HR – Employee Relations Senior Specialist

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, occasional weekends and evenings may be required. Must be available for emergency situations as determined by ASI and the University. Hybrid eligible

Overview

Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) employs student-focused professionals with equity-mindsets. Established in 1963, Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) is a non-profit corporation led by a 14-member board of elected student leaders. ASI is an auxiliary organization authorized by the California State University Board of Trustees to perform Student Life functions for Cal Poly Pomona students. ASI provides opportunities for student engagement, student leadership and employment, and a multitude of Student Life programs and services e.g., recreation and wellbeing, student union and activities, student government, clubs and organizations, food pantry, and childcare. The administrative and student support areas of ASI include human resources, financial services, information technology, facilities management, and marketing. ASI employs approximately 500 part-time students and 60 full-time staff members. ASI accepts the responsibility for conscientiously managing mandatory student fees and state-owned facilities: $18M annual operating budget, $5M annual debt service, approximately $24M in reserves, and 294,253 square feet of student space (student union, recreation center, and pool). ASI is in the Cal Poly Pomona Division of Student Affairs with a dashed reporting line to Administrative Affairs. ASI serves the entire campus population, including over 28,000 students.

As an evolving learning organization, ASI is human-centered and strives to live its values of care and growth. The purpose of ASI is to transform lives by engaging every student. With a commitment to learning, continuous improvement, and innovation, ASI employs dynamic team members who support team learning, co-creation, radical candor, psychological safety, growth mindset, and live out equity, diversity, and inclusion practices.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the general supervision of the Employee Experience Manager, the Employee Relations Senior Specialist plays a key role in fostering a human-centered, psychologically safe, and learning-driven workplace by conducting and providing oversight of fair, thorough, and timely investigations into employee concerns. This position ensures that employee relations issues are addressed with care, neutrality, and equity, while also promoting constructive conflict resolution and mediation strategies. This position will act as a consultant to management on employee relations issues, develop and maintain standard operating procedures for the employee relations team, and develop training and prevention protocols to promote a supportive, high-trust workplace culture, while ensuring compliance with legal standards. In alignment with ASI’s guiding ideas, the Employee Relations Senior Specialist contributes to a student learning-centered HR Department by working collaboratively with organizational stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Supervisory Responsibilities

· Responsible for supporting the recruitment, supervision, training, development, performance management, and guidance as needed to area personnel, setting goals, preparing evaluations of their performance, and cross-training effectively work towards a cohesive, collaborative, and synergistic team within the unit and department; (2) Employee Relations Assistants

· Ensure assigned operations in the area are carried out in accordance with established policies and procedures based on organizational and department goals and progressive human-centered HR standards

· Provide oversight of the team to ensure that work is properly allocated and completed in a timely and accurate manner and guide overall priorities for the department area

Employee Relations & Investigations

· Lead and oversee timely, objective, and thorough investigations into workplace concerns, complaints, and policy violations, ensuring equitable outcomes

· Serve as a neutral factfinder, conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and preparing detailed reports with findings and recommendations

· Ensure compliance with ASI policies, university regulations, employment laws, and best practices related to employee relations

· Partner with leadership and HR to develop and implement corrective action plans, training, and systemic improvements based on investigation outcomes

· Provide consultation and support to managers and supervisors, in collaboration with the Manager Support Team, to ensure proactive and effective handling of workplace concerns

· Oversees and maintains detailed digital records of investigations and their related outcomes

· Reports findings to Employee Experience Manager and senior management and prepares reports for external agencies, as required

Conflict Resolution & Mediation

· Act as a trusted mediator, facilitating dialogue between employees to resolve conflicts in a way that strengthens relationships and promotes a learning culture

· Utilize restorative practices, coaching, and structured mediation to address interpersonal and team dynamics, ensuring that concerns are resolved constructively

· Guide supervisors and employees in effective conflict resolution techniques, helping to create a culture where feedback is welcomed and psychological safety is protected

· Provide coaching to managers on handling sensitive employee relations issues with empathy, fairness, and adherence to organizational values

Collaboration & Culture Development

· Partner with the Employee Experience Manager to support initiatives that enhance employee engagement, well-being, and workplace culture

· Work collaboratively with the Manager Support Team to provide guidance and tools for supervisors, ensuring managers are supported in handling employee relations matters effectively

· Serve as a thought partner in the design, implementation, and enhancement of a values-aligned performance management system that encourages feedback, development, and accountability

· Provide insights and recommendations to leadership based on employee relations trends, ensuring proactive solutions to workplace challenges

· Identifying trends or patterns in employee behavior or complaints and recommending preventive measures, recommends the development and implementation of programs to improve employee morale and engagement, as needed

· Working closely with the learning and development team to identify, design, and deliver training including the development of tools, resources, and workshops that equip managers and employees with the skills to navigate workplace challenges effectively

· Responsible for the creating and developing long-term relationships with external groups and offices (i.e. Title IX, Care Center, etc.) to create ongoing resources/support

· Management of Unemployment Insurance process and timely contact with third party administrators

· Assist with creation of employee wellbeing activities/programs according to trends

· Oversees effective, direct communication with ASI employees on all changes to policies and procedures, as needed

· Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the employee relations team

· Collaborates with stakeholders and adjacent areas/units with area/unit updates, process changes and cross-area/unit initiatives

· Assist with general HR inquiries, issues and discrepancies from employees, managers, and administrators, as needed

General

· Assist with preparing cost estimates for budget recommendations, budget reconciliations, and processing orders, as requested

· Support internal and external audits

· Maintains an inclusive environment by providing exceptional customer service for ASI staff, management, and candidates

· Actively stays updated on current and future legal changes related to state and federal regulations and make recommendations for action to remain in compliance

· Actively engage as an organizational leader in all ASI team learning and training as well as ASI and University meetings, task teams, and committees

· Role model the behaviors of ASI core values, constantly challenging one’s mental models as an active learner

· Performs other related duties, as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in human resources, organizational leadership, business administration, psychology, or related field;

· A certificate/credential in conducting workplace investigations, or equivalent, preferred

Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Certificate
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – Workplace Investigations Specialty Credential
HR Certification Institute (HRCI) – Professional Investigators Certificate
· Certified Mediator (from an accredited mediation program, e.g., ACR, AAA, IMI, or university-based program) within first year of employment

· Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, or a related field; Two (2) years must include hands-on experience conducting investigations and handling employee complaints,

· Minimum of 1 year of experience in oversight or supervision of others

· Proven experience conducting neutral, fair, and thorough workplace investigations and providing well-documented findings

· Strong mediation, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills, with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics

· Deep understanding of employment laws, workplace ethics, HR compliance, and investigation management software

· Ability to build trust and credibility across all levels of the organization while maintaining confidentiality and neutrality

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex matters clearly and compassionately

· Experience working in higher education, student affairs, or a mission-driven organization, preferred

· Familiarity with psychological safety frameworks and human-centered leadership models, preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Calmly handle all activities and highly confidential information with patience, discretion, excellent professional judgement, courtesy and tact

· Skills in writing comprehensive investigation reports and maintaining detailed records.

· High ethical standards and integrity.

· Empathize with employees while maintaining professional boundaries.

· Handle stressful situations and emotionally charged cases

· Knowledge and ability to develop and implement effective and efficient processes, procedures, and solutions

· Confidently share and discuss ideas, solutions and suggestions with the common objective of selecting the best course of action

· Ability to plan and review a variety of activities and meet important deadlines.

· Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, CSU and ASI policies and procedures.

· General knowledge of the principles of personnel management and supervision and ability to effectively utilize management skills.

· Ability to change priorities when needed to meet changing and overlapping deadlines.

· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse student, staff, faculty, and community members in a courteous manner with emphasis on customer service.

· Knowledge of customer service standards and ability to create policies and procedures as well as motivate, train, and ensure staff provide quality service to all stakeholders.

· Effective interpersonal skills with ability to guide others in a collaborative manner.

· Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

· Technical fluency with computer skills using standard office software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite) and HR related databases.

· Ability to work with limited supervision, takes initiative and makes sound decisions within established guidelines

· Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and a diplomatic, professional demeanor

· Ability to prioritize tasks, display initiative and remain flexible in a changing environment