Employee Relations Partner

About UsAugusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values make Augusta University an institution like no other.Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state.The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy and can be found online at Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at LocationAugusta UniversityOur Health Sciences Campus:1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912College/Department InformationOur mission in the Human Resources Division of Augusta University is to serve as a strategic resource for making Augusta University a top-tier university that is a destination of choice for education, health care, discovery, creativity and innovation. We enable and enhance the effectiveness of the organization by delivering reliable and creative HR services and solutions that support our customers and advance the university mission, vision and values. We provide HR expertise, strategic and timely support, creative and competent advice, meaningful and courteous service, and efficient and reliable processes.Job SummaryUnder the supervision of the Director of Employee Relations: The Employee Relations Partner serves as a strategic advisor and subject matter expert in employee relations related workplace matters. This role is responsible for fostering a positive and productive academic environment by providing guidance on employee relation matters, conflict resolution, performance management, and compliance with institutional and legal standards. The Employee Relations Partner collaborates positively and closely with academic leadership, human resources, and other stakeholders to support faculty well-being, engagement, and institutional goals.ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Advisory ServicesServe as a trusted advisor to faculty members, employees and academic leadership on workplace concerns, faculty policies, and employment matters.Provide guidance on faculty performance management, professional development, and workplace accommodations.As needed, collaborate with the Academic Leaders and others supporting the process to offer consultation and support regarding workplace disputes.Conflict Resolution & InvestigationsAssist in mediating faculty disputes and promoting resolution strategies.Conduct impartial investigations into complaints and policy violations, preparing findings for leadership review.Draft reports, summarize findings, and provide recommendations, ensuring clarity and follow-up.Work with legal and compliance teams to ensure fair and consistent outcomes.Policy Interpretation & ComplianceEnsure institutional policies and procedures align with labor laws, accreditation standards, and best practices for higher education faculty.Assist in training and educating faculty and administrators on relevant policies and proactive performance improvement plans as well as progressive discipline when needed.Faculty Performance & Conduct ManagementProvide guidance on addressing faculty performance concerns, including developing plans, recommendations and guidance with performance.Support academic leaders in handling faculty misconduct, professional standards, and workplace expectations.CollaborationWork with academic and HR leaders to align faculty relations with institutional goals.Build strong relationships with faculty and staff to foster collaboration.Confidently present employee relation related information to leadership, faculty, employees, and external audiences.Other DutiesPrepare and analyze monthly statistical reports.Maintain accurate records and summarize meeting notes.Understand employment laws and review processes fairly and consistently.Interpret reports related to Employee Relations.Schedule and coordinate annual training with relevant departments.Support ongoing Employee Relations training efforts.Develop and lead professional development training sessions.Perform additional duties as needed to support HR and Augusta University.Required QualificationsBachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. Two years of Employee Relations experience or a comparable field.Preferred QualificationsMaster's Degree, SHRM, HRCI or other HR specific certification. Experience in Higher Education. Experience working with Employees in varying levels.Knowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesABILITIESAbility to analyze and interpret legal documents, such as court rulings and regulations, to assess their impact on university policies.Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with administrators, staff, faculty, and community partners.Ability to use independent judgment in handling sensitive situations while maintaining confidentiality, neutrality, and discretion.Commitment to fairness, due process, and respect for all individuals. KNOWLEDGEKnowledge of federal and state laws and regulations.Experience in assessing and investigating complaints, including conflict resolution, interviewing, and advising SKILLSStrong writing and research skills to create clear, concise, and accurate reports on complex and sensitive topics.Skilled in handling sensitive issues, problem-solving, and resolving conflicts through effective communication.Shift/Salary/BenefitsShift: Days; Monday - Friday (work outside of the normal business hours will likely be required of an employee in an exempt level position)Pay Band: B12Salary Minimum: $62,300.00/annuallySalary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the positionRecruitment Period: Until FilledAugusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us todayConditions of EmploymentAll selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.Other InformationThis position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.Equal Employment OpportunityAugusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.How To ApplyConsider applying with us todaySelect University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the universitySelect University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employeeIf you need further assistance, please contact us