Human Resources Business Partner (Employee Relations, EO, and Data Management)

Christopher Newport University; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Christopher Newport University seeks an HR Business Partner (Employee Relations, EO, and Data Management) to support employee relations, investigations, and policy compliance across the university.

You will analyze data, manage reporting, and assist with EO duties while coordinating with HR leadership to implement change and improve processes. This role is essential for maintaining compliant, fair, and effective employment practices.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in human resources, employee relations, grievances, or EEO.
• Experience developing, interpreting, and applying HR policies.
• Experience using spreadsheet software and analyzing data to inform decisions.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and counseling to employees and managers to resolve work-related issues.
• Serve as a liaison for employee relations and implement proactive programs and trainings.
• Conduct investigations and maintain employee relations files with timely reporting.
• Ensure compliance with EO, EDR, and DHRM policies across searches and practices.
• Represent data in recurring and ad hoc personnel reports for state and federal requirements.
• Support grievance processes and collaborate with leadership on policy implementation.

Skills

Employee relations

Policy interpretation

Data reporting

Communication skills

Project management

Training & development

Education

Master’s degree or advanced degree equivalence

SHRM-SCP or SPHR

Tools

Cardinal timekeeping

Payroll system

Spreadsheets (Excel)

Applicant tracking systems

Job description

Working Title:

Human Resources Business Partner (Employee Relations, EO, and Data Management)

Position Number:

GA309

FLSA:

Exempt

Appointment Type:

Full Time

Sensitive Position:

No

Sensitive Position Statement:

A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check. This is NOT a sensitive position.

Campus Security Authority:

Yes

Campus Security Authority Statement:

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the CNU Police. The CNU Police will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for faculty and staff designated as a Campus Security Authority.

Designated Personnel:

Yes

Designated Personnel Statement:

This position is designated essential for the University. In the event of an emergency, this position may be required to work during an authorized closing depending on the situation.

Statement of Economic Interest:

No

Statement of Economic Interest Statement:

This position is NOT required to complete the Statement of Economic Interest form annually and the related training as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Restricted Position:

Yes

Restricted Position Statement:

A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding. This is a restricted position.

Chief Objective of Position:

Provides support for the University’s Employee Relations functions. Supports the planning and execution of performance management processes. Supports the change-management efforts related to new systems and processes within the Office of Human Resources. Reviews recruitment and selection practices to ensure compliance in faculty and staff searches.

Work Tasks:

Employee Relations

• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Human Resource Operations, provides advice, assistance, and counsel to employees and managers in the positive resolution of work-related problems, concerns, and grievances.
• Supports the University’s employee relations program. This includes serving as the employee relations liaison with departments and enhancing the University’s environment by establishing and promoting effective employee relations strategies through proactive means such as training programs, workshops, and individual meetings.
• Analyzes problem situations and creatively works with employees and managers to find alternative methods of dispute resolution. Provides or coordinates mediations, as needed.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Human Resource Operations, conducts investigations and interviews employees and managers, as needed, to ascertain the facts surrounding alleged issues in order to resolve employment problems.
• Assist with preparing and maintaining employee relations files to include letters, department communications, and investigation notes. Tracks investigation progress through to completion.
• Consults and works closely with the Director of Institutional Compliance/Title IX Coordinator on related issues, policies, and needs.
• Provides guidance, interpretation, and consultation on complex human resources policies related to EO compliance and employee relations. Serves as a consultant to managers and employees to strengthen employee relations and training and development in the positive resolution of work-related problems, concerns, and grievances.
• Consults with the Executive Director of Human Resources and Assistant Director of Human Resources Operations as to related DHRM and Employee Dispute Resolution (EDR) policies, as well as performance planning and evaluation, and other issues, needs, and recommended actions. Serves as a consultant to faculty, staff, and supervisors on EDR and DHRM policies and procedures concerning employee relations, dispute resolution, performance planning and evaluation, and required reporting.
• Supports the Commonwealth’s grievance process.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, policies, and procedures for employee relations issues.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Human Resource Operations, conducts employee exit surveys, tracks possible trends and attrition issues, and reports findings.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Human Resources Operations, tracks employee relations issues to review ongoing trends and identifies opportunities for training.
• Monitors and tracks grievance activity to assure compliance with DHRM required data collection and reporting needs.
• Provides monthly data pertaining to employee relations and turnover.
• Responsible for compiling, maintaining, and reporting data required for state and federal reporting.

Equal Opportunity Search Compliance

• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Human Resource Operations, is responsible for the review of recruitment and selection practices to ensure compliance in faculty and staff searches. Reviews job postings, recruitment strategies, and selection procedures to ensure compliance with equal opportunity policies.
• Monitors and assesses the university’s hiring practices to identify and address potential biases or disparities.
• Conducts reviews of recruitment and hiring processes to ensure adherence to legal and institutional requirements. Offers guidance and support to departments and search committees on best practices.

Strategic Planning, Data Management, & Organizational Alignment

• As needed, serves as the project manager for projects within the Human Resource Department.
• As needed, leads change-management efforts related to new systems and processes within the Human Resource Department.
• Retrieves and analyzes data to develop accurate, timely reports that support data-driven decision-making and fulfill mandated state and federal reporting requirements.
• Prepares recurring and ad hoc personnel reports, interprets findings, and ensures the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of data across HR platforms.
• Collaborates with university leadership and cross-functional departments to ensure reporting practices align with university objectives and complies with applicable state and federal requirements.
• Partners with HR department leadership on strategic planning initiatives and supports the implementation of departmental goals and objectives.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Human Resource Operations, assists with VEC documentation and hearings.
• As appropriate, collaborates with the Benefits Department to address employee relations matters, leave-related situations, and ADA requests.

Other

• Follows workplace safety regulations and adheres to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for position.
• Reports unsafe work conditions to supervisor.
• Immediately reports work-related incidents to supervisor and participates in accident investigation requests.
• Promotes a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
• Reports work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by university, state, and federal guidelines.
• This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
• Develops and maintains very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees.
• Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect.
• Fully supports the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of employee relations, training, and development practices.
• Ability to organize and implement projects or program plans; develop and advise on policy; and to investigate and analyze complex questions and issues.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and facilitation abilities.
• High level of discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to navigate complex workforce issues with fairness and consistency.
• Strategic thinking with attention to operational detail.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with absolute discretion.
• Ability to quickly react and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to apply leadership practices and principles to difficult employee relations situations.
• Ability to develop positive relations between employees and management.

Required Education:

Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree with work experience that equates to an advanced degree.

Additional Consideration - Education:

SHRM-SCP or SPHR

Experience Required:

• Demonstrated experience in human resources, employee relations, grievances, or equal employment opportunity (EEO).
• Experience developing, interpreting, and applying human resource policies.
• Experience using spreadsheet software with functions.
• Experience analyzing data and communicating outcomes.

Additional Consideration - Experience:

• Experience working at a college/university in a Human Resources Department.
• Experience working with Cardinal timekeeping and payroll system.
• Experience working with applicant tracking systems.
• Project management experience.
• Title IX experience.
• Experience working with the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM).

Salary Information:

$69,700 to $95,800, Commensurate with Education and Experience

CNU Information:

Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.

Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.

Is this position telework eligible?

Yes

Telework Eligibility Disclaimer:

This position is eligible for periodic telework as determined by the department. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and is subject to supervisor approval. Eligibility will depend on the likelihood of the employee’s success in a telework arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage telework. Departments and/or Human Resources may modify or revoke eligibility at any time. Employees will be required to sign a Telework Agreement.

EEO/Diversity Statement(s):

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity. Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement