Employee Relations Partner-Faculty

Job ID: 284406

Location: Augusta University

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Employee Relations: The Employee Relations Partner-Faculty serves as a strategic advisor and subject matter expert in faculty-related 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 faculty well-being, engagement, and institutional goals.

Responsibilities

• Advisory Services: Serve as a trusted advisor to faculty members, employees and academic leadership on workplace concerns, faculty policies, and employment matters. Provide guidance on faculty 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 & Investigations: Assist in mediating faculty disputes and promoting resolution strategies. Conduct impartial investigations into complaints and policy violations, preparing findings for leadership review. Draft reports, summarize findings, and provide recommendations, ensuring clarity and follow-up. Work with legal 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 faculty. Assist in training and educating faculty and administrators on relevant policies and proactive performance improvement plans as well as progressive discipline when needed.
• Faculty Performance & Conduct Management: Provide guidance on addressing faculty performance concerns, including developing plans, recommendations and guidance with performance. Support academic leaders in handling faculty misconduct, professional standards, and workplace expectations.
• Collaboration: Work with academic and HR leaders to align faculty relations with institutional goals. Build strong relationships with faculty and staff to foster collaboration. Confidently present employee relation related information to leadership, faculty, employees, and external audiences.
• Other Duties: Prepare and analyze monthly statistical reports. Maintain accurate records and summarize meeting notes. Understand employment laws and review processes fairly and consistently. Interpret reports related to Employee Relations. Schedule and coordinate annual training with relevant departments. Support ongoing Employee Relations training efforts. Develop and lead professional development training sessions. Perform additional duties as needed to support HR and Augusta University.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business, or a related field; Minimum 2 years of experience in Employee Relations or a comparable field.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree, SHRM, HRCI or other HR specific certification. Experience in Higher Education. Experience working with Faculty.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Abilities: Ability to analyze and interpret legal documents, such as court rulings and regulations, to assess their impact on university policies. Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with administrators, staff, faculty, and community partners. Ability to use independent judgment in handling sensitive situations while maintaining confidentiality, neutrality, and discretion. Commitment to fairness, due process, and respect for all individuals.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations. Experience in assessing and investigating complaints, including conflict resolution, interviewing, and advising.
• Skills: Strong writing and research skills to create clear, concise, and accurate reports on complex and sensitive topics. Skilled in handling sensitive issues, problem-solving, and resolving conflicts through effective communication.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days; Monday - Friday (work outside of the normal business hours will likely be required of an employee in an exempt level position). Pay Band: B12. Salary Minimum: $62,300.00/annually. Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position. Recruitment Period: Until Filled. Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.