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SalaryReporting to the Vice President for Human Resources (HR), Employee Diversity and Wellness, the Employee Relations & Benefits Manager provides guidance, counsel and training to Winthrop employees to foster a positive workplace culture and a productive, efficient work environment; investigates official grievance, unlawful discrimination and harassment claims; and provides oversight for HR staff who manage the university’s benefits, retirement and wellness programs.
Employee Relations
Employee Relations
- Helps administrators, supervisors and employees create and maintain positive work environments.
- Provides guidance and counsel to supervisors seeking to resolve performance and disciplinary issues. Composes and reviews written documents, assists supervisors in the progressive discipline process and provides guidance to employees regarding the grievance process.
- Investigates employee and supervisor complaints regarding general employee relations issues and unlawful discrimination protected by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, ADA, FMLA, and other federal and state employment laws and regulations. Interviews witnesses, and writes report findings, conclusions and recommendations. Collaborates as necessary with Winthrop’s Title IX Coordinator on matters regarding employees and complaints of sexual harassment.
- Coordinates the exit survey process and analyzes responses.
- Manages unemployment claims and responds to subpoenas requesting employment-related information.
- Develops and administers training programs for HR-related topics, including performance, Title VII, supervisory techniques, disciplinary management, FMLA/ADA, harassment and discrimination. Training programs may be presented in-person, virtually and online, including online programs offered by outside vendors.
- Provides guidance as needed to other HR staff members developing training programs.
- Recommends and oversees content for the university’s mandatory annual online harassment and discrimination training and works closely with HR staff responsible for monitoring, reporting and technical aspects of delivery.
- Supervises, mentors and evaluates benefits and wellness staff.
- Works with staff to develop benefits-related processes and procedures.
- Provides guidance and counsel regarding benefits- and retirement-related matters.
- Provides leadership for successful benefits, wellness and retirement programming and problem resolution.
- Manages the EPMS process for staff and the appraisal processes for faculty, academic administrators and Athletics.
- Follows up with supervisors to ensure evaluations are completed by the deadline.
- Provides guidance to supervisors on best practice for creating success criteria and completing performance evaluations.
- Provides direction and oversight to supervisors regarding the substandard performance process.
- Assists as appropriate with development and implementation of technical processes related to the EPMS and coordinates with appropriate HR staff to ensure processes comply with Winthrop policies. Serves as back-up to manage and resolve technical issues.
- Serves as liaison to the employee assistance program (EAP) vendor to plan and deliver on-campus or online programming and coordinate special services to/for employees as necessary.
- Works with supervisor to negotiate costs and services.
- Manages the procurement process for securing other external vendors; ensures timely payment of related invoices; and coordinates with vendors to resolve technical issues and ensure the program/platform is functional.
- Develops and maintains analytical reports pertaining to assigned programs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources (HR) or related field.
- Three years of Human Resources experience.
- Experience conducting complex/sensitive employee-related investigations related to unlawful discrimination and harassment.
- Experience working with supervisors to resolve performance and discipline concerns and foster a positive work environment.
- Experience drafting and/or proofreading formal written communication.
- Supervisory experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of HR management, especially those related to developing and maintaining positive, productive work environments.
- Knowledge of legal, regulatory and compliance issues related to employee relations.
- Expert knowledge of federal laws, regulations, policies and processes related to EEO, Title VII, Title IX, FLSA, FMLA and ADA.
- Knowledge of South Carolina Human Resources laws, regulations, policies and processes preferred.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write/proofread formal communications.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to exercise strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines and juggle changing priorities.
- Effective interviewing, investigative and analytical skills.
- Ability to develop and deliver training programs online and in person.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to handle/manage confidential HR data.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Outstanding customer service skills and a high degree of professionalism.
- Ability to analyze, interpret and apply policies, procedures and guidelines and discern the need for change.
- Sufficient technical ability to master relevant software.
To apply go to https://winthrop.peopleadmin.com/postings/16022.
Telecommuting: Employees are not eligible for telecommuting/remote work during their 12-month probationary period. After that time, certain positions may be eligible for telecommuting/remote work at the discretion of the supervisor and in accordance with Winthrop policies.
