People Relations Consultant

New Mexico State University; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 45,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University’s Office of People Relations seeks a People Relations Consultant to act as a trusted resource across the University. You’ll manage a broad range of employee relations activities, including investigations, grievances, appeals, and implementing disciplinary actions up to termination.

You’ll support conflict resolution, advise on performance management, and handle unemployment claims.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree + 4 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a trusted resource to NMSU employees and as a strategic partner across the University community. Responsible for managing a broad range of employee relations activities, including conducting workplace investigations; administering grievances, appeals, and complaints; and advising on and supporting the implementation of disciplinary actions, up to and including termination of employment and workforce reductions.
• Participates in conflict resolution efforts through mediation support and facilitated meetings. Provides guidance on performance management matters and manages responses to unemployment claims, including representation at hearings when required.
• Serves as a primary point of contact and consultant to the University community on employee and labor relations matters, including interpretation and application of policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws and regulations. Provides professional guidance, training, and technical assistance to HR liaisons, leaders, managers, and employees to ensure consistent, fair, and compliant employment practices.

Education

Associate’s Degree + 4 years of relevant experience

Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of relevant experience

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Department Contact: Yvette Benitiz, [phone]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: Join a collaborative, innovative, and people-centered team at the Office of People Relations.

Our work is driven by connection, purpose, and impact.

As a member of the OPR team, you’ll play a vital role in building and strengthening relationships across the university, applying strong communication and problem-solving skills to support thoughtful, effective solutions.

In this role, you’ll draw on your interpersonal skills to navigate sensitive and complex situations, while using analytical skills to gather, assess, and interpret information that informs sound decision‑making.

Position Details

Position Title: People Relations Consultant

College/Division: Administration and Finance

Department: 510100-OFFICE OF PEOPLE RELATIONS

Location: Las Cruces

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $53,165.80 target entry to commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Serves as a trusted resource to NMSU employees and as a strategic partner across the University community. Responsible for managing a broad range of employee relations activities, including conducting workplace investigations; administering grievances, appeals, and complaints; and advising on and supporting the implementation of disciplinary actions, up to and including termination of employment and workforce reductions.

Participates in conflict resolution efforts through mediation support and facilitated meetings. Provides guidance on performance management matters and manages responses to unemployment claims, including representation at hearings when required.

Serves as a primary point of contact and consultant to the University community on employee and labor relations matters, including interpretation and application of policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws and regulations. Provides professional guidance, training, and technical assistance to HR liaisons, leaders, managers, and employees to ensure consistent, fair, and compliant employment practices.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: Associate’s Degree + 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in related field

Special Certification/Licensure: This position is working in the office at the Las Cruces, NM main campus.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.