Employee Relations and Leave Coordinator

Summary/Primary Objective of Position:

The Employee Relations and Leave Coordinator supports Minnetonka Public Schools by serving as the district's primary operational expert for employee leave administration and employee/labor relations. This position processes and provides consultation on all employee leaves, including Minnesota Paid Leave, for licensed and non-licensed staff in accordance with federal and state law, negotiated labor agreements, and School Board policy.

In addition, the coordinator serves as a key employee relations resource by leading investigations, determining investigative findings, and making recommendations regarding discipline, coaching leaders on performance and behavior matters, providing training related to labor relations and negotiations, serving as the primary day-to-day contact for all bargaining unit representatives, and serving as a key member of the district's negotiation team for all collective bargaining agreements. The position intentionally builds and maintains strong, professional working relationships with bargaining unit representatives. Final determinations related to discipline, settlements, and negotiated agreements are reviewed and approved by the Director of Human Resources or designee.

Job Responsibilities:

Leave Administration and Consultation

• Process, administer, and provide consultation on all employee leaves of absence, including FMLA, Minnesota Paid Leave, medical leaves, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, long-term disability, childcare leave, and contractual leaves.
• Serve as the District's subject-matter expert on leave laws and contractual leave provisions; advise employees and administrators on eligibility, documentation requirements, timelines, and coordination of overlapping leaves.
• Review leave documentation and determine leave designation in compliance with federal and state law, negotiated labor agreements, and School Board policy.
• Partner closely with Payroll and Accounting to process leaves
• Prepare and maintain required leave documentation, correspondence, and reports for internal review and regulatory compliance.
• Resolve complex or sensitive leave-related issues through consultation, analysis, and collaboration with district leadership.

Employee Relations, Investigations, and Coaching

• Lead and advise on all workplace investigations for licensed and non-licensed staff related to employee complaints, misconduct, performance and behavior concerns, attendance issues, and potential contract or policy violations.
• Determine investigative findings and develop recommendations regarding disciplinary or corrective action for review by the Director.
• Coach and advise principals, supervisors, and other leaders on how to conduct investigations, address performance and behavior concerns, and apply progressive discipline in a fair, consistent, and contract-compliant manner.
• Serve as a thought partner to administrators in managing complex employee relations matters while ensuring consistency, fairness, and due process.
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation related to investigations, coaching, and employee relations matters.

Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining Support

• Serve as the primary operational member of all collective bargaining teams for licensed and non-licensed bargaining units.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all bargaining unit representatives, addressing questions related to contract interpretation, leave administration, and employee relations concerns.
• Proactively build and maintain collaborative, professional relationships with bargaining unit representatives to support effective labor-management relations.
• Serve as a key member of the district's negotiation team for all collective bargaining agreements, supporting preparation, research, documentation, and bargaining activities.
• Assist with grievance processing through fact-finding, documentation, drafting responses, and coordination with district leadership.
• Interpret collective bargaining agreements, School Board policy, and employment regulations to support consistent district-wide application

Collaboration, Training, and Communication

• Provide training to administrators and supervisors related to investigations, employee relations and labor relations and related matters.
• Support district leadership and internal partners to align employee relations and leave practices with district operations.
• Develop and maintain guidance documents, procedures, and communications related to employee relations and leave administration.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional Human Resources experience required.
• Working knowledge of employee relations practices, labor relations, workplace investigations, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, Minnesota Paid Leave, ADA, and leave laws.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and proactively build trusted professional relationships.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to independently coach, advise, and train District leaders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Direct experience handling employee relation matters including investigations and providing performance management guidance to leaders.
• School district or public agency experience.

Salary and Benefits:

Minimum salary is $90,000 with a competitive benefits package.

This position will be placed on an individual letter of assignment, so is not part of bargaining unit.

Preference will be given to applications that are received by November 20, 2026. We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.