What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Employee Relations Consultant position at University of Colorado?
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The Human Resources Department at CU Boulder invites applications for a Principal Employee Relations Consultant! This position is responsible for providing employee relations guidance to departmental HR Business Partners and department leaders across the campus community.
Employee Relations is a neutral campus partner offering guidance regarding performance management, progressive discipline, inquiries, separations, and leave while utilizing applicable university laws, policies and best practices.
This role provides guidance to HRBP, employees and campus leaders in addressing grievances, dispute resolutions and appeals process through the State Personnel Board Rules and Procedures and COWINS procedures. This role may assist in developing policies and procedures for the Boulder campus that follow federal, state and local laws and State Personnel Board Rules and Procedures, COWINS procedures.
Employee relations can provide and assist with occasional training regarding unemployment compensation, leave programs such as FMLA, FAMLI, STD, LTD, PERA, leave sharing, the reasonable employer process, worker's compensation, Labor Relations, and progressive discipline.
Human Resources (HR) contributes leadership, guidance, tools and services to support employees throughout their careers at CU Boulder and to cultivate a culture which upholds the campus' strongly held values. HR partners with campus in the achievement of the campus vision and strategic imperatives.
Provide Employee Relations Guidance & Training:
- Advises all UCB and System Administration employees regarding all policies and procedures overseen by the Office of Employee Relations.
- Provides advice and guidance regarding the progressive disciplinary and grievance processes.
- In collaboration with HRBP, addresses grievances and dispute resolution matters.
- Evaluates, confers, advises and recommends methods of conflict resolution in a variety of labor relations issues.
- Supports complex cases and processes related to Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) and Department of Threat Assessment.
- Ensures advice is consistent with the state personnel rules and procedures and University and campus policies and guidance provided by University Counsel.
- Reviews corrective actions and disciplinary actions to ensure they align with State Personnel Board Rules and Procedures and University policies.
- Ensures defensible decisions by departments through advice and guidance in consultation with University Counsel.
- In collaboration with the Leave Program Manager, provides guidance regarding leave programs, including FMLA, FAMLI, short term disability, long term disability, parental leave, leave sharing, injury leave and PERA disability.
- Understands how the unemployment compensation program is administered.
- Collaborates with HRBPs on all aspects of employment matters.
- Provides training regarding HR processes and programs, as necessary.
- In collaboration with the Program Manager of UCB's performance management, supports program and processes as needed.
Policy Creation & Revision and Program Improvement:
- Researches policies, practices and procedures, case law and training programs and assists in creating new and innovative policies and programs.
- Conducts other research for the team as needed.
- Works with the team and Director to determine what types of programs, policies and training initiatives are needed to improve and enhance the customer experience.
This position provides a hybrid work modality with at least 3 days per week in the office.
The annual hiring range for this position is $82,000-$92,250.
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience working in an HR related field.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the degree.
- Experience reviewing laws, regulations and policies related to Employee Relations matters from a legal perspective.
- 7 years of experience working in a HR related field.
- Experience training and facilitating sessions on topics such as performance management, coaching models, FMLA, etc.
- Understanding of performance management, progressive discipline, grievance and dispute resolution processes, and complex leave programs, such as FMLA, short term disability, and leave sharing programs.
- Understanding of unemployment and worker's compensation.
- Experience implementing Colorado State Personnel Board Rules and Procedures.
- Higher education experience.
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by November 9th, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.