Employee Relations Business Partner, Public Safety

Position Summary:

The Employee Relations Business Partner for Public Safety is integral in managing employee relations within a dynamic police department workforce, consisting of both sworn and non-sworn officers, amounting to over 400 full-time employees. This role is a strategic resource equipped to handle the complexities inherent in such diverse staffing, particularly focusing on the administration of university policies and resolving employee and labor relations issues through specialized conflict resolution strategies. The Employee Relations Business Partner ensures adherence to the department's general orders, while upholding performance management and disciplinary processes, and developing and implementing departmental procedures, guidelines, and training programs. As a subject matter expert, this position provides guidance on employee relations, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and other core university policies, actively supporting a high-volume and high-performance work environment, considering the unique challenges of law enforcement personnel and department-specific directives.

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community, as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff, all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

Employee Relations:

• Policy Administration and Compliance: Ensure adherence to university policies and the department’s general orders, providing clear guidance to both sworn and non-sworn officers.
• Conflict Resolution and Issue Management: Address and resolve complex employee relations issues specific to the diverse police department workforce, utilizing tailored conflict resolution strategies.
• Performance and Discipline Management: Oversee performance management systems and disciplinary processes, ensuring fair and consistent application across all personnel.
• Training and Development: Develop and implement training programs and departmental procedures that align with the specific needs of a law enforcement environment, incorporating both general university guidelines and the department’s unique requirements.
• Strategic Liaison: Act as a bridge between university policies and department operations, facilitating effective communication and understanding among staff at all levels.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Advisory Role: Serve as the go-to expert for employee relations, providing guidance on policies related to leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits.
• Relationship Building: Maintain strong relationships with both Public Safety and the People, Culture, and Belonging (PCB) teams to foster a supportive and cohesive work environment.
• Proactive Engagement: Address inquiries and concerns from employees quickly and equitably, prioritizing resolution-oriented communication.

Human Capital Management:

• Complex Workforce Management: Navigate the distinct challenges posed by a workforce of sworn and non-sworn officers, ensuring that all HR processes reflect a strong understanding of the specific demands and constraints of law enforcement.
• Guidance and Expertise: Offer informed insights into the unique dynamics of the police department, ensuring policies and practices are both compliant and supportive of high-performance expectations.
• Process Development: Continuously evaluate and enhance operational procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness in handling HR functions within the department.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has no direct supe