Employee Relations Associate Empire State University, Office of Human Resources, is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Employee Relations Associate. The Employee Relations Associate (ERA) serves as a trusted advisor and resource to supervisors and employees across the university. This role provides consistent, responsive support in performance management, disability accommodation, and employee and labor relations. The ERA partners with Human Resources leadership to promote effective people practices, ensure alignment with university policies and applicable laws and agreements, and support a respectful, equitable, and productive work environment. In partnership with HR leadership, the ERA plays a critical role in aligning HR practices with the university's strategic plan, advancing its mission, values, and long-term objectives. Key Responsibilities Employee and Labor Relations - Conduct the initial intake of employee and labor relations matters, document concerns, gather preliminary information, and identify matters requiring timely escalation.- Assist the Associate Vice President for Human Resources with the management of employee and labor relations cases, including information gathering, documentation, meeting coordination, correspondence, and follow-up.- Provide guidance to supervisors on the consistent application of university policies, collective bargaining agreements, and sound employee relations practices, in consultation with Human Resources leadership.- Assist the Associate Vice President for Human Resources with the implementation of a new employee and labor relations case tracking system, including workflow development, data entry standards, record migration, testing, documentation, and user support.- Maintain complete, accurate, organized, and confidential case files and tracking records.- Monitor case activity and deadlines and prepare reports or summaries to support case management and continuous improvement. Performance Management - Track performance management activities, timelines, completion status, and required follow-up.- Review performance improvement and development plans for clarity, completeness, appropriate content, measurable expectations, and alignment with university policies and practices.- Review employee evaluations for completeness, consistency, and appropriate documentation; identify areas requiring clarification or follow-up before finalization.- Provide training, coaching, and consultation to supervisors on goal setting, feedback, documentation, evaluations, performance improvement, and related performance management practices.- Maintain accurate and confidential performance management records and prepare status reports or trend information for Human Resources leadership. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations - Conduct the initial intake of employee accommodation requests and gather relevant information and documentation in a timely, respectful, and confidential manner.- Assist with the interactive process by coordinating communication among the employee, supervisor, Human Resources leadership, and other appropriate parties.- Support the review, documentation, implementation, and follow-up of reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law and university policy.- Maintain confidential accommodation records and track cases, deadlines, communications, and outcomes. General HR Business Partnership - Build effective working relationships with supervisors, employees, union representatives, and Human Resources colleagues.- Interpret and communicate Human Resources policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreement provisions, and applicable employment requirements within the scope of the role.- Identify recurring concerns and recommend training, process, policy,