OPEN RANK: Senior Specialist, Employee Relations OR Employee Relations Specialist

The Office of Human Resource Services, Employee Relations (ELR) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore develops, implements, policies, practices, and procedures, and assists in ensuring that they are administered consistently and fairly throughout the campus and according to law.   The department is currently recruiting candidates to join the Employee and Labor Relations Team. The successful candidates will provide guidance and resolutions to customers of all levels.  The positions will advise employees and supervisors on matters, such as interpretation of UMB policies and collective bargaining agreements; procedures; FMLA; leave; and performance management, and applicable state and federal employment laws.   

Benefits: Exempt Regular 

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. This position participates in a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job). 

This position has a remote work option of three (3) days/week. 

These positions will be filled at a level based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.  The Specialist and/or Senior Specialist will be tasked with providing updates to the campus regarding any new or changes to policies and procedures as it relates to Employee Labor Relations.

Essential Functions:

Senior Employee Relations Specialist:

Under limited supervision, the Senior Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for the successful application of Human Resource Services (HR) practices, processes, and policies by applying specialized and theoretical knowledge, principles, and concepts of a professional discipline normally acquired through advanced education or specialized training. Resolves issues and significant matters on behalf of management by utilizing an advanced level of  independent judgment, discretion, creativity, and analytical thinking. The Senior Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for investigating and resolving complex conflicts, Employee and Labor Relations issues, addressing grievances and wide range of workplace situations using a collaborative and advanced consultative approach. Contributes to development of goals and objectives. Creates solutions to ensure legal and policy compliance. May independently manage or administer programs, processes, projects, or resources. Applies an advanced level of knowledge, concepts, principles, and skills. Decision making occurs within guidelines and requires significant interpretation. Supervisor defines work guided by goals and objectives. Supervisor assists with unusual situations. Solutions require considerable analysis and evaluation of various alternatives. Independently anticipates needs and requirements to resolve non-routine matters.

• Provide expert guidance to customers of all levels on compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws and regulations. Collaborates with university human resources representatives, managers, union officers, and employees.
  
• Interpret policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal regulations. Provides advanced level input on new and updated system and institution policies and procedures. Develops and implements campus wide training.
  
• Provides high-level mediation consultation between employees and management to resolve workplace conflicts. This includes facilitating discussions and helping parties reach a mutually acceptable solution.
  
• Conduct full and thorough investigations for a wide range of complex Employee and Labor Relations matters (to include fact finding interviews, obtaining documentation and other background information) into allegations of workplace misconduct, policy violations, and other related concerns, ensuring that all cases are handled efficiently and within established timelines. Document and report investigation findings and provide recommendations to the appropriate leadership.
  
• Maintain detailed records of Labor Relations activities, including grievances filed, the outcomes of dispute resolutions, and communications with unions.
  
• Administer the Employee and Labor Relations case management process by meticulously tracking and monitoring all Employee and Labor Relations cases within the dedicated case management system. This duty involves inputting case details, updating statuses, and ensuring accurate documentation throughout the case lifecycle. 
  
• Generate reports and analytics from the case management system to identify trends, measure the effectiveness of employee and Labor Relations strategies, and inform decision-making processes within the Employee and Labor Relations department.
  
• May provide guidance on Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and supplemental leave plans. 
  
• Process and approve all staff layoff requests to include, assessment of department composition, compliance, and appropriateness.
  
• Manage the grievance process from receipt through resolution for assigned cases. This involves investigating complaints, working with both management and employees to address concerns, and ensuring a fair and objective process.
  
• Prepare and assist in the presentation of the University’s position in grievance and unemployment hearings.
  Assist with collective bargaining negotiations with unions over wages, benefits, working conditions, and other terms of employment. 
  
• Developing and delivering training programs for supervisors and staff on Employee and Labor Relations topics, such as performance management, conflict resolution, effective communication, and understanding collective bargaining agreements.
  
• Monitor overall work environment for client groups and relations between Supervisors and Staff, identifying potential issues before they escalate into serious conflicts and/ or disputes.
  
• Participate in various Employee and Labor Relations projects and initiatives, such as performance management, training, employee engagement activities.
  
• Generate reports related to employee experience (exit interviews, pulse surveys, and post-hire focus groups).
  
• Participate as a member committees, projects, or initiatives. Assist in development of project plan and defining scope of work.
  
• Stay  up to date with changes in labor laws, trends in employee relations, and best practices in the field to ensure the organization's policies and practices remain current and effective.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Employee Relations Specialist:

Under general supervision, the Employee Relations Specialist accomplishes responsibilities by applying theoretical knowledge, principles, and concepts of a professional discipline normally acquired through advanced education or specialized training. Resolves issues and significant matters on behalf of management by utilizing moderate level judgment, discretion, creativity, and analytical thinking. Contributes to development of goals and objectives. Creates solutions to ensure legal and policy compliance. May independently manage or administer programs, processes, projects, or resources. Applies intermediate level knowledge, concepts, principles, and skills. Decision making occurs within general guidelines and requires interpretation. Supervisor defines work guided by goals and objectives. Supervisor assists with unusual situations. Solutions require analysis and evaluation of various alternatives. Independently anticipates needs and requirements to resolve non-routine matters.

• Provide guidance to customers of all levels on compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws and regulations. Collaborates with university human resources representatives, managers, union officers, and employees.
  
• Interpret policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal regulations. Provides input on new and updated system and institution policies and procedures. Facilitates campus wide training.
  
• Assist with mediation between employees and management to resolve workplace conflicts. This includes facilitating discussions and helping parties reach a mutually acceptable solution.
  
• Conduct full and thorough investigations (to include fact finding interviews, obtaining documentation and other background information) into allegations of workplace misconduct, policy violations, and other related concerns, ensuring that all cases are handled efficiently and within established timelines. Document and report investigation findings and provide recommendations to the appropriate leadership.
  
• Keep detailed records of Labor Relations activities, including grievances filed, the outcomes of dispute resolutions, and communications with unions.
  
• Track and monitor Employee and Labor Relations cases within the dedicated case management system. This duty involves accurately inputting case details, updating statuses, and ensuring accurate documentation throughout the case lifecycle. 
  
• Generate reports from the case management system and assist with identifying trends and providing recommendations.
  
• May provide guidance on Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and supplemental leave plans. 
  
• Process staff layoff requests to include in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
  
• Process employee grievances, which involves reviewing complaints, working with both management and employees to address concerns, and assisting with ensuring a fair and objective process.
  
• Prepare and assist in the presentation of the University’s position in grievance and unemployment hearings.
  
• Assist with collective bargaining negotiations with unions over wages, benefits, working conditions, and other terms of employment. 
  
• Assist with developing and delivering training programs for supervisors and staff on Employee and Labor Relations topics, such as performance management, conflict resolution, effective communication, and understanding collective bargaining agreements.
  
• Monitor overall work environment for client groups and relations between Supervisors and Staff, identifying potential issues before they escalate into serious conflicts and/ or disputes.
  
• Participate in various Employee and Labor Relations projects and initiatives, such as performance management, training, employee engagement activities.
  
• Generate reports related to employee experience (exit interviews, pulse surveys, and post-hire focus groups).
  
• Participate as a member committees, projects, or initiatives. Assist in development of project plan and defining scope of work.
  
• Stay up to date with changes in labor laws, trends in employee relations, and best practices in the field to ensure the organization's policies and practices remain current and effective.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Senior Specialist, Employee Relations: Bachelor's degree in a related field.  Four (4) years of experience in human resources with at least two (2) years focused on employee and/or labor relations, including mediation, policy development or interpretation, applicable personnel law, or other related business experience.

Employee Relations Specialist: Bachelor’s degree. Two (2) years of experience in the field of employee and/or labor relations, including mediation, policy development or interpretation, applicable personnel law, or other related human resources or business experience. 

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one (1) year of experience. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Being successful in these positions requires building trust with both employees and management and working effectively under pressure.
  
• The roles require excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, as well as a strong understanding of labor law and human resources practices. 
  
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. 
  
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.
  
• Demonstrated case management experience in Employee and/or Labor Relations functions.
  
• Demonstrated strong analytical, problem solving, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to identify and evaluate problems, balance, and achieve multiple priorities, and devise timely and effective solutions in a fast-paced work environment.
  
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including strong public speaking skills.
  
• Strong working knowledge of computers, applicable technology systems, and software, particularly, Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). 
  
• Ability to exercise a high level of discretion, confidentiality, and good judgement, work collaboratively, and foster effective relationships with a broad range of constituents to include administrators, faculty, staff, and union leaders.
  
• Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.
  

Hiring Ranges: Commensurate with education and experience 

Employee Relations Specialist: $75,000 - $85,000

Senior Employee Relations Specialist: $90,000 - $101,000

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at [email protected] .  

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request . You may also contact [email protected] . Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.