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North Carolina State University

Sr. Employee Relations Consultant

Raleigh, United States

Posting Information

Posting Number

PG194248EP

Internal Recruitment

Working Title

Sr. Employee Relations Consultant

Anticipated Hiring Range

$75,000 - $86,000

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm with additional days & hours as needed. Flex work opportunities exist, however this is primarily an on-site position at NC State

Job Location

Raleigh, NC

Department

HR Employee Relations

About the Department

The Department of Employee Relations, a unit within the Division of University Human Resources (UHR) at NC State University, provides leadership, programs, and confidential consultation to administrators, managers, faculty, and staff in support of a positive and productive workplace. Employee Relations is committed to delivering high-quality, responsive solutions to address issues related to employment, organizational effectiveness, and the overall university work environment.

Employee Relations works in close partnership with campus stakeholders to address faculty and staff relations matters. Key partners include the Office of General Counsel, Faculty and Staff Ombuds Office, Office for Equal Opportunity, Risk Management, Environmental Health and Public Safety (including University Police), as well as governance groups such as the Faculty Senate and Staff Senate.

Programs and services offered by Employee Relations include, but are not limited to:

Administration of the University’s Employee Assistance Program (for employees and their families).
Oversight of the Dispute Resolution and Staff Grievance Procedures.
Guidance on human resources policy development.
Administration of the performance management program for SHRA and EHRA employees.
Coordination of the Unemployment Insurance reporting and appeals process.
Management of the Mediation and Exit Interview programs.
Support for university and UNC System Office Employee Engagement initiatives.

The Facilities Division includes more than 900 positions that support the university’s teaching, research, administrative, and infrastructure needs across 2,240 acres of campus. The Division delivers a wide range of services—design and construction, maintenance, custodial, landscaping, solid waste removal, utilities, mail, and motor pool services—operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The mission of Facilities is to provide cost-effective services that meet regulatory standards, minimize liability, and reduce disruptions, while maintaining and improving the university’s buildings, grounds, and equipment.

Facilities Human Resources (HR) serves as the first point of contact for Facilities Division employees for all HR needs, including:

Timekeeping, payroll, and leave administration.
Hiring, classification, and compensation.
Training coordination and performance management.

With a focus on the unique needs of the Facilities Division, Facilities HR provides relevant, effective, and streamlined services aligned with the Division’s goals, objectives, and values.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:

Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The Employee Relations Consultant position is a 60/40 split between the NC State Facilities Division and the Office of University Human Resources (UHR). The position reports directly to the Director of Employee Relations and has a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Director of Facilities HR.

This role provides advanced, strategic consultation to staff, faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and administrators to foster an engaged and productive work environment, resolve workplace challenges, and mitigate risks before they escalate into grievances, external complaints, or legal action. The Consultant ensures compliance with federal, state, UNC System, and university employment laws, policies, and regulations, while supporting organizational effectiveness and positive workplace culture.

University Human Resources Responsibilities:

Provide high-level consultation to campus stakeholders on workplace concerns, including employee performance, conduct, and organizational issues.
Advise managers and units on performance concerns and recommend defensible corrective and disciplinary actions or sanctions.
Mitigate institutional risk of non-compliance by ensuring adherence to employment laws, OSHR guidelines, and university policies.
Lead or support programmatic responsibilities such as:
- Performance management
- Employee engagement initiatives
- Grievance, appeal, and mediation programs
- Corrective action processes
- Training and education on employee relations (ER) issues and just-in-time remediation
Manage complex and sensitive personnel issues by identifying root causes, analyzing problem areas, and recommending strategies for resolution.
Investigate workplace incidents and concerns, collaborating with relevant partners and advising client groups.
Provide expertise in grievance and disciplinary matters, including:
- Counseling employees and management on procedures
- Assisting employees with grievance filings
- Facilitating mediation or appeals processes
- Training managers and employees through workshops or one-on-one consultation
Serve as a subject matter expert on employee relations policy, timelines, and compliance requirements.

Facilities Division Responsibilities:

Partner with the Director of Facilities HR to develop, implement, and maintain initiatives that promote a positive organizational culture across Facilities’ varied departments (Building Maintenance & Operations, Business Operations, Design & Construction, and Campus Planning & Strategic Investment).
Lead or co-lead climate checks and other large-scale inquiries to address identified culture or performance issues.
Provide direct, on-site support to Facilities leadership, managers, and employees on complex employee relations cases.
Triage high-level issues in collaboration with the Director of Facilities HR and the Director of Employee Relations.
Support engagement work within the division, including designing and managing programs to strengthen organizational culture.
Manage the Facilities Division exit interview process, prepare summary reports, and recommend strategies for improvement.
Assist with organizational studies, including position and structural reviews, in collaboration with division leadership.
Proactively assess the work environment, identify organizational challenges, and recommend solutions to drive cultural change and continuous improvement.
Represent Facilities HR as needed on committees, project teams, or in the absence of the Director of Facilities HR.

Other Responsibilities

This position requires independent judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage highly sensitive and complex personnel matters.
The Consultant plays a critical role in shaping a positive workplace culture, ensuring compliance, and supporting both UHR and the Facilities Division in advancing their organizational goals.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Graduation from a four-year college or university and at least 4 years of progressively responsible experience analyzing, interpreting, applying, communicating and promoting HR best practices in the context of organizational goals and objectives; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, apply and communicate federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures to a wide-ranging constituency at all levels of the University.
Experience in managing complex and sensitive employee relations issues and conducting workplace investigations.
Thorough understanding of, and demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, legal implications of actions taken and the impact of those actions on the University’s interests.
Demonstrated expertise in employee relations and a proven track record of successful results.
Exceptionally strong leadership and engagement skills, as well as a highly collaborative leadership style.
Ability to provide appropriate and effective advice and coaching to employees and managers as needed.
Strong interpersonal, critical thinking, analytical and organizational skills, given the varied programmatic responsibilities included in the position.
Considerable diplomacy and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Highly proficient written verbal and non verbal communication skills.
Demonstrable excellent judgment in effectively assessing and resolving complex and sensitive workplace situations and in advising senior leadership.
Strong conflict resolution, mediation and facilitation skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to effectively develop and lead projects, programs and/or teams.
Ability to develop, implement, and conduct training and educational programs.
Proficient with Google G Suite and Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Preferred Qualifications

5+ years with a focus in Employee Relations with experience in conducting investigations of workplace concerns. Previous experience as a HR Generalist. Experience working in higher education or state/local government preferred but not necessary. Knowledge of ER case management tools and use of metrics.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

Valid NC Driver's License required

Commercial Driver's License required

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date

09/25/2025

Anticipated Close Date

Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for at least three professional references.

Position Details

Position Number

00110775

Position Type

Exempt Professional Staff

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.0

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID

480701 - HR Employee Relations

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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