Employee Relations and Engagement Senior Specialist

About This Role

Administer and provide guidance on employee performance issues, working conditions, disciplinary action, behavior and conduct issues; Interpret policies and procedures; coach managers to provide them with supervisory techniques and tools related to disciplinary action. Mediate disputes/resolve conflict; consultation and advice of dispute resolution and conflict coaching.
Partner with the CHRO to manage the University’s meet-and-confer process for K-State’s labor union(s). Mediate labor relations concerns from union stewards and facilitate resolution. Oversee processes for review and resolution of employee grievances. Advise managers and employees on sensitive labor relations matters, including grievance procedures, and appropriate courses of action through counsel with Employee Relations & Engagement (ER&E).

About Us

The Division of Human Resources partners with leaders, faculty, and staff across Kansas State University to build a thriving, people-centered workplace that supports the university’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Our team advances initiatives that strengthen the employee experience, promote professional growth, and support a high-performing and engaged workforce.
The division includes approximately 50 professionals delivering strategic and operational HR services to the campus community. Key functional areas include ASC-HR, Benefits, Compensation and Organizational Effectiveness, Employee Relations and Engagement, ERP Systems, Resource Center Operations, Talent Acquisition, Talent and Organizational Development, and Time and Leave. Together, these teams partner with campus units to provide responsive HR support, enhance organizational effectiveness, and help attract, develop, and retain a talented workforce.

Worksite Description

This position is Hybrid and/or Remote eligible. This position works remotely; however, the employee must be in proximity for on-campus meetings.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma (or equivalent)
• Six years of relevant experience
• Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years human resources or relevant experience.
• Experience and have knowledge with labor union.
• Project management skills and understanding of complex metrics, measurements and data.
• Demonstrated track record of creative leadership in the development and articulation of
  employee relations policy and strategy.
• Effective interpersonal skills to interact with all levels of employees within Human Resources
  and the Kansas State University Community.
• Significant proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, Maxient Database and Image Now.
• Excellent writing, proofreading skills.
• Experience managing websites.
• Experience with electronic file management system.
• Ability to use sound judgement, discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong working knowledge of executive protocols, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Proven ability to be organized, detailed oriented and accurate.
• Ability to gather and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to assess situations, identify issues and exposure/risks, and generate appropriate solutions in compliance with policies and procedures.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Experience in Conflict Resolution.
• Customer Focus: Gains insight into customer needs. Identifies opportunities that benefit the customer. Builds and delivers solutions that meet customer expectations. Established and maintains effective customer relationships.
• Instills Trust: Follows through on commitments. Is seen as direct and truthful. Keeps confidences. Practices what he/she teaches. Shows consistency between words and actions
• Collaborates: Works cooperatively with others across the organization to achieve shared objectives. Represents own interests while being fair to others and their areas. Partners with others to get work done. Credits others for their
  contributions and accomplishments. Gains trust and support of others.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Application Window

Applications close on: October 23, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$53,581.00 - $ 66,000.00