Employee Relations Manager at Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska

Job Description:

Bellevue University offers quality liberal arts and career-oriented programs at undergraduate and graduate levels to a diverse student body through both in-class and online venues. Our Human Resources team is currently looking for an energetic and knowledgeable individual to fill our Employee Relations Manager position.

Primary Function: As the Employee Relations Manager, the incumbent will partner with University managers and leaders to model our values of innovation and care for others in the area of employee relations. The incumbent will be a leader in our strategic goal of evolving University culture to include strong communication, collaboration, and respect, while continuing to be innovative and risk taking by executing strategies that make Bellevue University a Great College to Work For® . The Employee Relations Manager is responsible for all areas of employee relations including: organizational design and change processes; employee discipline and exits; conducting investigations of employment policy violations, Title VII/EEO allegations, and employee complaints; managing HR policies and processes; recommending HR standards for consistent and cohesive organizational communication strategies; responding on behalf of the organization to unemployment claims and subpoenas for employment records in collaboration with University legal counsel; and managing the University Longevity Award program .

Essential Functions :

• Develops high-trust working relationships with University leaders and employees to create plans that evolve University culture to include strong communication, collaboration, and respect . Works closely with leaders and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Responsible for support and management of organizational design and organizational/employee change processes, including development and refinement of existing workflow and approval processes.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to employment practices and day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks to ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws.
• Manages and resolves complex employee relations issues. Assists managers and leaders in investigating, navigating, and carrying out employee discipline in alignment with University policy.
• Conducts employment investigations of employment policy violations, Title VII/EEO allegations, and employee complaints.
• Manages employee exits, including voluntary and involuntary separations. Coordinates exit processes in collaboration with the Human Resources team. Conducts exit interviews to determine reasons for separation. Measures and evaluates exits and makes recommendations to increase retention.
• Manages HR policies and processes, including ownership of the Employee Handbook and other relevant employment policies and procedures. Measures and evaluates the effectiveness of existing policies and procedures and makes recommendations for continuous improvement opportunities.
• Provides support and guidance to leaders and employees on questions regarding employee relations, policy interpretation, and HR procedures.
• Recommends HR standards for consistent and cohesive organizational communication strategies. Designs and implements branding for HR communications and communication strategies for employee outreach.
• Responds on behalf of the organization to unemployment claims and subpoenas for employment records in collaboration with University legal counsel.
• Manages the University Longevity Award program.
• Acts as HR representative and advisor on the University COVID Response Team.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Development, Leadership, Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in employee relations.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience with fair employment practices, including in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to employment practices and day-to-day management of employees.
• Demonstrable experience conducting employment investigations. Must have strong interviewing, listening, negotiation, decision-making and conflict resolution skills.
• High level of skill in handling sensitive and confidential situations/information with the demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and remain calm under pressure .
• Experience with HRIS systems required; ADP experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent customer service orientation with the ability to gather information, research concerns and resolve issues.
• Must have strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess strong attention to detail, good organizational skills with the ability to ensure accurate work.
• Ability to work independently, but as part of team concept.
• Flexibility and the ability to operate under stressful, time-sensitive deadlines with multiple priorities.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse and inclusive environment with staff, faculty, and leaders.
• Proficiency in using a computer and a variety of software, including Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.

• Honesty and Integrity- Shows a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values regarding one's actions.
• Empathy- Understanding someone else's feelings and experiences. Understands that someone else's perspective can strengthen the ability to connect with others and develop a broader view of the workplace culture.
• Resilience- Makes and carries out realistic plans; adapt well and bounces back quickly in times of stress, challenges, setbacks and change. Utilizes mindfulness in communications and job performance.
• Decision-Making Capabilities- Evaluates circumstances and considers alternatives by determining the pros and cons. Uses critical thinking skills to reach objective conclusions. Demonstrates ability to make decisions under pressure while helping team members overcome obstacles.
• Accountability- Responds to and takes ownership of an issue and delivers results as expected.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bellevue University, the largest private, non-profit university in Nebraska, is located just south of Omaha and is part of a vibrant and prosperous metropolitan area of nearly one million residents. Forbes has ranked Omaha as the nation's most affordable place to live (2011), one of the top ten fastest growing cities in America (2010), and one of the best places for business and careers in America (2010). We emphasize teaching excellence, cyber-active learning, and interactive education. Benefits (health, dental, vision, tuition, etc.) are available with this position.

For more information, check out our home page at http://www.bellevue.edu .

The Higher Education Opportunity Act requires institutions participating in federally funded financial aid programs to make information about the institution available to the public, current and prospective students, and current and prospective employees. The Bellevue University Consumer Information webpage, found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/consumer-information , provides readily accessible information to help consumers make informed decisions about post-secondary education. Bellevue University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR), found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/pdfs/annual-safety-report.pdf , provides information about campus crime statistics and institutional security policies and procedures as well as information about student housing fire statistics and fire safety policies. You can obtain a paper copy of these reports from the Bellevue Dean of Students office by calling 402-557-7028. In addition to this, Bellevue University is an Equal Opportunity Employer .