HR Employee Relations Associate (HR Manager) - HEA

POSITION DETAILS

**Excluded**

The HR Employee Relations Associate provides strategic leadership and management of employee relations and human resources functions for the City College of New York. Reporting to the Executive Director of Human Resources and serving as their backup, this role ensures a positive and inclusive work environment by advising on HR policies and handling employee relations issues. This position is integral to maintaining a positive and productive work environment within the City College of New York, ensuring the effective execution of HR policies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth through delegation, motivation, and provision of needed resources. This streamlined role focuses on high-level strategic responsibilities to support a dynamic, fast paced, and effective HR environment.

(Campus-specific Information and duties)

• Manages the Classified Staff grievance process, including facilitating grievance hearings, recommending decisions, supporting timely and appropriate resolution of labor issues, and working with management and union officials to resolve issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Conducts highly confidential investigations of complaints; facilitates and recommends resolution of conflicts and mediates disputes.
• Oversees employee relations programs, activities, and initiatives.
• Advises supervisors and employees on employment and performance issues and recommends appropriate courses of action.
• Leads the end-to-end Reasonable Accommodation Review process in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state/local regulations, and University policy. This includes but is not limited to conducting timely and thorough assessments of accommodation requests including review of medical documentation, evaluating job requirements, and collaborating with legal counsel and department leadership to ensure a fair and equitable process.
• Serves as a point of escalation and provides guidance on various types of leave requests to HR team members.
• Evaluates unique or challenging leave scenarios and provides clear, actionable recommendations to HR staff to support consistent decision-making.
• Provides direction and leadership to administrators and staff on HR policies, procedures, guidelines, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Provides ongoing training to managers and supervisors on performance management, disciplinary processes per labor contracts, and recommends strategies to resolve problems and disputes.
• Consults with the Office of the General Counsel and the Office of Labor Relations on employee relations issues, when appropriate.
• Manages compliance with mandatory training initiatives and leads the Annual Review process with union representatives and facilities.
• Evaluates internal processes and implements continuous improvement.
• May serve as a Business Partner to critical departments and provide HR support.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and six years’ related experience required.

Preferred:

• Eight to ten years of human resources experience including employee relations and labor relations.
• SPHR or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Experience conducting Step 1 and Step 2 hearings, investigations and/or mediations.
• Knowledge of relevant state and federal employment laws and government compliance requirements applicable to human resources.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal employment laws and human resources compliance requirements.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to engage and work with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including preparing professional reports and delivering presentations to varied audiences.
• Strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate information and develop sound conclusions, recommendations, and action plans.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion, with a commitment to confidentiality and the ability to build and maintain productive working relationships.
• Demonstrated leadership

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Manages a portfolio of Human Resources programs and operations at the College level.

• Assumes responsibility for delivery of one or more human resources programs, which may include recruitment, performance management, labor relations, pay administration, recordkeeping, and/or human resources technology
• Manages staff responsible for carrying out operations in the Human Resources office
• Directly supports College department chairs and managers in staff planning, recruiting, hiring, and resolving sensitive personnel issues regarding their employees
• Provides guidance on the impact of laws and regulations, CUNY policies, and collective bargaining agreements
• Provides outreach to employees and provides communications such as meetings, newsletters, and web sites
• Compiles accurate and well-organized reports
• Assists management with developing policies, procedures, and programs to support Human Resources' objectives
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: HR Manager

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Associate

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary Range: 113,982-129,041. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement.

CUNY’s benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.