An Employee Relations Specialist manages communication and relationships between a company and employees. Participates in the recruitment and hiring process, communication of company policies and employee concerns, and exit interviews. Maintains employee files. Works in conjunction with human resources departments; may work for a company or for a staffing agency.
$69,637.00 Rate of pay commensurate with experience
Start Date:
09/28/2026
Job Description:
The Employee Relations Specialist reports to the Assistant Vice President of Employee & Labor Relations and supports the College's employee and labor relations programs. This role serves as a key resource for supervisors and employees, providing guidance on employee relations, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, performance management, contract interpretation, and compliance. As a member of the Human Resources team, the Specialist collaborates with campus partners to foster a positive, compliant workplace while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Employee Relations Serve as a trusted HR resource, advising employees and supervisors on workplace issues, policy interpretation, conflict resolution, and performance management. Conduct workplace investigations, facilitate employee mediations, and support disciplinary actions. Administer labor relations activities, including grievance management, collective bargaining support, and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements. Develop and deliver supervisor training on employee relations, labor relations, and workplace best practices. Team Collaboration Support HR initiatives, policy development, special projects, and College committees. Collaborate with HR colleagues to provide responsive, high-quality service. Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, and five (5) years of HR experience with a focus on employee and/or labor relations (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Knowledge of employment and labor laws, workplace investigations, and employee relations best practices. Strong communication, analytical, conflict resolution, and presentation skills. Proficiency with HRIS, Microsoft Office, and/or Google Workspace. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree, SHRM-CP/PHR certification, higher education experience, and collective bargaining experience.
Hiring range:
$69-637 - $78,342
Full Job Description Background Checks:
Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy. Special Instructions for
Applicants:
Apply online; application materials must include: A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications A complete resume or curriculum vitae For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.
