About University at Albany:
Established in 1844 and designated a University Center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and public service engages a diverse student body of approximately 17,000 students in nine schools and colleges across three campuses.
Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks.
Job Description:
The Employee Relations Assistant supports the foundational work of the Employee Relations & Organizational Development team within the Office of Human Resources. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Employee Relations, this role provides essential support for core employee relations activities, including coordinating documentation, assisting with compliance efforts, and responding to routine inquiries related to policies and collective bargaining agreements.
This position offers a strong introduction to the field of employee and labor relations, providing hands-on experience with real world employee relations processes, exposure to unionized work environments, and opportunities to develop practical HR skills in a collaborative setting. The Assistant contributes to the fair and consistent administration of employee relations practices and helps ensure timely, accurate communication across departments.
This is a full-time professional Management Confidential position.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Employee Relations Support:
- Assist in interpreting and explaining provisions of collective bargaining agreements to employees and supervisors under guidance from senior staff.
- Support outreach efforts related to performance management and workforce development initiatives.
- Help coordinate responses to employee grievances and disciplinary matters, including gathering documentation and scheduling meetings.
- Attend meetings with union representatives alongside senior staff to document discussions and follow up on action items.
- Maintain and update the online system for tracking employee relations cases, ethics compliance, and related reports.
- Assist in preparing summaries and reports for labor-management committees and joint labor-management fund activities.
- Compliance and Training Coordination:
- Support the delivery and tracking of HR compliance training for faculty and staff.
- Help manage the University's online training platform, including user support and reporting.
- Collaborate with the HR training and development coordinator to support professional development and continuous learning initiatives.
Job Requirements:
- Ability to work at a high level of attention to detail while maintaining accuracy.
- Excellent independent judgment, including sensitivity to personal information and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
- Ability to develop collegial working relationships with individuals at all organizational levels and with varied backgrounds and experiences.
- Ability to deliver excellent customer service and present to large groups, in person and via remote technologies.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong research and analytical skills and problem-solving techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to provide in-person and virtual customer service.
- Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
- Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or attainment by May 2026.
- One year of experience in Human Resources or related work in conflict resolution or mediation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field.
- Experience in the public sector and/or higher education, with a strong background in people-focused environments.
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP or other relevant professional certifications is a plus.