Employee Relations Specialist (2025)

MiraCosta College; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to foster positive relationships between employees and management. This role involves addressing workplace issues, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and promoting a supportive organizational culture. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and conflict-resolution skills, along with a solid background in human resources. Join a dynamic team dedicated to inclusion, diversity, and equity, and contribute to creating a positive work environment while supporting the diverse needs of the campus community.

Benefits

100% Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Life Insurance Policy

Paid Holidays

Tuition Fee Reimbursement

Professional Development Opportunities

Wellness Program

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field and 3 years of HR experience required.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR policies.

Responsibilities

• Address and resolve workplace conflicts and disputes.
• Conduct investigations into employee relations issues.
• Develop programs to enhance employee engagement.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Conflict Resolution

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources

Experience in Human Resources

Job description

Before applying, be sure to read the “Application Procedure” section below.

Posting Summary

Job Title

Job Title Employee Relations Specialist (2025)

Type of Assignment

Type of Assignment Classified/Staff

Assignment Category

Assignment Category Regular Position

One regular, full-time position, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year on the Oceanside Campus. The normal work schedule will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Following the probationary period, 3-4 days of remote work may be approved. The person selected for this position will be subject to assignment to any district facility during any hours of operation.

The first-level interviews with the screening and interview committee will be conducted via Zoom. The second-level interviews may be in-person or via Zoom.

REMOTE WORK :
MiraCosta College believes that flexible work enables employees to achieve a more successful balance between work responsibilities and family life. The District offers the opportunity to telework (remote work) for certain positions, depending on the operational needs of the District and the provisions of the telework policy. Probationary and temporary employees are not eligible to telework unless approved by the appropriate vice president. No employee is guaranteed the right to telework. No employee shall be authorized to telework 100% of the time; regular, on-campus presence is expected for all District employees on a weekly basis.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT :
MiraCosta College Board Policy 7800: Employee Residency requires all classified staff, administrators, and temporary/hourly short-term employees to maintain and permanently reside in a principal place of residence in the state of California that is within two-hundred (200) road miles from the employee’s regularly assigned district worksite. The purpose of the policy is to promote efficiency and continuity throughout all campus administrative functions, provide students with high quality assistance and accessibility to all academic and campus services, ensure that students receive an engaging education, and respond to emerging student needs.

The District may consider an individual request to temporarily reside outside of the State of California or outside the 200-mile limit on a case-by-case basis, not to exceed twelve consecutive months.

Location City

Location City Oceanside, Cardiff, and/or Carlsbad

Location State

Location State California

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)

MiraCosta College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an educational environment that affirms and supports diversity in its faculty, staff, and administration, and promoting an environment of inclusion. The college’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility is expressed in the policy found at https://www.miracosta.edu/office-of-the-president/board-of-trustees/docs/3400BP-Inclusion-Diversity-Equity-Accessibility.pdf . Click on the following link to view the IDEA website: https://www.miracosta.edu/office-of-the-president/idea/index.html .

MiraCosta College is committed to creating a racially just campus climate. Individuals and their diverse cultures and identities are welcomed, nurtured, and validated. MiraCosta College takes institutional responsibility for closing the equity gap for disproportionately impacted populations including Latinx and Chicanx communities, Black and African American communities, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, Native American communities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities, veteran communities, former foster youth, adult students, and students from low socioeconomic statuses. MiraCosta will continue to serve all constituents with values rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and community. MiraCosta College’s Mission, Vision, Commitment, and Institutional Values & Goals can be viewed at https://www.miracosta.edu/office-of-the-president/docs/mccmissionstatement.pdf .

The college was designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution ( HSI ) in 2013. This significant recognition acknowledges our institution’s continuous efforts to support the academic performance and unique needs of Latinx students, many of whom are attending college for the first time or are first-generation. We are a veteran and military supportive institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College. The successful candidate will join a campus that exhibits its dedication to all students and faculty through offering robust, culturally-responsive events, including speaker series dedicated to heritage month events through the Social Justice and Equity Center.

Salary Range

Salary Range 34

Compensation

Starting at $102,793 per year (range 34, step 1), with annual salary step increases up to step 5. In addition, after five years of district service, employees earn a longevity stipend that increases over time.

Employees must make arrangements for the direct deposit of paychecks into the financial institution of their choice, via electronic fund transfer.

MiraCosta College offers an array of benefits to eligible employees.

• The district pays 100% of the cost of medical, dental and vision insurance for eligible employees and dependents
• $100,000 life insurance policy
• Up to $250 of benefit credits per month to help pay for a variety of voluntary benefit options, such as supplemental life insurance, disability coverage, dependent care flexible spending account ( FSA ), and Health Reimbursement Arrangement ( HRA ).
• Vacation, sick leave, and up to 18 paid holidays
• State pension system retirement benefits (CalPERS)
• Free and confidential employee assistance program
• Wellness Program
• Participation in the District’s Early Retirement Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition fee reimbursement

Position Term in Months

Position Term in Months 12

Application Procedure

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit the following documents directly in the online system and finish applying and receive a confirmation number by 11:59 PM on the closing date:

1. Application on which you list all relevant experience.

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae summarizing your educational background and experience.

3. A cover letter addressed to the “Screening and Interview Committee” specifically describing how your experience aligns with the Essential Duties, Other Duties, and Desirable Qualifications.

4. Transcripts of college coursework which provide evidence of meeting the minimum qualifications as stated in this job posting. Unofficial or legible photocopies are acceptable. If a degree(s) was earned, the transcripts must state that the degree was awarded. Any degree/coursework used to satisfy the minimum qualifications must be from a postsecondary institution accredited by an accreditation agency recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation.

If your degree(s) is from a college or university outside of the United States, you must submit a detailed evaluation from a professional evaluation agency. To view a list of agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, go to https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/foreign-transcript-evaluation-(cl-635) . Transcripts or translations in English still require the evaluation to show the U.S. equivalence of your degree.

The screening and interview committee will review application materials for up to three to four weeks following the closing/first screening date. Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by phone; those not selected for interview will be notified by e-mail once interview candidates have been scheduled.

Offer of employment to the person selected for this position is contingent upon 1) successful completion of a pre-placement physical exam at district expense; 2) submission of a current tuberculosis test clearance; 3) proof of eligibility to work in the United States; 4) fingerprint clearance; and 5) approval by the Board of Trustees.

Retired STRS members are not eligible for this position.

Basic Function

The Employee Relations Specialist plays a crucial role in fostering positive relationships between employees and the district. This position is responsible for addressing and resolving workplace issues, promoting a positive work environment, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. The Employee Relations Specialist will work closely with management and employees to provide guidance on employee-related matters and contribute to the development and maintenance of a healthy organizational culture.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility

• Demonstrate an inclusive approach by recognizing and addressing the diverse backgrounds, identities, and needs of students and employees, fostering an equitable and supportive educational and employment environment.
• Design, implement, and manage employee relations programs and initiatives to promote an inclusive, diverse, equitable, an accessible organizational culture.
• Address and resolve workplace conflicts, disputes, and disagreements between employees or between employees and management.
• Conduct thorough investigations into employee relations issues and recommend appropriate actions.

3. Policy Development and Compliance:

• Stay informed about employment laws and regulations to ensure organizational compliance.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and communication of HR policies and procedures.

4. Employee Communication:

• Serve as a point of contact for employees seeking guidance on workplace matters.
• Facilitate communication between employees and management.

5. Employee Engagement:

• Develop and implement programs to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Collaborate with management to conduct employee surveys and gather feedback.

6. Performance Management:

• Assist in performance management processes, including counseling, performance improvement plans, and terminations.
• Guide supervisors and managers on handling performance-related issues.

7. Training and Development:

• Develop training materials related to conflict resolution and employee relations.
• Deliver training sessions on employee relations topics to promote a positive work environment.

8. Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases.
• Prepare reports on employee relations, metrics, and trends for management review.
• Collaborate with legal counsel when necessary to ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.
• Research and stay current on changes in employment law and update HR policies accordingly.

10. Other Duties:

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Other Duties

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of

1. Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations.

2. District human resources policies and labor contract provisions

3. Excellent, verbal, and written communication skills.

4. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

5. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.

6. Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management abilities.

7. Excellent interpersonal, counseling, and negotiation skills.

8. Investigative methods and analysis techniques.

9. Employee relations principles and practices.

10. Basic labor relations principles and practices, including negotiation and contract administration.

Ability to

Education & Experience

To be eligible for this position, you must meet and provide evidence of the following minimum qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree (preferably in human resources, business, public administration or related field) and at least three years of progressively responsible experience in human resources; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

NOTE : For work experience, one “year” is defined as equivalent to 40 hours per week for 12 months, or at least 2,080 hours.

Desirable Qualifications

Licenses & Other Requirements

Physical Effort

Primarily sedentary with intermittent standing, walking, bending and stooping; occasional light lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds; ability to work at a computer, including repetitive use of computer keyboard, mouse or other control devices; ability to travel to various locations on and off campus as needed to conduct district business.

Emotional Effort

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and communications personally, by phone and in writing with a variety of individuals and/or groups from diverse backgrounds on a regular, ongoing basis; ability to work effectively under pressure on a variety of tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities.

Working Conditions

Primarily business office environment; subject to frequent public contact and interruption; intermittent exposure to individuals acting in a disagreeable fashion; occasional evening, weekend and/or holiday hours are required on an as-needed basis.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
  • No
  • Yes
• * MiraCosta College is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. We strive to be a model for equity and inclusion, effectively supporting students and employees from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds who possess a range of abilities, academic preparation, and life experiences. Describe your qualifications and experiences that have prepared you to effectively interact with people who may have a different background than yours (e.g., racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, disability, etc.).

  (Open Ended Question)

• * MiraCosta College Board Policy 7800: Employee Residency requires all classified staff, administrators, and temporary/hourly short-term employees to maintain and permanently reside in a principal place of residence in the state of California that is within two-hundred (200) road miles from the employee’s regularly assigned district worksite. The purpose of the policy is to promote efficiency and continuity throughout all campus administrative functions, provide students with high quality assistance and accessibility to all academic and campus services, ensure that students receive an engaging education, and respond to emerging student needs.The District may consider an individual request to temporarily reside outside of the State of California or outside the 200-mile limit on a case-by-case basis, not to exceed twelve consecutive months.
  • I understand the district’s residency requirement as stated above.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
• Transcript 1
• Transcript 2
• Transcript 3
• Formal Agency Evaluation - Non-U.S. Transcripts