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Employee Relations Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Stryker

Associate Manager, Employee Relations

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site +1

$116K - $193K/yr

In this role, you'll lead complex employee relations investigations across multiple regions while ... May also assist in these investigations. * Maintains knowledge of current and emerging laws and ...

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Employee Relations Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$17K

$55.8K

$96.3K

How much do employee relations assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for employee relations assistant in Michigan is $55,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,300.00 and $71,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Employee Relations Assistant vs HR Coordinator?

AspectEmployee Relations AssistantHR Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires an associate's or bachelor's degree in HR, business, or related fieldUsually requires a bachelor's degree in HR, business, or related field; certifications like SHRM-CP are common
Work EnvironmentSupports employee relations activities within HR departments, often in corporate or organizational settingsManages various HR functions, including employee relations, recruitment, and onboarding in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries to assist with employee engagement and conflict resolutionCommonly employed in organizations to coordinate HR processes and employee programs

While both roles support employee well-being, the Employee Relations Assistant primarily focuses on employee relations support, whereas the HR Coordinator handles a broader range of HR functions, including recruitment and administration.

What are some common challenges faced by an Employee Relations Assistant, and how can they be addressed?

Employee Relations Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling sensitive employee concerns, maintaining confidentiality, and balancing multiple administrative tasks. Navigating these situations requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain impartial. Building trust with employees and staying up to date with company policies and employment laws are key to effectively managing these challenges and supporting a positive workplace environment.

What does an Employee Relations Assistant do?

An Employee Relations Assistant supports the human resources team by helping manage workplace relations, ensuring compliance with company policies, and maintaining positive employee interactions. They assist with investigations, handle documentation, schedule meetings, and help resolve minor workplace issues. Their role is essential for fostering a healthy work environment and addressing employee concerns efficiently.

Is employee relations a stressful job?

Employee Relations Assistants often handle sensitive issues such as conflicts, grievances, and compliance concerns, which can be stressful. The role requires strong communication skills and emotional resilience, especially when managing difficult conversations or workplace disputes. However, workload and stress levels vary depending on the organization and support systems in place.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Employee Relations Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Employee Relations Assistant, you need a solid understanding of HR principles, employment law, and strong administrative skills, typically supported by a degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), Microsoft Office Suite, and sometimes certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, discretion, and conflict resolution abilities set candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for handling sensitive workplace matters, supporting fair practices, and promoting a positive organizational climate.

How can I get into employee relations?

To become an Employee Relations Assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Gaining experience in HR functions, developing strong communication and conflict resolution skills, and obtaining certifications like the SHRM-CP can improve job prospects in this field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Employee Relations jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Employee Relations jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Employee Relations Assistant jobs in Michigan? For Employee Relations Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Employee Relations Assistant jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Employee Relations Assistant jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Employee Relations Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Employee Relations Assistant job openings:
Employee Relations Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Employee Relations Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,848 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Senior Employee Relations Specialist

The Grosse Pointe Public School System

Grosse Pointe, MI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Employee Relations Specialist serves as the Chief Personnel Officer's primary professional Human Resources partner and provides day-to-day support in the administration of employee relations, labor relations, recruitment, compliance, and strategic Human Resources initiatives.

Working under the direction of the Chief Personnel Officer, this position provides responsive consultation and coaching to district administrators, conducts workplace investigations, assists with labor contract administration, supports recruitment and retention initiatives, and promotes the consistent application of district policies, collective bargaining agreements, and employment laws.

The Senior Employee Relations Specialist expands the district's Human Resources capacity by providing day-to-day operational leadership and professional Human Resources support while allowing the Chief Personnel Officer to focus on executive leadership, strategic workforce planning, collective bargaining, organizational development, and Board and Superintendent priorities.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Relations

  • Serve as the day-to-day Human Resources partner for principals, supervisors, and district administrators regarding routine employee relations matters.
  • Conduct workplace investigations involving employee complaints, misconduct, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, and other personnel matters under the direction of the Chief Personnel Officer.
  • Prepare investigative reports, findings, and recommendations.
  • Coach administrators regarding performance management, attendance concerns, documentation, conflict resolution, and progressive discipline.
  • Draft disciplinary correspondence, counseling memoranda, performance improvement plans, and settlement documentation.
  • Assist administrators in resolving workplace conflict while promoting positive employee relations.
  • Escalate complex, high-risk, or legally sensitive matters to the Chief Personnel Officer.

Labor Relations

  • Assist the Chief Personnel Officer in administering collective bargaining agreements.
  • Interpret labor contracts and provide day-to-day guidance to administrators regarding contract language.
  • Assist in responding to grievances and preparing supporting documentation.
  • Participate in grievance meetings and labor-management meetings.
  • Support collective bargaining preparation through research, costing, data collection, and implementation of negotiated agreements.
  • Monitor compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

  • Partner with administrators throughout the recruitment and selection process.
  • Coordinate recruitment efforts for instructional, administrative, and exempt staff positions.
  • Participate in interviews and selection processes.
  • Develop recruitment strategies to address hard-to-fill positions.
  • Support executive-level recruitment.
  • Coordinate onboarding for new employees in collaboration with the HR Coordinator.
  • Evaluate recruitment effectiveness and recommend process improvements.

Workforce Planning & Retention

  • Analyze workforce trends including vacancies, turnover, retirements, and staffing patterns.
  • Conduct exit interview analysis and identify retention opportunities.
  • Assist in developing recruitment and retention strategies.
  • Support succession planning initiatives.
  • Prepare workforce analytics and reports for district leadership.
  • Assist with employee engagement and recognition initiatives.

Leadership Support

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to principals and department leaders on routine Human Resources matters.
  • Provide day-to-day guidance regarding employment practices, district policies, and personnel procedures.
  • Assist in developing and delivering administrator training related to employee relations, investigations, documentation, supervision, and labor contract administration.
  • Partner with district leaders to proactively identify and resolve employee concerns.

Compliance & Risk Management

  • Assist in the administration of ADA accommodations and the interactive process.
  • Coordinate FMLA, Workers' Compensation, and other employee leave programs.
  • Monitor compliance with employment laws, Board policy, administrative guidelines, and district procedures.
  • Maintain confidential personnel records and employment documentation.
  • Assist with state reporting and compliance requirements.

Strategic Human Resources

  • Prepare Human Resources reports, Board reports, staffing analyses, and workforce metrics.
  • Assist with implementation of Human Resources initiatives aligned with the district Strategic Plan.
  • Participate in policy review and development.
  • Recommend improvements to Human Resources processes, procedures, and systems.
  • Participate in special projects assigned by the Chief Personnel Officer.

Department Operations

  • Prepare HR Board reports, staffing reports, and required state reports.
  • Track administrator certifications and district compliance requirements.
  • Coordinate executive and administrative hiring processes.
  • Oversee implementation of HRIS contract changes and assist with system troubleshooting.
  • Coordinate special HR initiatives and grant-related personnel projects.
  • Support onboarding of instructional and administrative staff.
  • Collaborate with Payroll, Business Services, and district leadership regarding personnel actions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Personnel Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
  • Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible professional Human Resources experience.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations.
  • Experience providing employee relations guidance and coaching to supervisors.
  • Experience interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements.
  • Experience in a unionized environment.
  • Knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
  • Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred

  • Master's Degree.
  • Legal Coursework
  • SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
  • Public school Human Resources experience.
  • Collective bargaining experience.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

12-month position, 261 days.

Some evening work required for Board meetings, grievance meetings, negotiations, or special district events.

SALARY

$49,970.88-$74,174.40 hiring range. NIS Members are also eligible for a  comprehensive and competitive benefits package including health/dental/vision/life and long-term disability insurance. Membership in the Michigan Public Schools Employee Retirement System www.michigan.gov/ors. 

Application Procedure:

  • External Applicants: Click on the Apply button to initiate the application process. Please electronically attach or send the following materials:
     
    • Cover Letter
    • Resume
    • Copy of your transcripts



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