Labor and Employee Relations Specialist

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program (EAP); tuition remission; and generous time off.

Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

The  Labor & Employee Relations Specialist role will join a dynamic and supportive LER team, where we work collaboratively to support each other's case workload. The LER Specialist will demonstrate an understanding of the University's Jesuit mission by providing caring and compassionate attention to LER matters, enhancing the overall customer experience, and fostering a culture of excellence among the workforce.

Reporting to the Director of Employee and Labor Relations, the Labor & Employee Relations Specialist serves as a key resource in supporting positive employee and labor relations across the University. The Specialist assists in the administration of employee relations programs, workplace investigations, labor relations activities, performance management matters, disciplinary processes, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and compliance initiatives. 

Due to the nature of employee and labor relations matters, this position may require occasional evening and weekend work to support investigations, labor negotiations, employee meetings, emergency response activities, and other operational needs.

Coordinates the intake and initial assessment of employee relations matters, providing actionable recommendations to leadership on performance counseling, dispute resolution, and disciplinary actions in accordance with University policy and collective bargaining agreements.

Supports positive labor-management relationships by assisting with the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements, grievance processes, labor-management meetings, and contract compliance.

Ensures that departmental policies, practices, processes, and guidelines comply with laws and regulations; assists with drafting, implementing, and interpreting policies, procedures, and guidelines at the departmental level.

Conducts workplace investigations involving allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, policy violations, and other employee relations concerns. Interviews complainants, respondents, and witnesses; analyzes findings; prepares investigative reports; and recommends corrective actions and remediation measures.

Assists department leaders in matters relating to stakeholders' feedback (e.g., students or special programs) and recommends strategies to improve the implementation and creation of successful departmental programs.

Drafts and presents training programs, workshops, and educational resources related to performance management, employee conduct, workplace investigations, labor relations, conflict resolution, and policy compliance.

Utilizes data analytics, reporting tools, automation technologies, and emerging AI solutions to improve operational efficiency, case management, trend analysis, documentation practices, and overall service delivery within Labor and Employee Relations.

Provides administrative and project support to the Director of Labor and Employee Relations.

Records accurate minutes during workplace investigation meetings, labor/employee relations conferences, union contract negotiations, etc.

Supports the implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of labor and employee relations case management and tracking systems, ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and compliance with record retention requirements. Conducts research and evaluates technology solutions that enhance productivity, reporting capabilities, knowledge management, and employee relations operations.

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

Minimum of two years' professional experience in the field of Human Resources, including experience in employee relations, labor relations, workplace investigations, or employment compliance.

Experience in a unionized environment and higher education setting is preferred.

SPHR, PHR, SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, and/or certifications in Employee Relations and Investigations.