Manager - Employee Relations

Employer: Harper College

Location: Palatine, Illinois, United States

Salary: Competitive Salary

Date posted: Mar 3, 2026

Position Type: Administrative, Business & Administrative Affairs, Human Resources (HR), Chief Business Officers & Vice Presidents, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Executive

Employment Type: Full Time

ABOUT US

We are Harper College…the college in your community.

The College was established by referendum in 1965 and opened September 1967. It is named for Dr. William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago.

Harper College is now one of the nation’s premier community colleges and one of the largest, serving approximately 29,000 students annually in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. The College’s academic programs prepare students for rewarding careers and for transfer to four-year universities. Harper offers associate degree and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce training, professional development, continuing education classes, accelerated degree options for adults and developmental education programs.

At Harper College, we are committed to fair and equitable compensation for all employees. In compliance with Illinois state law, we prioritize transparency in salary information. Our salary ranges reflect our dedication to attracting and retaining top talent while ensuring equitable pay practices. We encourage open discussions about compensation and invite you to reach out with any questions you may have regarding salary details. Harper College typically offers compensation up to the median market rate for this position. We aim to ensure our pay is competitive while aligning with both the role's requirements and the candidate's experience. To review all benefit information visit us at:

https://www.harpercollege.edu/about/directory/hr/index.php

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible for the human resources functions of employee and labor relations, performance, Title IX compliance and education efforts and investigation of employee and student discrimination claims

Characteristic Duties:

• Responsible for labor contract administration including the processing of grievances and/or arbitrations for all employee groups. Advises and assists in disciplinary matters, supervisory problems and formal grievance procedures.
• Serve on the Title IX Compliance team to support efforts and education of student and staff. Stays abreast of changes in Illinois and federal law such as: Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Clery Act, Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act and updates College policies and procedures accordingly.
• Manages the Title IX process from initial conversation to formal investigation and resolution.
• Investigates and resolves employee-student and student-student Title IX cases of sexual misconduct, discrimination and sexual violence.
• Responds to outside agencies (such as IDHR, EEOC, OCR,) for requests for information and position statements with regards to Title IX, Title VI and Title VII.
• Investigates employee-employee and student-employee discrimination complaints with regards to Title VII, and the ADA.
• Responsible for counseling of supervisors and employees regarding employment/discipline issues.
• Mediates interpersonal and professional conflicts and misunderstandings.
• Serves as the HR representative for the Harper Early Alert Team (HEAT).
• Assists the Chief Human Resources Officer with drafting proposals for labor contract negotiations and assists in formulating negotiation strategies.
• Assists the Chief Human Resources Officer in the planning of labor relations issues including, but not limited to, salary and fringe benefit negotiations with represented groups.
• Interprets policies, procedures, and handbook guidelines for all staff.
• Facilitates employee understanding of College policies and procedures. Recommends appropriate development and training support for institutional practices and priorities.
• Writes recommended changes to and maintains the Classified, Administrator’s and Supervisor’s Manuals.
• Assists employees in developing personal/professional growth and development plans.
• Develops, conducts and evaluates findings from the exit interview process.
• Participates on various institutional committees as assigned to represent Human Resources function on service related issues.
• Recommends personnel policy additions or changes as needed, and communicates revisions or additions to procedures as they occur.
• Assures that all written office procedures are current and maintained.
• Performs other duties as designated by the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirement:

Work is primarily indoor and sedentary in nature.

Equipment/Tools Used:

Utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, in order to perform the duties of the job.

Supervision:

Reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications:

Education: Master's Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred. Bachelor’s degree required. PHR or SPHR certification preferred.

Experience: Minimum five years of progressively responsible human resources experience in an administrative, supervisory or union leadership capacity required. Three years of this experience must have been in an administrative or leadership position responsible for employee/ labor relations. Experience in a College or University setting is preferred.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Harper College Human Resources team recruits, develops and protects the college’s most valuable resource – its employees. The HR team is dedicated to attracting, retaining, and supporting a qualified diverse workforce in order to meet the educational needs of the students. The HR team does this by providing quality service to the internal and external campus community, and adhering to open, equitable and ethical personnel standards.