & Manager Coaching

• Partner closely with supervisors on all performance management processes, providing expert coaching on continuous feedback, progressive discipline, and the strategic development of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs).
• Partner with Training & Development to equip managers with practical skills in conflict management, fair documentation, compliance, and supportive leadership practices.

Policy, Compliance & Job Architecture

• Partner with General Counsel and HR leadership to ensure strict compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Oversee regular audits and updates to employee handbooks and workplace policies.
• Manage the job evaluation and leveling process to ensure internal equity and role clarity. Partner with immigration counsel on employee visa processes (e.g., H-1B, Green Cards), ensuring a supportive experience for international staff.

ER Analytics, Engagement & Inclusion

• Systematically analyze ER case logs, exit interviews, and engagement survey data to spot root causes, identify departmental trends, and recommend proactive culture-strengthening interventions.
• Serve as a champion for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), ensuring ER practices and engagement initiatives reflect an accessible, empathetic, and inclusive employee experience.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). Advanced certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, SPHR, or formal Investigation/Mediation training) are a strong plus.
• 5–7+ years of progressive HR experience, with a heavy, proven focus on employee relations, workplace investigations, and performance management.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing high-stakes workplace investigations, writing comprehensive investigative reports, and recommending sound corrective actions.
• Deep, functional knowledge of state and federal labor laws, FMLA/ADA accommodations, and risk mitigation—ideally within an educational, non-profit, or specialized institutional setting.

The following shared salary range is what Perkins reasonably expects, in good faith, to pay for the position. The applicable range could differ based on experience and qualification.

$82,400.00-$116,375.00

Perkins offers a comprehensive benefits package for part time and full time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Wellness programs available.
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employer-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with employer match
• Education Benefits: Tuition reimbursement day one
• Paid Time Off
• Extras: Employee Recognition Programs, EAP, legal services, referral bonuses, credit union access, pre-tax MBTA passes and more!

Perkins is a mission-driven community that supports your well-being at work and beyond. We are located in the heart of Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River and less than 1 mile from food & entertainment at Arsenal Yards.

Perkins is an equal opportunity employer. View the Perkins Notice of non-discrimination.