Employee Relations Specialist- HR

Department: Human Resources

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary range beginning $65,700, with small adjustment based on qualifications

Work Schedule: Mon- Fri, general business hours (occasional need for evenings);work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Workplace challenges are rarely black and white. We’re looking for an experienced Employee Relations/HR professional who can navigate complex situations with curiosity, sound judgment, and a commitment to fairness.

In this role, you’ll serve as a trusted resource for employees and leaders across the University, supporting internal dispute resolution, workplace investigations, mediation, risk mitigation, stay interviews, and culture checks. You’ll listen carefully, ask the questions others may miss, identify emerging issues, and help turn difficult situations into constructive next steps. Success in this role requires the ability to uncover critical information, handle resistance diplomatically, actively listen, answer questions thoroughly, and remain patient and composed during every interaction

You’ll conduct thorough interviews, maintain accurate and confidential documentation, prepare clear investigative reports, and apply a working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEOC and labor-related requirements.

The ideal candidate builds rapport quickly while maintaining professional boundaries, remains impartial when perspectives conflict, and brings high emotional intelligence to handle sensitive conversations with respect and discretion. You’ll need to be equally comfortable working independently and partnering with HR colleagues, University leaders, and other stakeholders as priorities evolve.

Job Summary

Plans, organizes and performs highly complex professional, technical and analytical work to implement human resources programs, policies and procedures related to human resources functional area.

Essential Functions

Consults with and proactively advises Human Resources Business Partners and leadership on human resources programs, policies and procedures. Provides prompt resolution of requests and questions specific to functional area, which may have been escalated due to the specialized and highly complex nature. Serves as a subject matter expert in functional area; works closely with leaders to understand, refine and prioritize their needs. Performs complex data analysis utilizing internal and external data to assist with decision making. Retrieves and organizes data for internal utilization and reporting. Evaluates programs, policies and procedures to assess effective utilization of resources and ensure progress on University's strategic initiatives. Formulates, develops, recommends and/or implements action for program and/or process improvement. Leads and/or participates in human resources projects.

Job Duties

Internal dispute resolution.
Conduct investigations individually or as part of a joint team.
Risk mitigation or mediation.
Facilitate stay interviews or culture checks.

Required Education and Experience:

• 60 hours of undergraduate college coursework in business administration.
• Seven (7) years of experience in human resources or related field. An additional 60 hours of undergraduate college coursework can be substituted for two (2) years of experience and 30 hours of graduate coursework can be substituted for an additional two (2) years of experience.

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced interviewing and active listening techniques;
• Professional and legally defensible report writing;
• High emotional intelligence and impartiality;
• Advanced knowledge of labor and employment regulations;
• Ability to create, review and revise employment & related policy;
• Adept in use of a computer to access, interpret, and record information;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, leaders, staff and faculty, employees of other
• Departments, representatives of outside agencies, and other stakeholders;
• Tactical communication skills to provide advice and counsel in difficult conflicts and disputes;
• Ability to research and analyze data to create executive recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, Employee Relations, Business Administration, Employment Law, or Labor Relations.
• Direct experience conducting workplace investigations in higher education.
  HR Business Partner or Employee Relations experience is preferred, particularly experience working within complex organizational systems such as higher education.

Additional Information:

Physical Requirements:

Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to remain in a stationary position.

Additional Physical Requirement: