Employee Relations Specialist

Bowdoin College; Maine; On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(a) and 403(b) retirement

Life and Disability Insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Gym and pool access

Wellness programs

Additional benefits

Job summary

Bowdoin College is hiring an Employee Relations Specialist to join the Human Resources team in Brunswick, Maine. You will provide high-level HR administration, coordinate engagement initiatives, orientation, training, and recognition programs while handling confidential information with discretion.

Ideal candidates have 2–4 years of related experience, a relevant associate's degree (bachelor's preferred), and proficiency with MS Office, HRIS, and Workday.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in HR, business, communications, public administration or related field; Bachelor's preferred.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP preferred.
• Proficient with MS Office and HRIS systems, Workday preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with employee relations documentation and maintain confidential records.
• Guide managers on performance management resources across campus.
• Maintain and report on employee engagement initiatives and surveys.
• Coordinate HR training, engagement activities, events, and recognition programs.
• Process unemployment claims and participate in hearings when needed.
• Support HR-sponsored events and ongoing employee recognition activities.

Skills

MS Office Suite

HRIS

Workday

Communication

Organization

Data analysis

Strategic thinking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate's degree in HR/related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

HRIS systems

Workday

Job description

Employee Relations Specialist

Posting Number: S01609JP

Department: Human Resources

Job Summary:

As a key member of the Human Resources team, the Employee RelationsSpecialist provides high-level HR focused administrative,operational, and project support to the Associate Director ofEmployee Relations & Engagement. This position assists withcoordinating employee engagement initiatives and new employeeorientation, supporting employee relations processes, organizingtraining and recognition programs, file management, maintainingconfidential records, and preparing reports.The successfulcandidate has general HR knowledge, is highly organized,detail-oriented, customer-service focused, and capable of handlingsensitive information with discretion. This role serves as a pointof contact for employees, managers, and internal stakeholders whilesupporting efforts that promote a positive employee experience andworkplace culture.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists with employee relations documentation including reviewof performance check-in's and departure questionnaires. Maintainsconfidential employee relations records and documentation inaccordance with organizational policies.
• Provides guidance on HR resources and tools related toperformance management to managers and leads throughout thecampus.
• Maintains HR systems related to employee engagement andemployee relations initiatives, including employee engagementsurveys. Compiles data and prepares reports on programparticipation, employee feedback, and departmental activities.
• Coordinates of HR training programs, employee engagementactivities, events, and recognition/appreciation initiatives.
• Process and respond to unemployment claims, verifyingseparation details, and providing wage and benefit information asrequested. Participate in phone hearings as appropriate.
• Coordinates HR training programs and employee engagementactivities, while supporting existing employee recognition andappreciation initiatives and other HR-sponsored events.

The hiring range for this position is expected to be:$74,500-79,500 annually.

BENEFITS AND PERKS:

• A variety of health insurance plans (Medical, Vision,Dental)
• Generous Retirement Plan - 401(a) and 403(b)
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per calendar year, 12 daysof personal/sick time
• Paid Holidays and Special Days Off: https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/our-workplace/college-holidays-and-special-days-off.html
• Paid Parental Leave (Available after one year of service)
• Household access to many of the College's facilities includingthe gym and pool
• Free fitness and wellness classes!
• And more: https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/benefits-perks/index.html

Education/Skills Requirements:

Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field; Bachelor's degree preferred.

PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP preferred.

• Proficient in using computer software including MS Office Suite(Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HRIS systems, preferrableWorkday.
• Ability to work effectively at both a strategic and tacticallevel.
• Ability to utilize and analyze data to guidedecision-making.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with allconstituent groups.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability toprioritize work, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meetdeadlines.
• Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to build andmaintain relationships with colleagues, managers andexecutives.

Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents:

Two to four years of administrative, human resources, projectcoordination, or office management experience; 4+ years experiencepreferred.

• Background in addressing and investigating employee relationsconcerns, preferably in an education setting or similar workenvironment.
• Deep knowledge of employment policies, procedures, and bestpractices, as well as state and federal employment relatedregulations.
• Experience with maintaining confidentiality of all sensitivehuman resources information-including personnel records, payrolldata, medical documents, and employee relations issues-incompliance with employment laws.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in this postingto be considered for hire.

Standard Work Days and Hours:

Standard administrative hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm. This is afull-time position working 40 hours/52 weeks, (1.00 FTE). Exemptpositions require the time commitment necessary to complete theessential duties of the position.

This is an on-site role, and candidates must be able to work inperson on the Bowdoin College campus in Brunswick, Maine. A hybridschedule may be discussed after 6 months of employment, based onperformance.

We regret that Bowdoin College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions

Employment at Bowdoin College is contingent upon satisfactorycompletion of applicable background checks including but notlimited to: criminal records, educational verifications, drivingrecords (when job-related), and/or credit history (when jobrelated).

About Bowdoin:

Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home totalented students, faculty and staff-with a variety of racial,ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs;and gender identities, among other factors.

We encourage applications from candidates committed to the supportof an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich andcontribute to the College's multifaceted diversity. We value acommunity in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmlywelcomed and encouraged to succeed.

Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to theliberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin's reputation as apreeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of itsfaculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense ofcommunity; and connections to the people, history, and naturalbeauty of Maine.

Bowdoin's campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting.Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, theCollege is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five milesfrom Portland and 120 miles from Boston.

Employment Category: Full Time Year Round

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Pay Type: Salaried

Background Check Package Requirements: Faculty/Administrative

Is a pre-placement physical required for this position?: No

Posting Date: 09/09/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions to Applicants:

If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit information for threereferences, including name, email address, phone number and how youknow the reference.

EEO Information:

Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal andstate laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment,admission, or access to its educational or extracurricularprograms, activities, or facilities based on race, color,ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, maritalstatus, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, oragainst qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilitieson the basis of disability, or any other legally protectedstatuses.