Employee Relations Specialist

Inside Higher Ed; Dahlonega (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-campus educational institution in Dahlonega is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist. This role serves as a trusted advisor on employee-related matters and includes responsibilities such as conducting investigations, providing policy guidance, and facilitating conflict resolution. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of HR experience. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for influencing relationships across a diverse workforce. A commitment to employee well-being initiatives is a key aspect of this position.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of Human Resources experience or a combination of education and HR experience.
• On-campus presence is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough investigations of policy violations or employee complaints.
• Provide guidance on university policies and facilitate conflict resolution.
• Assist in gathering information for external investigations like EEOC inquiries.
• Manage unemployment hearing processes and coordinate with the Department of Labor.
• Plan and facilitate employee well-being activities and events.

Skills

Knowledge of employment laws and regulations

Excellent planning and organizational skills

Dispute resolution and negotiation skills

Proficient with personal computer and related software

Effective oral and written communication skills

Ability to influence and build work relationships

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

About Us

The University of North Georgia is a multi‑campus institution with nearly 20,000 students and a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement. UNG is a senior military college with a 800‑member Corps of Cadets on its Dahlonega campus.

Job Summary

The Employee Relations Specialist will serve as a trusted advisor to employees, managers and leadership on employee relations matters. Responsibilities include policy guidance, investigations, discipline, separation, and support campus wellness initiatives. This role requires travel between all UNG campuses.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough investigations of policy violations or employee complaints, prepare investigative reports, and coordinate with departments.
• Provide guidance on university policies, facilitate conflict resolution, and explain grievance procedures.
• Work with supervisors on performance management, documentation, discipline, and Performance Improvement Plans.
• Conduct exit interviews, analyze data, and assist in developing training programs to enhance employee performance and morale.
• Assist in gathering information for external investigations such as EEOC inquiries and legal matters.
• Manage unemployment hearing processes and coordinate with the Department of Labor.
• Coordinate termination processes, including removal of access and preparation of separation letters.
• Plan and facilitate employee well‑being activities and events in collaboration with Benefits Specialist and others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Excellent planning, organizational, dispute resolution, negotiation, analytical, customer service, and project management skills.
• Proficient with personal computer and related software.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and implement HR policies and procedures.
• Ability to influence and build work relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels.
• On‑campus presence is essential.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three‑five (3‑5) years of Human Resources experience or a combination of education and HR experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Dispute resolution training is a plus.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Contact information for three professional references

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of North Georgia is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics, or veteran status. All qualified applicants, including protected veterans and persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.