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Working Title:

Director of Employee Experience

Institution:

Metropolitan State University

Classification Title:

Human Resources Specialist 3

Bargaining Unit / Union:

217: Commissioner's Plan - Confidential

City:

St. Paul

FLSA:

Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Classified - Unlimited

Salary Range:

$30.80 - $45.47

Job Description

Under limited supervision, the Director of Employee Experience provides advanced professional Human Resources services, including consultation with supervisors and employees on Federal/State-mandated programs and special HR initiatives. This role offers subject matter expertise and strategic HR leadership in areas such as employee/labor relations, classification, compensation/benefits, and performance management.

The incumbent supports administrators, faculty, and staff in fostering a positive workplace culture while ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements, Minnesota State policies, and federal/state laws. This position actively participates in the creation of processes and programs, including change initiatives and continuous improvement measures aligned with university strategic priorities.

Additionally, the Director of Employee Experience provides team leadership and training to HR colleagues in the areas of contract interpretation, project management, and transactional processes.

They communicate university strategies, advise on personnel policies, and conduct informational meetings to ensure compliance. Additionally, they guide program managers on interpreting collective bargaining agreements to maintain consistent application and provides labor contract administration training.

This confidential role, as defined by M.S. 13.37, involves accessing labor relations information, supporting management in labor matters, assisting in strike planning, and researching classification and compensation data for salary equity proposals in collective bargaining negotiations.

The values that guide our work include access and opportunity, equity, inclusion and belonging, cultural competence, culturally responsive pedagogy & service, and community engagement. Our educational and work environments are culturally affirming, and innovative to the students and employees we serve.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS

**Federal/State Mandated Program Administration** :

This position is responsible to serve as the university expert regarding the evaluation, determination and implementation of federal and state mandated programs (such as FMLA, ADA, and Worker’s Compensation) in addition to all contractually required paid and unpaid leave programs. This position will provide counsel and advice to administrators, directors, faculty and staff regarding the administration of the mandated programs and ensure compliance. This position will manage, research, and resolve complex issues related to work restrictions, accommodation requirements, and extended leaves. Incumbent will manage the ADA process for the entire campus and will make decisions regarding accommodations as needed including modality of courses, ergonomic issues, and flexible work arrangements. Responsible to gather, analyze and report data. Work directly with HR business partners, employees and supervisors in managing the process for the mandated programs.

Employee and Labor Relations:

Provide advanced employee and labor relations advice regarding interpretation, training and expertise for employees, supervisors, and administrators to ensure understanding of and compliance with State Department (Minnesota Management & Budget) Employee Relations rules, Minnesota State System procedures and policies, along with state and federal laws and regulations, and university policies and procedures. Understand and verify compliance with collective bargaining agreements and personnel plans for assigned departments. Incumbent must establish and maintain relationships with business units to stay abreast of current and future labor relations issues to help prevent potential labor relations problems. Work with management to guide them through performance management including disciplinary action. This role has access to and utilizes information, documents and data pertaining to labor relations information as defined by M.S. 13.37, maintains confidential files containing collective bargaining proposals and strategies, cost information and other labor relations information as defined by M.S. 13.37, and provides assistance and information in the development of a strike plan. Participate in discussions/problem solving activities with Labor Relations, SEGIP, or appropriate group for cost projections in the areas of economic or non-economic bargaining proposals and determining the impact of such proposals.

Employee Experience and Performance Management Specialist:

Investigate employee grievances, complaints, and workplace disputes, including Respectful Workplace concerns and conflicts between employees or between employees and supervisors, including the more complex investigations. Conduct thorough fact-finding and analysis to assess complaints and recommend appropriate resolutions in line with company policies and employment laws. Facilitate mediation and conflict resolution discussions between parties to promote a fair and constructive work environment. As a subject matter expert, provide recommendations and support for conflict de-escalation and proactive resolution strategies to maintain a positive workplace culture. Make recommendations to administration for appropriate action in all incidents that lead to disciplinary action, termination, or performance management and coaching.

Research and compile classification information to respond to equity proposals for salary ranges for classes under review in the collective bargaining negotiations. Review proposals and provide input to management. Research issues to assist with preparation of bargaining materials. Review and provide observations on new legislation or contract provisions/proposals that affect programs. Serve as resource to supervisor and/or management team for labor relations information, as defined in M.S. 13.37, used in collective bargaining. Make final recommendations on audits for classifications of positions and provide advice on compensation issues.

Project Management and Workplace Experience:

Lead and implement HR initiatives that reflect and support the strategic priorities of Metropolitan State University. Initiate, identify and oversee project-based initiatives for Human Resources including the coordination and management of special projects with the goal of developing and refining personnel procedures, policies, operations and systems to gain organizational efficiencies and/or grow employee engagement. Project-related responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the development of a University-Wide New Employee Onboarding, learning opportunities through monthly employee seminars focused on topics such as wellness/financial/healthcare/retirement and development of a future annual benefits and community fair. Develops and conducts stay and exit interviews to gather feedback from employees and identify areas for improvement. Support campus workplace experience initiatives as delegated by the Vice President of Equity and Inclusion and Human Resources and provides supports to the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources with miscellaneous projects and duties as directed. Provide oversight, lead work direction, assign projects, and serve as backup to HR professionals responsible for staffing, recruitment, compensation, classification, and payroll. Serve as the acting AVP of Human Resources in specified areas during absence.

Salary Range:

$64,310 - $94,941

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

**Minimum Qualifications** _(expected to have to enter job)_

+ Three years Human Resources Professional experience with knowledge of various laws relating to human resources management including, but not limited to, American with Disabilities Act, employment law, Fair Labor Standards Act, Worker’s Compensation, and Family Medical Leave Act. **OR** an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; Associate’s degree may substitute for six months of experience

+ Workplace investigations skills and demonstrated experience in mediating disputes and facilitate constructive solutions.

+ Effective communication skills sufficient to provide prompt, courteous, and accurate information, communication, and service to diverse populations.

+ Demonstrated organizational skills to prioritize work, initiate actions to meet deadlines, and complete all aspects of assignments under limited supervision.

**Preferred Qualifications** _(desired but not expected to have to enter job)_

+ Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business, Communications or related field.

+ Experience working in a union environment and interpreting labor agreements.

+ Ability to apply HR policies and procedures, state and federal rules and regulations.

+ Ability to think proactively and strategically to facilitate productive discussions and agreements among parties with difference perspectives.

+ Demonstrated analytical and conceptual skills sufficient to audit data and identify and correct errors.

+ Ability to maintain high ethical standards and upholding confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.

+ Professional HR certification such as PHR, SHRM-CP, or other professional designations.

Work Shift

8 am-4:30 pm

Monday-Friday

Telework?

Yes

About

Metro State University, Minnesota’s public, urban university, and four-time recipient of the Insight Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award is seeking to hire a Director of Employee Experience in the department of Human Resources. This is a full-time/probationary position within the department of Human Resources.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

Desired Start Date:

07-07-2025

Position End Date:

07-08-2025

Open Date:

05-19-2025

Close Date:

Posting Contact Name:

Maya Washington-Zeigler

Posting Contact Email:

[email protected]