Employee Relations Consultant III

develop and maintain positive working relationships between an organization and its people? If you are, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We hire great people from a wide variety of educational, career, and personal backgrounds, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us a stronger team. Our mission is to develop partnerships that have a positive impact on the university community by offering consultations, facilitation and conflict resolution strategies for workplace issues. We encourage fair employment practice, provide counsel and advice to supervisors about employment-related inquiries, and revise and implement university policies and procedures that are fair and consistent. The Employee Relations Office within Human Resources Administration seeks to hire a high performing Employee Relations Consultant III who will add value to the Employee Relations team by helping to maintain a positive environment for those who work for Georgia State University. WHAT MAKES GSU A GREAT PLACE? Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc. A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners. Professional development opportunity and mentorship. A rapidly growing center within an academic setting. POSITION SUMMARY: This Employee Relations Consultant III is intended to provide advanced consultation and subject matter expertise for the most complex, sensitive, and high-risk employee relations matters and is expected to exercise a higher degree of independent judgment, manage significant institutional risk, lead formal investigations and grievance-related processes, develop and revise policy guidance, identify workplace and organizational risk trends, and serve as a lead resource or mentor to other consultants. The intent is to fill multiple vacancies from this posting, primarily recruiting for the Employee Relations Consultant III. Based on the selected candidate's relevant work experience, education, and/or credentials, the role may be filled at the Employee Relations Consultant II level. KEY RESPONSIBILTIES: Manages the most complex, sensitive, and high-risk employee relations matters and provides advanced consultation to university leadership, HR partners, and other key stakeholders regarding discipline, separations, workplace climate concerns, conflict resolution, organizational risk, and policy interpretation. Leads formal investigations from intake through resolution, including planning the investigative approach, interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, assessing credibility, preparing findings and recommendations, and advising leadership regarding appropriate next steps. Oversees grievance, hearing, appeal, and unemployment-related matters requiring advanced preparation, process management, quality assurance, and coordination with appropriate campus and external stakeholders. Develops, revises, and interprets employee relations policies, procedures, templates, and guidance materials in response to legal updates, institutional priorities, case trends, and operational need; serves as a subject matter expert on employee relations policy and practice. Analyzes employee relations data, recurring workplace concerns, and organizational trends to identify areas of risk and recommend proactive solutions, preventive strategies, and process improvements. Designs and facilitates advanced training for leaders, HR professionals, and campus stakeholders on investigations, documentation, retaliation prevention, grievance processes, difficult conversations, and consistent policy application; mentors lower-level consultants and serves as a lead resource on projects and initiatives. SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES: Excellent consulting, communication, and interpersonal skills. Strong problem-solving abilities. Ability to work with sensitive information Demonstrated ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with leaders at all levels. Significant independent action and judgment are required, subject to university-wide policies. Salary offers will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications in relation to the Minimum Hiring Standards. Candidates earlier in their careers are typically offered salaries closer to the minimum of the hiring range, while those with more advanced or relevant experience may be considered for compensation at or above the hiring range. Disclaimer: This job requisition provides a high-level job definition. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive or exclusive list of job duties. As such, job duties and/or responsibilities within the context of this job requisition may change at the discretion the employee's direct supervisor. Qualifications: Minimum Hiring Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and five years of progressively responsible related experience, or a combination of education and related experience. Preferred Hiring Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience in higher education or a similarly complex organizational environment. Department: Employee Relations Location: Atlanta Campus Shift: 8:30AM - 5:15PM Salary: $60,600 - $91,700 FLSA Status: Exempt Job Type: Full Time (Benefits Eligible) Special Instructions: To be fully considered for this position, all candidates at the time of submission must provide the following documents: A complete and accurate GSU application Cover Letter Resume Finalist will be required to provide 3 professional references Georgia State University Values COMMUNITY: Fostering a distinctive shared identity and common purpose across our multi-campus university, IDENTITY, PLACEMAKING & BELONGING: Respecting the dignity and value of all people and perspectives through honorable conduct based on engagement, fairness, access, and civility, TRANSFORMATION: Intentionally pursuing knowledge, practice, and scholarly rigor to inspire lifelong learning, and to make our community and the world a better place INTEGRITY: Adhering to our values, mission, and the truth through respectful cooperation and effective stewardship of resources, EXCELLENCE: Achieving the highest standards and distinction in teaching, research, and service, STRATEGIC INNOVATION: Embracing invention and creativity in the pursuit of meaningful discovery using our collective talents USG Core Value Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 . Equal Employment Opportunity Georgia State University is an equal opportunity employer with regard to veterans and individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability,, genetic information, or protected veteran status. Background Check Successful candidate must be able to pass a comprehensive criminal background investigation and other background searches as applicable to the job such as credit check and Motor Vehicle Record. Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime: Georgia State University is committed to its students' and employees' safety and security. It complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) to provide information on certain crimes on campus. This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority, ensuring that reported crimes are routed to the appropriate University office. Please note, Georgia State University's career board updates daily and requisitions are subject to be removed without prior notice or before the posting expires. Georgia State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status. Georgia State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.