Employee Relations Manager

Why Work at BYU   

As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.” 

Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work. 

Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Employee Relations Manager

The purpose of this position is to facilitate the resolution of grievances/complaints of work-related issues through consultation with management and employees. This position also provides a forum in which employees and employer may feel safe sharing confidential issues. This position coordinates progressive discipline at the University and handles issues in a manner that minimizes University risk and maximizes employee performance.

What you will be doing in this position

Facilitate the resolution of employer/employee disputes, issues, and complaints.

• Investigate formal and informal complaints and develop strategies to resolve issues and grievances.
• Provide a confidential forum for managers and/or employees to ask questions, review problems, clarify options.
• Counsel with employees and managers, separately or jointly, in mediation and clarification of roles.
• Provide a reframing environment for employees, sharing info regarding management’s perceptions and providing options.
• Handle complaints in a timely and equitable manner.
• Provide individual career counseling.

Consult with and provide guidance to management throughout the progressive discipline process.

• Monitor and assist in developing appropriate disciplinary action for employees with performance, work ethic, behavioral and other problems.
• Write and review letters of warning/understanding or discipline.
• Write separation release documents for employees transitioning out of the University.
• Assist in developing paths for management to follow during the disciplinary process.
• Provide a non-emotional perspective to the progressive discipline process and reframe management’s perspective to achieve the needed employee behavioral change. Define risks, options, appropriateness of actions, fairness, and equity, accompanied with employee rights.
• Monitor and authorize in consultation with appropriate personnel involuntary terminations, if needed.
• Stay current on employment law changes.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with management at all levels.
• Conduct investigations, coordinate potential high-risk issues with General Counsel.
• Apprise departments of laws and policies that interact with their issues.

The following represent areas assigned by the managing director:

• Investigate equal opportunity complaints and provide reports of findings.
• Coordinate with Leaves/Accommodations Manager when an accommodation due to a disability is requested.
• Coordinate with Title IX Office when complaints of sexual misconduct arise by staff or student employees.
• Provide leadership coaching for campus leaders related to development, conflict resolution, communication skills, or other topics relevant to leadership development.
• Supervise and coordinate the University Ecclesiastical Coordination program
• Supervise and coordinate the University Background Check program
• Manage University Unemployment Compensation Program
• Participate as a member of the Ban Review Committee

• Oversee the review of all exit survey monthly and quarterly reports and provide feedback to appropriate area administrators. Provide managing director with insights and analysis of exit surveys through reporting metrics.
  • Provide guidance when policies need to be revised.

Provide University personnel with employment law and University policy training at all levels.

• Train University personnel in a variety of proper handling of Employee Relations issues such as, documenting discipline, developing positive employee relations, how to deal with difficult employees, FMLA, legal landmines, etc.

What qualifies you for this role

Education/Experience

Minimum Required:   Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field and 10 years of employee relations and/or equal opportunity work experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Preferred: An advanced degree in counseling and/or human resources.

Skills, abilities, knowledge, licenses, certifications

Required:  

• Experience with employee discipline and termination laws, regulations, theories, and processes.
• Excellent communications (both written and verbal).
• Extensive counseling experience.
• Interpersonal skills, including creating interpersonal relationships, sometimes very quickly.
• Interactive skills, negotiation, sensing, mediation, and presentation skills.
• Thorough knowledge of personnel and labor laws, processes, and functions.
• Working knowledge of unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, and disability laws and their application.
• In-depth understanding of university structure, mission, organization, and policies.

What we offer in return:

This position comes with fantastic benefits, including:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans) 

• Excellent work-life balance: 13 paid holidays + 22 days paid vacation + 12 sick days, accrued annually 

• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household 

• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members 

• Access to athletic facilities 

• Excellent medical/dental benefits 

• Short/long-term disability benefits 

• Paid parental and maternity leave 

• Wellness Program 

• Free on-campus parking 

• Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents 

• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU 

Pay Grade: 55

Typical Starting Pay: $92,000-$119,000

The actual compensation offered will take into consideration internal equity and may vary based on the candidate’s job-related experience, knowledge, skills, and other relevant factors. Candidates with very significant work-related experience may receive an offer higher than the posted typical range.

Required Documents:

All Staff positions require a resume.

Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!