<p>Job Summary</p> <p>The 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Skills / Knowledge / Abilities</p> <ul> <li>Expert knowledge of employee relations principles, employment law, and investigative practices </li><li>Advanced consultation and coaching skills with leaders and HR partners </li><li>Strong risk assessment, analytical, and decision-making capabilities </li><li>Ability to interpret and apply policy, precedent, and legal guidance in complex and ambiguous situations </li><li>High degree of emotional intelligence, discretion, and professionalism </li><li>Ability to analyze ER data, identify trends, and translate insights into preventive action </li><li>Strong written communication skills, including investigation reports and leadership summaries </li></ul> <p>Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience</p> <p>7-10+ 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).</p> <p>Preferred:</p> <ul> <li>SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP </li><li>PHR / SPHR </li><li>Advanced Workplace Investigation certification or equivalent professional training </li></ul> <p>Deadline to Apply 05/31/2026 Our University Community</p> <p>We 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p>