Senior Human Resources Generalist - ELR and Engagment

Owens Community College; Toledo (OH); On-site; USD 59,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Owens Community College is seeking a Senior Human Resources Generalist in Toledo to lead employee relations and engagement efforts. You will partner with the VP of HR to ensure consistent policy application, manage investigations, and support labor relations and disability accommodations across the employee lifecycle.

The role requires advising managers, facilitating training, administering performance processes, and driving culture-building initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in HR, Business, or related field.
• Experience in employee relations investigations and labor/union environments preferred.
• Familiarity with ADA, Title VII, FMLA, FLSA compliance advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary HR resource for employee relations matters and investigations.
• Guide supervisors on employee relations issues and policy interpretation.
• Support labor relations including contract interpretation and grievance administration.
• Administer ADA accommodation processes and interactive assessments.
• Develop and oversee employee engagement, recognition and culture initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with laws, policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Skills

Investigative skills

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Interviewing skills

Analytics

Training and facilitation

Case management

HRIS proficiency

Documentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Human Resources Generalist - ELR and Engagement

The Senior Human Resources Generalist, Employee Relations and Engagement, serves as the institution's lead resource for employee relations, labor relations support, disability accommodation administration, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives. This position partners closely with the Vice President of Human Resources to promote a positive workplace culture, ensure consistent application of policies and collective bargaining agreements, maintain compliance with employment laws and regulations, address workplace concerns, and enhance the overall employee experience throughout the employment lifecycle.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the primary HR resource for employee relations matters, including employee concerns, investigations, conflict resolution, corrective action, and performance management.
• Provides guidance and coaching to supervisors and managers regarding employee relations issues, workplace conduct, policy interpretation, performance improvement, and disciplinary actions.
• Supports labor relations activities, including contract interpretation, grievance administration, collective bargaining agreement compliance, and employee-management communications.
• Coordinates and administers the ADA accommodation process, including facilitating the interactive process, reviewing documentation, evaluating accommodation options, and maintaining required records.
• Conducts workplace investigations and prepares thorough, timely, and objective documentation, findings, and recommendations.
• Assists with the administration and monitoring of performance management processes, including performance evaluations, employee development planning, and corrective action procedures.
• Develops, coordinates, and evaluates employee engagement, recognition, retention, and culture-building initiatives designed to enhance the employee experience.
• Analyzes employee relations trends and engagement feedback and recommends strategies to improve workplace effectiveness, employee satisfaction, and retention.
• Partners with the Vice President of Human Resources to ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws, institutional policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Assists in the development, interpretation, communication, and implementation of human resources policies, procedures, and programs.
• Maintains confidential employee information and exercises sound judgment in handling sensitive and complex personnel matters.
• Participates in special projects, training initiatives, and other human resources activities as assigned.
• Provide front-line customer service to employees, applicants, retirees, and visitors.
• Monitor and assist with HR inbox coverage.
• Cross-train and provide backup coverage for essential HR functions during absences and peak workload periods.
• Support salary administration processes and compensation-related communications.

Knowledge

• Federal and state employment laws, including ADA, Title VII, FMLA, FLSA, and other applicable regulations.
• Employee relations principles, workplace investigations, disciplinary processes, and conflict resolution techniques.
• Labor relations practices and collective bargaining agreement administration.
• Performance management systems and progressive corrective action processes.
• Disability accommodation requirements and ADA interactive process procedures.
• Employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture initiatives.
• HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Higher education employment environments, including faculty, staff, and unionized employee populations, preferred.

Skills

• Strong investigative and fact-finding skills.
• Effective conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interviewing and active listening skills.
• Ability to analyze complex employee relations issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Presentation and facilitation skills for training managers and employees.
• Strong organizational and case management skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office applications, and case documentation tools.
• Strong report-writing and documentation skills.

Abilities

• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations.
• Manage multiple investigations and employee relations matters simultaneously.
• Interpret and apply employment laws, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Establish trust and credibility with employees, supervisors, and leadership.
• Recommend and implement practical solutions to workplace challenges.
• Work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership and colleagues.
• Remain professional and objective during difficult conversations and investigations.
• Identify trends and recommend proactive employee relations and engagement strategies.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Development, or a closely related field.
• 2-5 years of human resources experience, specifically employee relations and workplace investigations.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a higher education setting and/or in a union environment.
• Experience with ADA administration.
• Knowledge and experience in Workday.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification

Job Classification

• Job Classification: Staff
• Duty Days: 260
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm
• Grant Funded Position: No - Not Grant Funded
• FLSA Status: United States of America (Exempt)
• Pay Basis: Salary
• Hiring Range $59,000.00-$66,375.00
• Retirement System: SERS - SERS (Retirement System Classification)

A competitive benefit package and challenging work environment allows Owens to attract the most qualified individuals to support the College's mission.

Founded in 1965, Owens continues to offer an affordable, quality education to those who are seeking an associate degree, continuing education courses and professional development.

The Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus covers more than 280 acres and is located just five minutes from downtown Toledo. The Findlay-area Campus is located at 3200 Bright Road in one of Ohio's most progressive cities. There are many job opportunities available on both of our campuses.

Owens Community College is an Affordative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Owens Community College, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]