Employee Relations Partner

About Us

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today.

Job Summary

This position serves as a strategic advisor and subject matter expert with employee relations workplace matters. This role is responsible for fostering a positive and productive academic environment by providing guidance on employee relation matters, conflict resolution, performance management, and compliance with institutional and legal standards. The Employee Relations Partner collaborates positively and closely with academic leadership, human resources, and other stakeholders to support employee well-being, engagement, and institutional goals.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Advisory Services

Serve as a trusted advisor to various members of the campus, to include employees and academic leadership on workplace concerns, employment policies, and employment matters. Provide guidance on performance management, professional development, and workplace accommodations. As needed, collaborate with the Academic Leaders and others supporting the process to offer consultation and support regarding workplace disputes.

Conflict Resolution and Investigation

As or when needed, coordinate or help to mediate related disputes, foster constructive dialogue and resolution strategies. Conduct thorough, impartial investigations, complaints, and policy violations. Collaborate with legal counsel and compliance teams to ensure fair and consistent outcomes.

Policy Interpretation & Compliance

Ensure institutional policies and procedures align with labor laws, accreditation standards, and best practices for higher education. Partner with academic leadership to review, update, and implement related policies. Assist in training and educating and administrators on relevant policies and proactive performance improvement plans as well as progressive discipline when needed.

Performance & Conduct Management

Provide guidance on addressing performance concerns, including developing plans, recommendations and guidance with performance. Support academic leaders in handling misconduct, professional standards, and workplace expectations.

Collaboration

Partner with various supervisors: Business Managers, Department Administrators, Deans, Department Chairs, Provosts, and other HR leaders to align relations strategies with institutional priorities. Cultivate a positive rapport with staff in various departments to ensure that we are working together collegially by guiding. Present information to various levels of leadership/employees and when necessary, individuals outside the organization professionally and with ease. Collaborate with teams to promote retention strategies through advisement and counsel. Represent the institution in employee related discussions, committees, and advisory groups.

Other Duties

Prepare and interpret the monthly statistics processes. Must be a detailed and excellent keeper of records and summarize meeting notes. Understanding employment law and practices, fair and consistent review of processes. Reviewing/running and interpreting reports related to Employee Relations matters. Schedule annual training with the appropriate departments to ensure proactive collaboration is fostered and encouraged. Independently ensure engagement with continuing education within this discipline is coordinated. Create and lead innovative and when possible, hands-on sessions for professional development. As needed, conduct investigations and prepare the findings for the review of leadership. Represent the institution in employee-related discussions, committees, and advisory groups. Prepare draft written documentation as needed; summarize investigation findings and provide recommendations and follow up to ensure all are confident in the direction. All duties as assigned/requested for the betterment of our HR Division and Augusta University.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Two years of Employee Relations experience or a comparable field.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Management or related. SHRM-CP Certification; 4 years of experience.