Employee Relations Consultant

Department: Human Resources

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The George Mason University office of Human Resources invites applicants for the position of Employee Relations Consultant. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich George Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the Position:

Reporting to the Director of Employee Relations, the Employee Relations Consultant provides managerial support, advice, counsel, conflict resolution, and problem solving to faculty and staff in need of employee relations assistance or resources.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with faculty (instructional, research, clinical, administrative and/or professional) and staff to provide assistance for a variety of complex issues to include interpersonal conflict, work-related and personal concerns, performance issues, and other matters to seek resolution and/or identify and facilitate solutions;
• Provides counsel, coaching, and support to classified staff supervisors on classified staff performance management, disciplinary/conduct related concerns, and workplace conflict to include mediation, facilitation of meetings, and management of the grievance process;
• Guides individuals and teams on how to effectively address and resolve workplace concerns and mediate the resolution of issues;
• Provides guidance and consultation with George Mason units and campuses on faculty and staff issues, by being present at on the main campus as well as satellite campuses as needed. Represents the Employee Relations team on committees and in meetings as directed;
• Responds to inquiries from faculty and staff, providing clarification of policies and other work-related procedures and matters;
• Builds relationships with the Employee Assistance Programs, community-based resources for domestic abuse, substance abuse, mental health issues, and other needs that may arise and need referrals; and
• Initiates investigations that fall under HR's scope, such as environmental assessments, culture/climate assessments, policy violation investigations, etc.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field;
• Advanced degree in human resources or a related field, or a combination of education and significant related experience equivalent to an advanced degree;
• Considerable experience in an employee relations role (generally five or more years);
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to personnel matters;
• Knowledge of employee relations practices in a large complex organization;
• Demonstrated common knowledge or understanding of cultural differences;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to effectively analyze information and evaluating results to identify the best solution;
• Ability to address and resolve problems collaboratively with others, as well as by using independent judgment to select proper course(s) of action;
• Ability to handle complex sensitive issues in a professional and confidential manner;
• Ability to build collaborative and mutually beneficial working relationships with people of different backgrounds;
• Ability to observe, listen, and build relationships, demonstrating a caring, competent, and optimistic approach to individuals and problems;
• Problem sensitivity and deductive reasoning abilities, including ability to recognize problems and apply general rules to produce effective solutions;
• Ability to seek, consider, and communicate diverse perspectives and ideas; and
• Ability to handle tight deadlines and changing priorities effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field;
• Considerable employee relations experience in a higher education or other highly complex organization; and
• Experience with faculty matters, state classified staff grievance processes, and alternative dispute resolution.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Employee Relations Consultant at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a resume and cover letter for review.

Posting Open Date: December 20, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 20, 2025

Open Until Filled: Yes