Employee Relations Partner (Part-Time) - Office of Human Resources

Are you passionate about fostering a positive and fair workplace? Do you thrive in roles that blend investigative expertise with strategic HR impact?

The Office of Human Resources within Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a dedicated Employee Relations Partner to join our People & Organizational Effectiveness team and help shape a culture of trust, transparency, and excellence across our university community.

In this role, you will directly influence workplace culture by engaging in meaningful employee relations work, partnering with senior leadership, and implementing initiatives that enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.

As an Employee Relations Partner, you will:

• Lead unbiased investigations into internal staff complaints, documenting findings and collaborating with leadership to implement effective solutions.
• Serve as a trusted resource and backup for HR Business Partners, addressing workplace concerns promptly and professionally.
• Partner with the Office of Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel to standardize investigative procedures and improve communication and transparency across the university.
• Analyze employee relations trends and develop initiatives, training, and presentations to enhance campus culture and climate.
• Act as an impartial Hearing Officer for select cases, reviewing reports, conducting hearings, and determining appropriate outcomes.
• Triage and categorize all incoming Ethics Hotline reports, and lead the investigation and resolution process for all reports related to Human Resources matters.
• Maintain confidential and sensitive communication with employees, ensuring all matters are handled with integrity and care.
• Other duties as assigned

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Strong Investigative Skills: Conduct fair, methodical investigations; gather and assess evidence; and document findings clearly and accurately.
• Expertise in Employment Law & HR Policies: Apply federal/state labor laws, university policies, and guidelines to ensure compliance and support informed decision-making.
• Conflict Resolution & Mediation Abilities: Facilitate productive conversations, help resolve workplace conflicts, and maintain positive relationships.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Communicate clearly, professionally, and empathetically across all levels of the organization.
• Analytical & Critical Thinking: Identify trends, analyze complex issues, and recommend data-driven solutions to enhance the workplace environment.
• Emotional Intelligence: Navigate sensitive situations with empathy, tact, diplomacy, and objectivity.
• Collaboration & Influence: Build effective partnerships with HR colleagues, leadership, and legal counsel; influence decisions to achieve positive outcomes.
• Organizational & Project Management: Prioritize competing demands and deliver employee relations initiatives with accuracy and timeliness.
• Good Judgment & Decision-Making: Make fair, consistent, and ethical decisions while assessing potential risks and impacts.
• Training & Advisory Skills: Support managers by mentoring them, addressing employee concerns, and delivering programs that strengthen culture and understanding.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resource management or a related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Experience: 5 to 8 years of professional HR experience, including at least 2 years in employee relations (or equivalent combination of training, education, and experience).
• Certifications (Preferred): SHRM-CP/SCP or HRCI PHR/SPHR.

A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

Additional Information:

• This is a part-time (~22 hours/week) exempt position based in Pittsburgh, PA.
• Work Posture: This position is currently operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence 3 days/week.
• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the Unite