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Northwestern University · 1 day ago

Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

Evanston, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$68K/yr - $80K/yr

5+ years exp

Northwestern University is seeking an Employee & Labor Relations Specialist to support the HR Business Partner team and the Director of Labor Relations & HR Policy. The role involves managing personnel records, overseeing unemployment insurance claims, and maintaining effective communication among various stakeholders, while also contributing to process improvements within the HR operations.

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Responsibilities

Prepare and maintain University responses to routine labor union information requests, including bargaining unit roster management and dues payment documentation

Coordinate file and reporting requests from the Office of General Counsel as directed

Provide and prepare timely responses to employee personnel file requests through comprehensive document compilation and Senior HRBP review coordination

Leverage the personnel file management system to facilitate HR processes such as changes in standard weekly hours, terminations, & other relevant processes

Maintain and update HRBP shared drive systems, including comprehensive employee relations file management

Administer weekly exit survey processes including distribution, data analysis, and executive summary report preparation

Oversees HRBP activity log and coordinates with HRBPs to update the log on a regular basis

Serve as the University's primary liaison with the third-party unemployment insurance administrator

Comprehensive unemployment insurance claim management, including information request completion, documentation coordination with Senior HR Business Partners, and hearing notification processes

Identify and report fraudulent claims to appropriate staff and vendor partner

Develop and implement process improvement initiatives through documentation analysis, response rate evaluation, and systematic change management

Manage primary shared HRBP email communications, ensuring appropriate response and escalation protocols

Manage HRBP email inbox and function as first-level escalation contact for askHR service center inquiries, coordinating timely resolution with Senior HR Business Partner involvement as required

Maintain labor union files and prepare reports as requested

Conduct comprehensive intake assessments for HR Business Partner matters under Director guidance

Provide logistical and administrative support for HR Business Partner-led training sessions and professional development workshops

Assist with workplace investigations under senior HR staff supervision

Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures for all assigned functional areas

Reviews applicable laws and regulation updates to ensure ongoing compliance with university policies and applicable regulatory requirements in collaboration with HR leadership and the Office of General Counsel

Other duties as assigned by the Director, HRBP

Qualification

HRIS systemsPeopleSoftOnBaseDeskproEmployee relationsRecords managementProject managementCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsConfidentiality

Required

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

5 years of progressive HR operations or administrative experience, preferably in higher education or complex organizational environments

Proficiency in HRIS systems and enterprise document management platforms, including PeopleSoft, OnBase and Deskpro

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders

Strong organizational and project management capabilities with attention to detail

Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion and professional judgment

Company

Northwestern University

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Northwestern University is a private research and teaching university that offers academic programs across various fields of study. It is a sub-organization of Northwestern Athletics.

Founded in 1851

Evanston, Illinois, USA

5001-10000 employees