Employee Relations Consultant II

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details Posting Details Job TitleEmployee Relations Consultant IIRequisition NumberRE53877Working TitleDepartment Name3JHRE:Employee Relations/Leave AdministrationWork LocationLexington, KYGrade Level49Salary Range$72,405-119,496/yearType of PositionStaffPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired EducationBAClick here for more information about equivalencies:https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalenciesRequired Related Experience7 yrsRequired License/Registration/CertificationNonePhysical RequirementsSitting, standing and walking.ShiftCore working time Monday-Friday; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; and some work required outside of core working time.Job SummaryThe Employee Relations Consultant II serves as a senior-level expert and strategic partner within the Employee Relations function. This role is responsible for independently managing the organization’s most complex and sensitive employee relations cases, including those involving staff and faculty, and is empowered to recommend and approve outcomes in accordance with policy, precedent, and legal requirements. This role partners closely with HR Business Partners, Faculty Advancement, Legal, Compliance, and leadership to ensure consistent, fair, and defensible practices across the institution.

In addition to case ownership, the Employee Relations Consultant II contributes to ER strategy, governance, reporting, and preventive initiatives that strengthen leader capability, reduce organizational risk, and advance a positive and compliant workplace culture.Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Expert knowledge of employee relations principles, employment law, and investigative practices
• Advanced consultation and coaching skills with leaders and HR partners
• Strong risk assessment, analytical, and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to interpret and apply policy, precedent, and legal guidance in complex and ambiguous situations
• High degree of emotional intelligence, discretion, and professionalism
• Ability to analyze ER data, identify trends, and translate insights into preventive action
• Strong written communication skills, including investigation reports and leadership summaries

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? NoPreferred Education/Experience7–10+ years of progressive Employee Relations experience, including complex case management, investigations, and senior-level consultation within large, complex, and regulated organizations (e.g., higher education, healthcare, public sector, or similarly structured environments).

Preferred:

• SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP
• PHR / SPHR
• Advanced Workplace Investigation certification or equivalent professional training

Deadline to Apply05/31/2026Our University CommunityWe value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Please indicate your number of years of paid full-time work experience with direct employee relations experience.
   • None
   • More than 0, up through 1 year
   • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
   • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
   • More than 5 years, up through 7 years
   • More than 7 years, up through 10 years
   • More than 10 years
2. * Please describe a time when you provided exceptional customer service and include specific details regarding the situation.

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * Please summarize your direct Human Resources Employee Relations experience. Specifically address your work responsibilities to include level of independent decision making, strategic planning and the scope and impact of your position.

   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter

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