Job Summary
The Human Resources Department at CU Boulder invites applications
for a Principal Employee Relations Consultant! This position is
responsible for providing employee relations guidance to
departmental HR Business Partners and department leaders across the
campus community.
Employee Relations is a neutral campus partner offering guidance
regarding performance management, progressive discipline,
inquiries, separations, and leave while utilizing applicable
university laws, policies and best practices.
This role provides guidance to HRBP, employees and campus leaders
in addressing grievances, dispute resolutions and appeals process
through the State Personnel Board Rules and Procedures and COWINS
procedures. This role may assist in developing policies and
procedures for the Boulder campus that follow federal, state and
local laws and State Personnel Board Rules and Procedures, COWINS
procedures.
Employee relations can provide and assist with occasional training
regarding unemployment compensation, leave programs such as FMLA,
FAMLI, STD, LTD, PERA, leave sharing, the reasonable employer
process, worker’s compensation, Labor Relations, and progressive
discipline.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws governing
nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a
workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and
dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to
apply, including protected veterans and individuals with
disabilities.
Who We Are
Human Resources (HR) contributes leadership, guidance, tools and
services to support employees throughout their careers at CU
Boulder and to cultivate a culture which upholds the campus’
strongly held values. HR partners with campus in the achievement of
the campus vision and strategic imperatives.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Provide Employee Relations Guidance & Training:
- Advises all UCB and System Administration employees regarding
all policies and procedures overseen by the Office of Employee
Relations.
Provides advice and guidance regarding the progressive
disciplinary and grievance processes.
In collaboration with HRBP, addresses grievances and dispute
resolution matters.
Evaluates, confers, advises and recommends methods of conflict
resolution in a variety of labor relations issues.
Supports complex cases and processes related to Office of
Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) and Department of Threat
Assessment.
Ensures advice is consistent with the state personnel rules and
procedures and University and campus policies and guidance provided
by University Counsel.
Reviews corrective actions and disciplinary actions to ensure
they align with State Personnel Board Rules and Procedures and
University policies.
Ensures defensible decisions by departments through advice and
guidance in consultation with University Counsel.
In collaboration with the Leave Program Manager, provides
guidance regarding leave programs, including FMLA, FAMLI, short
term disability, long term disability, parental leave, leave
sharing, injury leave and PERA disability.
Understands how the unemployment compensation program is
administered.
Collaborates with HRBPs on all aspects of employment
matters.
Provides training regarding HR processes and programs, as
necessary.
In collaboration with the Program Manager of UCB’s performance
management, supports program and processes as needed.
Policy Creation & Revision and Program
Improvement:
- Researches policies, practices and procedures, case law and
training programs and assists in creating new and innovative
policies and programs.
- Conducts other research for the team as needed.
- Works with the team and Director to determine what types of
programs, policies and training initiatives are needed to improve
and enhance the customer experience.
What You Should Know
This position provides a hybrid work modality with at least 3 days
per week in the office.
What We Can Offer
The annual hiring range for this position is $82,000-$92,250.
Benefits
At the
University of Colorado Boulder , we are
committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our
employees. Our comprehensive
benefits package includes medical,
dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition
assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local
transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder
offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class
outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of
Forbes' America's Best
Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado
and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and
programs through the
CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be collaborative. Be resourceful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a
bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience working in an HR
related field.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may
substitute for the degree.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience reviewing laws, regulations and policies related to
Employee Relations matters from a legal perspective.
- 7+ years of experience working in a HR related field.
- Experience training and facilitating sessions on topics such as
performance management, coaching models, FMLA, etc.
- Understanding of performance management, progressive
discipline, grievance and dispute resolution processes, and complex
leave programs, such as FMLA, short term disability, and leave
sharing programs.
- Understanding of unemployment and worker’s compensation.
- Experience implementing Colorado State Personnel Board Rules
and Procedures.
- Higher education experience.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background
and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and
responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by
November 9th, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For
consideration, please apply through
CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in
any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying
information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school
attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting
or removing this information.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu
