Senior HR Employee Relations Specialist

At Affinity Plus every employee understands how their work affects our members experience and we strive to provide an experience that can't be found anywhere else. Great service starts with great employees and that is why we focus on providing not only the best place our members will ever bank but the best place our employees will ever work. Between our one of a kind culture, incredible benefits, and work/life balance; we believe you will feel the Affinity Plus difference. Position Summary The Senior HR Employee Relations Specialist provides comprehensive, full cycle Human Resources support to the organization, serving as a trusted advisor and consultant to leaders and employees. This role partners closely with management to address employee relations matters, support performance management, ensure compliance, and promote a positive, engaging workplace culture. The Senior HR Employee Relations Specialist delivers high touch HR services across multiple functional areas—including employee relations, employment, benefits administration, payroll support, compliance, and HR programs—while helping to create an environment that attracts, develops, retains, and engages talent. Duties & Responsibilities HR Partnership & Employee Relations • Partner with leaders and employees on employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, conflict resolution, performance management and corrective actions. • Partner with leaders to provide guidance, identify risk, address root causes of employee relations issues, and implement corrective performance strategies. • Act as a trusted advisor, helping leaders navigate complex, sensitive situations while balancing business needs, fairness, and compliance. • Conduct thorough and objective workplace investigations, gather information, summarize findings, inform appropriate HR staff and provide guidance and recommendations to leadership. • Support resolution of employee concerns and complaints with discretion, empathy, and professionalism. • Respond to unemployment claims and represent the organization at hearings. HR Operations • Provide HR generalist support across multiple functional areas, including employment activities, employee records administration, and performance management programs. • Complete and process personnel transactions accurately and maintain associated records in HR systems. • Partner with leadership regarding policy interpretation and ensure consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and practices across the organization. • Support employee safety initiatives and compliance with related policies and procedures. Compliance, Audits, & Risk Management • Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. • Conduct scheduled internal audits and participate in external audits related to HR programs and compliance. Projects, Programs & Continuous Improvement • Participate in and lead HR projects, program development initiatives, and the rollout of new or revised HR policies and programs. • Analyze internal and external data to benchmark HR practices and recommend improvements aligned with market trends and organizational needs. • Maintains knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations related to equal employment opportunity, labor relations, human resources, and stays current with evolving industry employee relations trends and challenges • Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications and Skills Required Knowledge • 5+ years of proven and successful employee relations/workplace investigations experience. • 2+ years of well-rounded HR or equivalent experience • Advanced knowledge of human resource laws, regulations, principles, and best practices. • Broad cross functional knowledge of department's role and how it connects to Affinity Plus's operations, functions and services. Qualifications and Skills Decision Making/Problem Solving/Advising • Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex problems by analyzing data, identifying root causes, evaluating alternative options, and implementing effective solutions. • Proven ability to analyze complex situations, recommend tailored solutions, and influence decision-making. • Ability to anticipate operational risks and recommend and/or implement changes to mitigate impact Collaboration/Building Relationships • Strong track record of establishing trusted partnerships across functions. • Collaborates within team and cross-functionally to achieve shared goals. Accountability • Ability to take accountability of responsibilities, commitments, and outcomes. Communication • Ability to listen effectively, probe and investigate complex, sensitive inquiries and conversations with discretion, composure, and compassion. • Proven ability to communicate clearly, effectively, professionally; adapting communication style based on audience. Learning • Ability to take ownership of personal and professional growth; sets development goals, seeks stretch assignments, and applies new skills to enhance impact. Adaptability • Demonstrated adaptability and willingness to take on new responsibilities. • Demonstrated ability to show resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges or changes. Project Management • Ability to plan, organize, and execute moderately complex initiatives from conception to completion Technology Experience • Intermediate computer and technology skills and knowledge, with the ability to navigate between multiple systems with ease. • Knowledge and use of HRIS databases and reporting. Other Skills • Time Management skills and the ability to prioritize workload based on department and member needs. • Ability to complete tasks with accuracy and thoroughness. • Demonstrated reliability, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality. Preferred • A Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Resources related field. • Experience working in a multi-site environment. Work Environment This role is: Virtual First - Requires reliable internet access and home office setup Physical Requirements • Sitting 90-95% and standing 5-10%. • Working at a computer 98% of the day. • Repetitive movements, including but not limited to typing, mousing, phones, etc. • May require to lift, carry, push or pull up to 30 pounds. • Bending, twisting, kneeling, stooping, or crouching on occasion. Requires onsite presence based on coordination of work with other employees and/or departments. May require travel to attend on-site meetings/events for collaboration, connection, project work, All-Employee Day, etc. Travel requirements • Flexibility to travel throughout our branches in greater Minnesota • Some overnight travel may be required Required Work Schedule Standard Monday through Friday business hours with a willingness to work a flexible schedule as needed. Consistent and reliable attendance is a required essential function of this role to meet the needs of the department/team and organization. Location This position will be based out of our St. Paul, MN corporate office. This role does not have any set office days or cadence for being onsite, however as the need arises based on the nature of the work, collaboration and team meetings, in-person work will be required. Employees should live within a reasonable commuting distance to St. Paul, MN. Compensation This position has a starting pay range of $80,000 — $95,000 annually In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, we are providing a good-faith estimate of the pay range for this position. This range reflects what we anticipate offering a successful candidate based on factors such as the role’s responsibilities, required qualifications, and relevant experience. The actual pay may vary depending on the selected candidate’s skills, experience, and other qualifications. Total Rewards Affinity Plus offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package that goes beyond base pay. In partnership with the State of MN Employer Group, Affinity Plus provides low-cost medical, dental and vision insurance coverage options. Additionally, Affinity Plus frontloads all sick time hours and a portion of vacation hours for all new employees, offers a variety of paid leave options, a monthly wellness benefit, and immediate 401K matching up to 5%. Our Total Rewards philosophy is designed to support your well-being and growth while fostering a fair and inclusive workplace. Disclaimer Applicants may be subject to a background and credit check. Employees in this position must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. If requested, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to enable employees with disabilities to perform the position’s essential job duties. As markets change and the Organization grows, job descriptions may change over time as requirements and employee skill levels evolve. With this understanding, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. Application Deadline Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union accepts applications on a rolling basis.