Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

The Employee and Labor Relations Specialist supports employee relations, compliance, and People & Culture initiatives by managing workplace concerns, ensuring adherence to employment laws, and maintaining effective policies, programs, and documentation. This role partners closely with leadership and Learning & Development to address employee relations matters, mitigate risk, and drive a positive, compliant, and high-performing workplace.

Salary: $70,000-$80,000 annually

Benefits (see additional benefits below):

· 15 Days Paid Time Off in your first year

· 4 Floating Holidays (per full calendar year) and 9 Paid Holidays

· 401k Retirement Plan with a 4% company match

Organizational Support:

• Serve as the initial point of contact for employee relations matters, including intake, documentation, and support of workplace concerns; partner with leadership and escalate complex issues as appropriate.

• Conduct interviews, gather information, and maintain thorough documentation related to employee complaints, investigations, and labor relations matters.

• Partner closely with the Learning & Development Specialist to identify trends in employee relations issues and translate insights into proactive training, coaching, and development initiatives.

• Support the administration and documentation of the performance management process, ensuring consistency, compliance and alignment with organizational policies and development goals.

• Maintain knowledge of and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including EEO, affirmative action, wage and hour, and labor regulations.

• Monitor and interpret changes in employment legislation; communicate impacts and support updates to policies, procedures, and practices.

• Partner with organizational leadership to develop, implement, and continuously improve compliance programs and processes.

• Support and manage core People & Culture compliance activities, including recordkeeping (e.g., hiring, termination, leave, promotion), I-9/E-Verify, EEO-1 reporting, background checks, onboarding, and audit readiness.

• Draft, update, and maintain People & Culture policies, handbooks, procedures, and compliance-related documentation to ensure accuracy, in partnership with leadership and/or legal as appropriate.

• Partner with Learning & Development to ensure policies are effectively translated into training and accessible resources.

• Conduct audits, surveys, and research to assess effectiveness of People & Culture programs and compliance initiatives; provide insights and support continuous improvement efforts.

• Co-develop and support delivery of training programs related to compliance, policies, employee relations, performance management and workplace conduct.

• Maintain organized documentation, case files, and tracking systems to support compliance reporting, audits, and operational efficiency.

• Assist with contract lifecycle management, including drafting, reviewing, and maintaining agreements (e.g., NDAs, vendor contracts), in coordination with legal and/or leadership as appropriate, ensuring compliance with internal policies and legal standards.

• Coordinate contract administration activities, including tracking obligations, deadlines, insurance requirements, and document retention.

• Collaborate with leadership on contract review and negotiation support.

• Participate in process improvement initiatives, including implementation of systems, automation, and tools to enhance compliance, contract management, and People & Culture operations.

• Perform other duties as assigned. Communication, Culture, & Inclusion:

• Support the coordination and administration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, programs, and activities.

• Promote a positive, inclusive, and mission-aligned workplace culture through day-to-day interactions, communication, and partnership with leaders and employees. Technology:

• Monitor People & Culture shared inboxes and communication channels, ensuring timely, accurate, and professional responses.

• Process and maintain HR transactions within HRIS systems, ensuring data integrity and compliance with established procedures.

• Generate routine reports and basic analytics to support People & Culture operations and leadership decision making.

• Support cyclical HR processes (e.g., audits, policy updates, review cycles) through effective use of HRIS and related systems.

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve data management, and enhance service delivery through technology and process improvements. Additional Information: Schedule and Attendance:

• Position is required to work onsite at least two days per week and is eligible to work remotely based upon agreement with the role’s manager.

• Regular, predictable attendance, punctuality, and availability to work during operational hours.

• Attend and participate in regular team meetings and 1:1 meeting with direct leader.

• May be required to work at a different site based on department needs.

• May be required to attend occasional off-site meetings and events.

• Engage in mission-related activities as appropriate. Work Environment:

• Primarily office/desk based.

• Adjacent animal shelter areas may be humid, noisy, or odorous. Qualifications: Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Paralegal Studies, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Compliance, Legal, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience supporting employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, discrimination claims, and response to agency charges (e.g., EEOC).

• Working knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, FLSA, EEO, ADA, and applicable state and local laws.

• Experience supporting HR compliance programs and audits.

• Experience drafting, reviewing, or supporting contracts (e.g., NDAs, vendor agreements) preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and experience working within HRIS and document management systems.

• Experience generating reports and supporting data-driven decision-making preferred.

• Relevant certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR, or compliance/program management certifications) preferred. Skills:

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive conversations professionally and effectively.

• High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and organizational information.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to interpret policies, regulations, and legal guidance and apply them in practical workplace situations.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build effective working relationships across teams and leaders.

• Self-motivated with a proactive, solution-oriented approach and strong ethical judgment.

• Comfortable leveraging technology and systems to improve workflows, reporting, and overall service delivery. Physical Demands:

• Prolonged sitting at a desk.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. Emotional Demands:

• Must be comfortable with the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of humane euthanasia. Transportation:

• Reliable transportation required. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

About AHS 

Every year, Animal Humane Society provides direct care and services to help thousands of animals in need across Minnesota. 

As one of the nation's leading animal welfare organizations, AHS is transforming the way shelters care for animals and engage their communities. From innovative medical and behavior programs to investments in outreach and advocacy, we’re advancing animal welfare and creating a more humane world for animals everywhere. 

Why Work Here  

• Make a difference in the lives of animals and people  
• Join a team of coworkers who love animals as much as you do  
• Work-life balance  
• Unique animal adoption benefits and discounts on veterinary care and pet supplies
• Health insurance coverage for full time staff includes the following: medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account for health care expenses and dependent care, voluntary accident insurance; critical illness insurance; hospital indemnity insurance; employee- paid supplemental life; employee-paid accidental death & dismemberment; and long term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid benefits for full time staff includes the following: basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Support for student loans: we are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer 
• Mental Health and Counseling Support: all employees have access to our Employee Assistance Program with 3 free counseling sessions per year  
• 401k with 4% company match for part-time and full-time staff  
• Nine paid holidays for full-time staff  
• Paid floating holidays for part-time and full-time staff (up to 4 days per year based on start date)  
• Paid Time Off for part time and full time staff (amount is based on hours worked and FTE status)  
• Paid parent leave for full-time staff  

Our Organizational Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 

As an organization dedicated to making the world a more humane and compassionate place for animals, we know that people are at the heart of all that we do. Animal Humane Society’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is essential to our mission and shapes our culture, our work, and the services we provide. 

At AHS we embrace and honor the inherent dignity and diverse experiences of our team members, volunteers, board members, partners, clients, and visitors, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or income. Working together to instill equity and inclusivity within our organization will allow us to better serve the people and animals of Minnesota, and ultimately have a positive impact on animals in our care.