Employee Relations Specialist (Finance)
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
About Rice:
Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.
Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.
Position Summary:
Rice University is seeking candidates with exceptional interpersonal skills for the position of Employee Relations Specialist (ERS). The ERS supports a variety of employee relations functions, including but not limited to consulting, conflict resolution, complaint investigation, policy interpretation, performance management, progressive discipline, terminations, exit interviews, unemployment claims, and other activities and/or programs that ensure all managers and employees have the support, training, information, and tools necessary to be productive throughout the organization.
The ideal candidate is an experienced HR professional - such as a former HR Manager, Advisor, or Generalist - with a strong background in Employee Relations. They are ready to hit the ground running, skilled in handling complaints, investigations, and navigating high-volume, unpredictable situations. We value those who partner with supervisors to offer practical, solution-oriented guidance. Spanish fluency is strongly preferred.
Workplace Requirements
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. After successful completion of the probationary period, candidates may work 1-2 days remotely. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range: Salary for this role starts at $68,000 and up, depending on experience and qualifications.
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree
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3 years of directly related, progressive experience in employee relations or in a people-facing HR role with a significant responsibility for employee relations.
- In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
Skills:
- Demonstrated knowledge of employment law
- Outstanding interpersonal skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication, including presentation skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to effectively manage priorities
- Good problem-solving ability
Preferences:
- Spanish fluency is strongly preferred
- Proven work experience as an Employee Relations Specialist or similar role
- Relevant training and/or certifications as an Employee Relations Specialist
- SHRM CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR preferred
Essential Functions:
- Support senior leadership in the overall administration of the university's employee relations programs and practices
- Collaborate with HR Business Partners on addressing performance issues, employee relations matters and reorganizations, RIFs and terminations
- Serve as the first point of contact for employee relations matters and programs
- Work with and advise managers and employees in the resolution of employee relations matters
- Address employee complaints and investigations on employee relation issues and conflicts
- Prepare reports to communicate information about employee complaints investigated and resolution status and work with managers on implementing appropriate action
- Conduct exit interviews and review reports on exit interviews and employee complaints to determine possible trends and solutions
- Respond to the Texas Workforce Commission
- Represent Rice on all unemployment claims
- Interpret and communicate University policy and procedures
- Promote Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to staff and conducts mandatory referrals
- Partner with training staff to develop and delivery of training for supervisors on various employee relations-related topics
- Assist in the development and updating procedures and processes to support employee relations efforts
- Perform all other duties as needed
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
