Employee & Labor Relations Professional / Senior Human Resources Professional I

Edtech.com's Summary

Michigan State University is hiring an Employee & Labor Relations Professional / Senior Human Resources Professional I. The role advises leaders and HR partners on complex employee and labor relations issues, manages grievance resolution, supports performance management, and participates in collective bargaining. The position focuses on ensuring compliance with labor laws and contracts while fostering positive labor-management relationships.

Highlights

Advise leaders and HR partners on employee performance, misconduct, and corrective actions
Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, university policies, and labor laws
Serve as liaison between management and union representatives to support effective labor-management relations
Manage grievance administration, case evaluations, and participate in grievance meetings
Contribute to collective bargaining preparation, research, and proposal development
Develop and deliver training on labor relations and contract administration
Requires knowledge equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Administration, Labor & Industrial Relations, or related field
Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in employee and labor relations, including handling disciplinary matters and labor contract negotiations
Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and communication skills preferred
Salary range of $75,000 to $85,000, with final compensation based on experience

Employee & Labor Relations Professional / Senior Human Resources Professional I Full Description

Working/Functional Title

Employee & Labor Relations Professional

Position Summary

The Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Professional serves as a key advisor to leaders, HR partners, and employees on complex employee and labor relations matters. This role ensures consistent and compliant application of collective bargaining agreements, university policies, and labor laws while fostering positive laborâmanagement relationships.

This position supports grievance administration, performance management, and dispute resolution, while also contributing to collective bargaining as a member of the Universityâs negotiation team. This position offers growing responsibility and exposure to negotiation and decision-making processes, building the expertise needed for advanced roles in labor relations strategy and leadership.

Salary

The salary range for this position is fixed at $75,000 â $85,000. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience within this range.

Remote Work Capability

This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University.Â Human Resources embraces flexible work options, and this position allows for a hybrid work schedule (if desired), with regular onsite work required 3 days per week. All work schedules are assessed for impact to the work outcomes of the individual, team, and department â and must be pre-approved by the supervisor.

What Youâll Do

Advise leaders and HR partners on performance issues, misconduct, and corrective action
Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, policies, and labor laws
Serve as a liaison between management and union representatives to support effective relationships
Partner with leaders to proactively address workplace concerns and prevent escalation
Review and assess disciplinary actions for alignment with just cause and past practice
Support grievance administration, including case evaluation and participation in meetings
Contribute to collective bargaining preparation, research, and proposal development
Develop and deliver training on labor relations, contract administration, and workplace practices

What Weâre Looking For

Demonstrates sound judgment and problem-solving in complex, sensitive workplace situations
Build trust and credibility with leaders, HR partners, and union representatives
Communicates clearly and effectively, both written and verbally, across diverse audiences
Applies knowledge of labor laws, contract interpretation, and employee relations practices
Balances competing priorities with strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through

Why Join Us

Shape fair, consistent workplace practices that support employees and organizational success
Gain hands-on experience in collective bargaining and labor relations strategy
Partner with experienced HR and ELR professionals committed to collaboration, excellence, and service

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Human Resources Administration, Labor and Industrial Relations, or a related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in employee and labor relations administration; experience handling employee disciplinary matters, grievances, appeals, and complaints; experience supporting labor contract negotiations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience supporting the chief negotiator for collective bargaining; advanced training or education related to Labor and Employee relations; Human Resources certification; experience with labor relations for faculty and academic staff.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://hr.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding Eligibility ends June 23, 2026 at 11:00 PM

Original Job Description