Senior Employee & Labor Relations Specialist (2 Vacancies)

Sr. Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

Reporting to the Employee & Labor Relations Manager, the Sr. Employee & Labor Relations Specialist is a demonstrated subject matter expert in complex employee and labor relations matters and responsible for leading investigations, writing investigative reports, advising on performance management and workplace concerns, interpreting and drafting policy and contract language, and providing guidance on corrective actions, separations, and grievances. The Sr. Employee & Labor Relations Specialist serves as a trusted partner to university leadership, faculty, and staff and is critical in fostering a fair, consistent, and legally compliant workplace. The role provides advice, counsel, and training to Human Resources representatives, managers, employees, and other members of the Stanford community.

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws, and collective bargaining agreements, exercises sound judgment, maintains strict confidentiality, and applies strong analytical and interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts and concerns in alignment with the university's mission and values. As part of our dynamic and collaborative Employee & Labor Relations team, the role will ensure the university remains an inclusive, supportive, and productive environment for all employees.

This position is currently hybrid, on-site minimum two days per week, at Stanford's Redwood City campus location.

Core Duties

• Manage local efforts in coordination with legal counsel related to complex or highly complex employment matters, litigation, and government agency charges.
• Provide advice and counsel regarding leave administration, e.g., FMLA, CFRA, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Manage all facets of employee relations, including investigations and resolutions of employment disputes.
• Ensure sound and consistent employee and labor relations decisions.
• Act as an objective and confidential intermediary for employees and supervisors.
• Act as a trusted expert for managers, supervisors, and employees on university policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Conceive, design, and deliver training for employees, supervisors, managers, and local human resource managers pertaining to employee relations.
• Participate in the development of policies, processes, and communications applicable university-wide.
• Manage collective bargaining agreements for a school / unit or university-wide basis.
• Manage multiple university-wide employee and labor relations programs.
• Provide policy / contract advice and counsel to schools / units.
• Manage university-wide reduction in workforce programs.
• Review research pertaining to trends and practices in labor / employee relations.
• Conduct investigations, hearings, and conflict resolution meetings.
• Provide back-up support for background check adjudication.
• May act as team lead for Employee and Labor Relations staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements :

Education & Experience :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Physical Requirements

Working Conditions :

Work Standards :

The expected pay range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000 per annum.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

Stanford University provides superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.