Employee Relations Specialist

Villanova University, United States

Updated: 1 day ago
Location: Villanova, PENNSYLVANIA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)


Posting Number: 20244037S
Position Title: Employee Relations Specialist
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department: 401-Human Resources
Position Summary:
Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!
Why work at Villanova?
  • Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
  • We believe that an inclusive community fosters an understanding and appreciation for diversity among our students, faculty, staff and administrators. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works to address issues of equity and justice in a variety of ways including workshops, events and employee resource groups
  • Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more .


Join our growing HR team! In line with Villanova’s strategic plan, Rooted. Restless. and under the guidance of the Director of Employee Relations and Compliance, the Employee Relations Specialist will support the employee relations and human resources (HR) compliance team by helping to address issues related to complaints, grievances, claims, and cases to ensure faculty and staff are adhering to applicable standards, appropriate regulations and best practices. The position will assist with policy updates, creating and maintaining standard operating processes, conducting reviews and investigations of alleged violations or misconduct, preparing reports of investigation findings, and making recommendations for appropriate action. This role will help to identify trends in employee relations and compliance topics across the university and make recommendations for ways to proactively address concerns. Acting with a high degree of integrity, the Employee Relations Specialist will ensure that all cases assigned to the employee relations and HR compliance team are documented and acted upon in an appropriate, timely and thorough manner.
The Employee Relations Specialist – as part of our new center of excellence model – will partner with supervisors, campus partners and leaders, as well as other Human Resources teams, to support initiatives that promote positive relations among faculty and staff and will be a champion for Villanova’s culture and values.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Thoroughly reviews, analyzes, and provides guidance on employee issues including but not limited to performance management and corrective action.
  • Supports and facilitates the preparation of documentation such as Performance Improvement Plans and corrective action notices.
  • Assists with terminations in partnership with management and key internal constituents.
  • Interprets policies, procedures, and recommends appropriate progressive corrective action and records performance and disciplinary issues while partnering with supervisors and campus partners.
  • In partnership with the Director of Employee/Labor Relations and HR Compliance, monitors and ensures compliance with all relevant domestic and international employment laws and regulations at a national, state/province and local level; supports a system to identify specific compliance requirements and works with appropriate staff to ensure requirements are met.
  • Serves as Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the University.
  • Maintains and updates university policies and procedures as needed. Collaborates in projects to enhance employee relations and HR compliance processes.
  • Counsels faculty and staff members on workplace issues, University policies and applicable employment laws to ensure compliance with legal and administrative requirements. Helps employees through interpersonal conflict and guides them through the process of reaching successful resolution.
  • Maintains accurate and organized documentation in employee files. Maintains and updates case database of all employee relations inquiries and investigations.
  • Assists with managing the exit interview process by conducting exit interviews and assist with providing data and reports from exit surveys, as needed.
  • Collaborates in developing employee relations and compliance training programs and helps to facilitate training as needed.
  • Takes part in tracking and monitoring various compliance initiatives related to employee relations. Provides assistance with related compliance projects.
  • Performs additional duties and assists with special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred; a combination of post-secondary coursework and HR/ER experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
  • A minimum of two years’ experience working in a Human Resources or related environment required, preferably in the Higher Education industry.
  • Knowledge of state and federal employment laws, rules, regulations, and collective bargaining procedures required. Knowledge of HR compliance required.
  • Experience with HR compliance, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, complaint investigation and other employee relations-related activities required. Experience that supports the establishment and maintenance of positive working relationships with diverse constituents required.
  • Must exhibit in philosophy and practice a high level of support for the mission and values of Villanova University, the Human Resources department, and our shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Must be able to serve as a community builder, business partner, team player, and servant-leader.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and conflict-management skills required. Excellent interpersonal skills required, including the ability to work collaboratively and effectively across lines of difference and with diverse interest groups.
  • Must be highly organized and able to manage competing priorities. Must be able to protect confidentiality of information at a high level.


Consideration for Senior Employee Relations Specialist:
Candidates that have a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) and a minimum of four (4) years’ experience working in a Human Resources or related environment, in addition to the job knowledge outlined, may be considered for a Senior Employee Relations Specialist role.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • HR certification (such as PHR or SHRM-CP) and/or master’s degree in HR, business, or related field preferred.
  • Experience with Title IX and experience working with faculty strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date: 06/05/2024
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
Commensurate with experience
Salary Band: I
Job Classification: exempt

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