Employee Relations Partner

Position Type:
Human Resources

Location:
Educational Service Center

Closing Date:
Until Filled

Position Summary

To inspire and prepare each and every scholar with the confidence, courage, and competence to achieve their dreams; contribute to community; and engage in a lifetime of learning. The Employee Relations Partner serves as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert in employee relations within the school district. This role is responsible for conducting thorough investigations, ensuring compliance with employment laws and district policies, and fostering a fair, inclusive, and respectful workplace. The Partner will support school and department leaders in resolving complex employee issues, promoting positive employee engagement, and mitigating risk.

Primary Responsibilities

Workplace Investigations, Employee Relations Support, and Case Management – 70%

Conduct prompt, impartial, and trauma-informed investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other violations of district policy.
Interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses; gather and analyze evidence; and prepare comprehensive investigative reports with findings and conclusions.
Serve as a case manager for employee relations matters, including intake, triage, and resolution of complaints and concerns.
Maintain detailed and confidential records of all investigative activities in accordance with district protocols and legal standards.
Collaborate with legal counsel and HR leadership on high-risk or sensitive cases.
Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA) and district policies, including data privacy and equal opportunity regulations.
Compliance and Risk Mitigation – 10%

Advise supervisors and employees on conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and performance-related issues.
Track and analyze employee relations trends to identify systemic issues and recommend proactive solutions.
Escalate complex and high-risk employee/labor relations issues to HR leadership and General Counsel
Recommend appropriate resources and referrals for supervisors and staff
Collaboration and Organizational Development – 10%

Partner with HR leadership, HR Business Partners, legal counsel, and school leaders to support employee engagement, retention, and team development.
Review and analyze exit interview data to identify trends and present findings to the HR leadership team.
Participate in organizational change initiatives, including restructures and new program implementations.
Provide coaching to leaders on managing employee behavior and fostering inclusive work environments.
Training, Education, and Policy Development – 5%

Develop and deliver training programs for supervisors and staff on topics such as workplace conduct, conflict resolution, and compliance in alignment with district policies, values, and expectations.
Assist in the creation and revision of employee relations policies and procedures to reflect best practices and legal requirements.
Promote awareness of employee rights and responsibilities through outreach and engagement initiatives.
Other Duties – 5%

Perform other comparable duties of a like or similar nature as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
Minimum of three (3) years professional experience in employee relations, investigations, or a related HR function in a union environment.
Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in related field.
Five (5) or more years of experience in employee relations, investigations, or a related HR function in a union environment.
Professional related certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP).
Essential Competencies and Skills

Strong knowledge of employment/labor laws and HR best practices.
Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough, objective investigations and maintain confidentiality.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
Enhanced knowledge of school district organization, functions, operations, and jobs; understanding mission statement, goals, and philosophy as it impacts the support functions and responsibilities of human resource programs and services.
Handling emotionally charged situations and sensitive subject matter.
Maintaining composure and professionalism in high-stress situations.
Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Employee Relations Partner job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

While performing the responsibilities of the Employee Relations Partner job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate keys on a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, and to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision to read documents and computer monitor screen.

Typical working environment is an office setting.
Occasional travel between school sites or events.
Sedentary work for long periods of time.
This position may work a hybrid schedule and arranged in coordination with the HR Director.
Standard core hours with some flexibility required for events or meetings.

Salary: $72,064 to $89,630 annually
Job type: Full-time, 260/261 days per year
Bargaining unit: Salaried Professionals
Benefits: Medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability,  employee assistance program, PERA Pension and 403b (tax sheltered annuity) employer match program.

This posting is open until filled. However, applications received by Monday, August 11, 2025, at 9:00 AM will receive first consideration. This posting may close at anytime after that.

Osseo Area Schools offers:

Meaningful and impactful work
Opportunities to grow professionally
A variety of benefits
Summer opportunities and more
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Osseo Area School District ISD 279 is an Equal Opportunity, and veteran-friendly employer.

Osseo Area School District ISD 279 ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Osseo Area School District is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the district and strongly encourages persons to apply who can strengthen our diversity. For more information, view the District’s Equal Opportunity and Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment and Violence Policy.

Veteran’s Preference: If you are an eligible veteran, please submit a legible copy of your DD214 with your application.

Accommodation: If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email Human Resources at [email protected] or call 763-391-7007.

Background Check Upon Conditional Offer:

Background checks are conducted upon receiving a conditional offer. Employees must complete a background check and are responsible for the background fee. A passing background is required.  Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.