The Employment Relations Specialist at the University of Wisconsin - Stout is responsible for serving as a liaison between employees, supervisors and management. They will interpret contracts, conduct employment investigations, and serve as a point of contact for faculty and staff hearings. They will assist supervisors with managing workplace expectations and performance management coaching and working through disciplinary matters by interpreting and applying policy and procedure.
Official UW Standard Job Description: Employment Relations Specialist I
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Labor Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field by employment start date.
- Three (3) years of experience working within a Human Resources (HR) department with two (2) of those years being in the field of employment relations/labor relations.
- Experience with developing, implementing, and operationalizing HR policies and workplace procedures.
- Proficient understanding of employment laws, regulations, and best practices in HR management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a higher education environment or public sector.
- PHR (Professional in Human Resources) or equivalent HR certification.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills evidenced by the ability to work effectively across multiple levels of the organization.
Responsibilities
- Advises employees, supervisors, managers, and human resources staff regarding sensitive employee issues and documents activities according to established policies and procedures.
- Serves as subject matter expert for employee relations policies and processes.
- Assists in the development and delivery of programs and policies aligned with objectives and employee relations strategies.
- Schedules logistics and secures resources for managers regarding the resolution of workforce relations issues.
- Participates in grievance issues, employee disciplinary transactions and terminations, and exit interviews.
- Drafts, updates, and presents training material.
- Works as a valued member in the department to study procedures, implement change, and recommend new methods of accomplishing efficient and effective value-added work.
Department Information
The University of Wisconsin - Stout's (UW-Stout) Human Resources (HR) office provides leadership, policy development, guidance, and functional expertise to sustain and engage a talented, diverse workforce in one of the nation's premier higher education systems. We are a trusted partner that values diversity, promotes equity, nurtures resilience, and considers the impact of decisions on our greatest resource: people. We model integrity and high ethical standards as we engage in strategic partnerships that advance the greater mission of UW-Stout and the Universities of Wisconsin.
Application Instructions
Complete applications received by end of day, April 14, 2025 are ensured full consideration. Applications submitted after April 14, 2025 may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee or until position is filled. To apply, click on the APPLY button or go to: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/careers-jobs
Required application materials
1. Cover letter (* See below)
2. Curriculum vitae or resume
All final candidates will be asked to provide names, email contact information, and/or phone numbers for three (3) references, with at least one being from a manager or supervisor, during the interview process.
*Please use your cover letter to speak to each of the Minimum/Required Qualifications for this position as listed above. For each required qualification, describe your relevant experience, using specific examples from your work history to illustrate how your experience satisfies the requirement.
Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application.
Note: Once you have attached your materials and submitted your application you will not be able to go into the system and change them.
Before starting the online application process, we recommend you preview the frequently asked questions (FAQs) available at: https://kb.uwss.wisconsin.edu/21900
It is the policy of UW-Stout to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact us using the information below. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual's disability.
For questions regarding this position or recruitment, please contact:
Search Chair: Cally Henderson
Phone: 715.232.2289
Email: hendersonc@uwstout.edu
If you need assistance with the online application process or if you submitted your application prior to uploading all the required application materials, please contact:
Search Coordinator: Heather Knutson
Phone: 715.232.5194
Email: knutsonh@uwstout.edu
Additional Information
The annual starting salary is up to $60,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Universities of Wisconsin provides an excellent benefits package including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan, demonstrating our commitment to the diverse needs of our employees. UW-Stout is certified as a Family Friendly Workplace which recognizes market-leading employers for employee benefits and commitment to supporting children and families.
- Benefit Details: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf
- To calculate the estimated value of your total compensation, use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator | Employee Benefits (wisconsin.edu)
UW-Stout is committed to nondiscrimination in its employment practices and to equal employment opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate against, harass or retaliate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (as defined in state and federal law), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, marital or parental status, genetic information, arrest record, conviction record, military service, veteran status, use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer's premises during non-working hours, political affiliation, declining to attend a meeting or participate in any communication about religious matters or political matters, honesty testing, or any other category protected by law.
As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, UW-Stout welcomes applications from individuals from diverse groups; veterans, individuals with disabilities and from historically excluded populations. At UW-Stout we value our differences and welcome diverse perspectives as we continually commit to developing an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees and students.
Employment is contingent upon the final candidate's completing a criminal background check and being cleared to work by the Human Resources Office. Employment is also contingent upon the final candidate passing reference checks. The University reserves the right to contact additional references, with prior notification to candidates. The reference check process includes asking the final candidate and most recent supervisor(s) questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Final candidates with previous employment within the Universities of Wisconsin and State of WI agencies will be subject to additional reference checks.
Official transcripts required at time of hire.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. A successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment and for maintaining work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact our Human Resources office, Phone: 715.232.2149.
In response to a public records request, the Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in their online application, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
UW-Stout is committed to providing safety and security of all members of our community in accordance with the Clery Act. For campus safety information and crime statistics visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/life-stout/police-and-parking/clery-information
