Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Position Summary

The Senior Employee Relations Specialist manages a variety of responsibilities within the employee relations function of the human resources department, including handling a variety of employee relations and performance management cases, with increased independence, ownership, and complexity, serving as an experienced resource within the employee relations function. This includes performance management cases, facilitating the semi-annual performance review process, leaves and accommodations, and exit interview process. This position may also flex into other functional areas of HR in order to provide assistance and/or back-up support.

The firm has one available position in either Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Cleveland, OH, Dover, OH, Long Beach, CA, or Portland, OR.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Research and resolve a variety of complex employee relations and performance management issues/concerns for designated positions, with minimal direction from Assistant Director of Human Resources. Recommend course of action from coaching to formal discipline to termination decisions.
• Draft employee relations meeting notes, performance improvement plans, disciplinary actions, and other types of communication/documentation for employee relations cases.
• Track and follow up on employee relations cases until the case is resolved and closed.
• Provide data driven employee relations insights to identify emerging trends, mitigate risk, and support the development of proactive ER strategies.
• Conduct intake of employee concerns received by email, phone or via the company’s case management system.
• Coach leaders on effective communication techniques for employee issues.
• Assist with internal investigations in response to concerns or complaints and recommend appropriate actions.
• Act as witness or note-taker for employee relations cases being managed by the Assistant Director of HR.
• Facilitate the semi-annual Performance Review process for designated office(s) or client groups, including assisting with system set-up, supporting leaders in developing content/message, as well as conducting HR review and approval of feedback.
• Conduct exit interviews and oversee process; assist in monthly tracking of turnover data.
• Collaborate and provide backup support for managing requests for employee accommodations (ADA), including facilitating the interactive process between employee and manager, requesting clarification as needed, as well as reviewing supporting documentation and identifying/recommending appropriate and reasonable accommodations, as necessary.
• Assist in developing and presenting employee and management development training courses.
• Assist with Human Resources projects and collaborate with employees within HR and across other departments to support business needs.
• Provide back-up support to the HR department for coverage or other special projects as needed.
• Complete other job duties as assigned
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to lead by example and lead with a positive and collaborative approach.
• Ability to mentor and grow staff in functions of the employee relations area.
• Display strong analytical skills, including the ability to gather information, conduct analyses, present findings, identify trends, translate findings, and create solutions. Must have superior skills in writing/documentation, assessing employee relations situations, take a coaching/collaborative approach, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, in particular the ability to analyze and interpret complex HR policies and law and translate them clearly to staff at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, with the ability to assess risk and recommend compliant, practical solutions.
• Ability to conduct or lead complex employee relations investigations, including interviewing, evidence analysis, credibility assessments, and preparation of clear, defensible documentation and findings.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in complex or sensitive employee relations matters and to independently recommend appropriate resolutions.
• Ability to effectively consult with and influence leaders at all levels, providing clear guidance on employee relations matters, performance management, and appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to support organizational change initiatives by anticipating employee relations impacts and advising leaders on communication, risk, and employee concerns.
• Complete work accurately with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to develop rapport with a variety of personalities, maintain a calm and professional demeanor during stressful situations, and effectively defuse escalated personnel situations.
• Ability to effectively prioritize a fast-paced and varied workload, effectively manage a variety of concurrent and shifting priorities.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive work-related information.
• Strong computer skills, including solid skill in the Microsoft Office suite (prefer advanced skill in Excel) and familiarity with a variety of HR software programs (Paychex Flex and Workday, preferred)
• Able to work evenings and weekends based on position needs.
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related area plus a minimum of 8 years of experience directly managing employee relations cases. HR Generalist and/or HRBP experience would be considered in lieu of specialized roles.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a multi-state organization. Prior experience working in a professional services firm. HRCI/SHRM certification is desirable.

Why work with us?

Novogradac is committed to fostering a welcoming workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to grow. We believe in offering a supportive, balanced work environment that encourages professional growth and work-life integration.

We Are Proud To Offer

• Increased number of paid holidays per year
• Competitive salaries with continuous review of market conditions
• Flexible working hours and work arrangements
• Remote and hybrid opportunities
• Inclusive workplace, providing strong professional growth and development opportunities
  
  
  

The Benefits Of Joining Our Team

• Strong growth opportunities
• Competitive benefits package
• 401(k) package with firm profit-sharing
• Strong emphasis on quality work-life integration
• Dress for your day policy
• Resources of a national firm
• Opportunities to engage with our active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), affinity groups, and advance your career within a supportive, inclusive environment
• Compensation: $93,000 to $126,000 depending on experience. More is possible if experience dictates.
  
  
  

Don't meet every single qualification?

After reviewing this job posting, are you hesitating to apply because you don’t meet all the listed requirements? At Novogradac, we are dedicated to building a workplace supported by unique perspectives and experiences, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

You may still be the right candidate for this or one of our other roles.

Get to know us better!

We’re Novogradac, a national certified public accounting and consulting firm headquartered in San Francisco. Founded in 1989, the allied group of Novogradac companies has grown to more than 800 employees and partners with more than 25 offices throughout the country.

Novogradac is one of the nation’s top 40 certified public accounting and consulting firms and is a recognized leader in real estate and community development. Novogradac provides publicly and privately held national enterprises with a full spectrum of audit, tax, valuation, expert witness and litigation support, property compliance and general consulting services and works extensively in the affordable housing, community development, historic preservation and renewable energy fields.

Ready to learn more?

To be considered for this position, interested candidates MUST apply via our company website:

Commitment to Inclusion

Novogradac is committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process, making reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or special needs throughout the application process. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply, as we believe that unique perspectives strengthen our ability to achieve excellence.

At Novogradac, we offer a variety of Employee Resource Groups and Affinity Groups to provide all employees with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and support one another in the workplace.

Novogradac & Company LLP offers a progressive work environment, competitive pay and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, life/disability insurance, commuter flex accounts and a 401(k).

Novogradac and Company LLP is an equal opportunity employer. Novogradac’s culture is centered on education, acceptance, innovation and opportunity. We value diversity and respect the different perspectives that each of our employees bring to Novogradac no matter their age, race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace for our entire workforce.

By submitting an application with us, you are providing Novogradac with personal information. More information on how we use your personal information may be found in our .