Employee Relations Manager

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA)*, the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is seeking a experienced Employee Relations Manager. The Employee Relations Manager will oversee employee relations activities, ensuring a positive and productive work environment. This role involves managing employee concerns, mediating conflicts, and promoting a culture of respect and inclusion. The Employee Relations Manager requires a front-line approach to managing employee relations, coaching WFAA’s supervisors, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and upholding the organization's values and mission. This is a key role in a highly skilled, functionalized human resource team and reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer. This is a hybrid role that will require you to work in our Madison, WI office location at least two days weekly.

Who is WFAA?

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) is a private, nonprofit corporation that encourages individuals and organizations to make gifts to the university and to connect with the UW. In 2014, the UW Foundation merged with the Wisconsin Alumni Association® to better serve a growing population of UW alumni and donors. We believe that private support grows out of good relationships between campus leaders, faculty and program staff who need support, and the alumni and friends who want to invest in UW–Madison. We provide important engagement opportunities to link UW–Madison alumni to each other and to their alma mater, building a strong community of Badgers.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Just as the university community benefits from differing viewpoints, perspectives, and experiences, inclusion and diversity are imperative for the success of our mission. WFAA values people and the differences that they bring to the organization, and creates an environment in which all staff members and constituents feel respected and have opportunities to thrive.  

Employee Relations

• Develop and implement employee relations programs and initiatives to promote a positive workplace culture.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to staff and management on employee relations issues.
• Conduct investigations into employee complaints and concerns, ensuring thorough and impartial resolution.
• Document and maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases.
• Partner with CHRO and WFAA Legal as needed.

Policy Development and Compliance

• Develop, review, update, and communicate HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant labor laws and regulations.
• Educate employees and management on HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Ensure WFAA’s human resource policies align with its mission, values, and goals.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with HR policies and procedures.

Performance Management

• Collaborate with WFAA leadership to develop and implement performance management processes and systems.
• Provide guidance and support to managers in conducting performance evaluations and addressing performance issues.
• Facilitate regular feedback and communication between employees and management.

Employee Engagement

• Design and implement employee engagement initiatives to enhance performance and retention.
• Conduct engagement surveys and analyze results to identify areas for improvement.
• Promote a culture of inclusive excellence by implementing and analyzing various input channels such as: new hire surveys, pulse surveys, and exit interviews to assess and improve employee experience.

Strategic HR Planning

• Collaborate with CHRO and team to develop and implement HR strategies that support the organization's mission and goals.
• Analyze workforce trends and data to inform HR decision-making and planning.
• Participate in organizational planning and development initiatives.
• Provide HR insights and recommendations to support organizational growth and development.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in employee relations, HR business partner or a similar role as a primary contact for leadership.
• 3+ years of experience with conducting, documenting, and resolving workplace investigations.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and trust with employees and management.
• Proven conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills by the ability to identify issues, analyze situations, and develop effective solutions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in HR software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Highly adaptable by showing flexibility and resilience in responding to changing organizational needs and priorities.

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. Click here to learn more about our employee benefits! 

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is the “doing business as” name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (supportuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.