What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employee Relations Specialist position at Mount Holyoke College?
Job No
R-0000003458
Position Title
Employee Relations Specialist
Faculty Or Staff
Staff
Full Time Or Part Time
Full time
In-Person, Hybrid, Or Remote
Hybrid
Minimum Starting Rate Of Pay
$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
Background Checks
Full Job Description
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:
R-0000003458
Position Title
Employee Relations Specialist
Faculty Or Staff
Staff
Full Time Or Part Time
Full time
In-Person, Hybrid, Or Remote
Hybrid
Minimum Starting Rate Of Pay
$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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Master's degree, SHRM-CP/PHR certification, higher education experience, and collective bargaining experience.
Background Checks
Full Job Description
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.
Salary : $69,637