Sr. Employee Relations Consultant

Location: Raleigh, NC

Posted: 2026-10-04

Essential Job Duties:
The Consultant provides advanced level strategic consultation to staff, faculty, post doctoral scholars, and administrators to support an engaged work environment and resolve workplace problems before they escalate to formal grievances, external complaints, or legal action. The Consultant mitigates institutional risk of non-compliance with employment law and provides training to campus units and partners as appropriate. The Consultant advises managers and hiring units on performance concerns and defensible corrective and disciplinary actions or sanctions to help ensure compliance with federal, state, university, Office of State Human Resources (OSHR), and campus employment laws, policies, and regulations. The Consultant will have programmatic responsibilities that may include performance management, engagement building, grievance, appeal and/or mediation programs, corrective action, training on employee relations (ER) issue identification and just-in-time remediation, and/or others as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities:

ER Consultation and Issue Resolution - 50%

• This position is required to deal with highly complex, intense, and sensitive personnel issues and situations. Therefore, the incumbent is expected to identify and analyze problem areas, uncover root causes, and recommend action plans which provide effective strategies to allow the client's organization to achieve the desired goal/outcome.
• The position analyzes each situation and develops, facilitates, and recommends effective resolution strategies. The position must also evaluate each situation as to the urgency of circumstances and resources required and determine the appropriate parties to involve.
• The position addresses a variety of issues to include unlawful discrimination or harassment, alleged violations of policies and/or state and federal laws, reports of safety violations, provide guidance concerning employee performance issues, and assistance with recognition events.
• This position provides expertise in discipline and grievance matters by meeting and counseling employees and management on issues concerning the university's grievance and disciplinary procedures.

Program Management - 15%

• This position will assume responsibilities for one or more programs managed through Employee Relations. These may include but are not limited to: managing the University's Employee Assistance Program; administering the Dispute Resolution and Staff Grievance Procedure; administering relevant human resources policy development; administering the performance management programs for SHRA and EPS employees; managing the mediation program; and managing the Exit Interview program, and assisting with the university and System Office Employee Engagement initiatives.

Workplace Investigations - 15%

• This position will conduct detailed investigations of workplace related incidents and reported concerns, while appropriately engaging with business partners and advising client groups.

Training - 10%

• This position will have responsibilities to recommend, assess, develop, implement and conduct training on a wide variety of employee relations topics at both the university and client level. These may include performance management, conflict resolution, wellness, management essentials, engagement and other employment related opportunities.

Project Management -10 %

• May lead or participate in cross-functional project teams to modernize ER workflows, roll out proactive organizational culture and compliance programs, and translate workplace trend data into scalable solutions.

If you are an experienced Human Resources/Employee Relations professional who enjoys navigating complex workplace concerns, providing thoughtful consultation, and developing solutions that support employees, managers, and the University, we welcome you to apply. In this role, you will have the opportunity to use your expertise in employee relations, investigations, performance management, training, and program development to help address workplace challenges and strengthen effective employment practices across NC State.

Other Work/Responsibilities:
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Minimum Experience/Education:
Bachelor's degree with 2+ years experience in Human Resources with a focus in Employee Relations.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret and communicate federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures to employees, managers, and constituencies at all levels of the University.
• Experience managing complex and sensitive employee relations matters and conducting workplace investigations.
• Thorough understanding of the legal implications of employment-related actions and the ability to effectively communicate those implications and their potential impact on the University's interests.
• Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, with a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes in complex workplace situations.
• Demonstrated judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in assessing and resolving complex and sensitive workplace concerns and advising senior leadership.
• Ability to provide effective advice and coaching to employees and managers, with strong conflict resolution, mediation, and facilitation skills.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively, maintain confidentiality, and effectively engage individuals at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and effectively develop and lead projects, programs, and/or teams.
• Ability to develop, implement, and conduct training and educational programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience with a focus on Employee Relations.
• Experience conducting investigations into workplace concerns.
• Previous experience working as an HR Generalist.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.

Required License or Certification:
N/A

AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.