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Employee Relations Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

State of Iowa

Employee Relations Partner

Ames, IA

$50K - $85K/yr

The Iowa DOT is seeking an Employee Relations Partner to join our dynamic Human Resources team. Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, solving complex problems, and ...

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All JobsEmployee Relations JobsEmployee Relations Jobs in Iowa

Employee Relations information

See Iowa salary details

$18.3K

$60.2K

$103.8K

How much do employee relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for employee relations in Iowa is $60,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $76,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Employee Relations vs HR Generalist?

AspectEmployee RelationsHR Generalist
Primary FocusManaging employee relationships, conflict resolution, and workplace cultureHandling a broad range of HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, and compliance
Required CredentialsTypically HR certification or related experienceHR certification or degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentEmployee-focused, often within HR teamsVaried, covering multiple HR functions across departments
Industry UsageCommon in organizations emphasizing employee engagementWidely used across industries for general HR duties

While both roles are part of HR, Employee Relations specializes in maintaining positive employee relationships and resolving workplace issues. HR Generalists handle a broader range of HR tasks, including recruitment and compliance. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals to each area.

What is employee relations?

An employee relations job is an HR position in which you manage interactions between HR and employees. Your responsibilities include training new employees about various aspects of the workplace culture, such as specific procedures, and how to find support during difficult times and helping them learn how to take advantage of company policies about grievances, promotions, and benefits. Your duties include leading training sessions, working closely with other HR professionals who support your efforts by developing new policies, reviewing company guidelines, and ensuring workers understand their rights and benefits.

How does an employee relations specialist typically collaborate with HR and management to resolve workplace conflicts?

Employee Relations specialists work closely with HR teams and management to address workplace issues such as conflicts, grievances, and disciplinary matters. They often act as mediators, facilitating open communication between employees and supervisors to ensure fair and consistent application of company policies. In addition, they may lead investigations, recommend solutions, and support managers in implementing corrective actions. This collaboration helps maintain a positive work environment and ensures compliance with labor laws and organizational standards.

Is employee relations in demand?

Employee relations is a growing field within human resources, as organizations increasingly focus on workplace culture, employee engagement, and conflict resolution. Demand for professionals with skills in communication, conflict management, and HR software remains strong across various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an employee relations specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Employee Relations Specialist, you need a solid understanding of labor laws, conflict resolution, and HR policies, often supported by a degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), case management tools, and sometimes certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR are commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are vital for fostering a positive workplace environment, ensuring legal compliance, and effectively resolving employee issues.

What does an employee relations job do?

An employee relations job involves managing the relationship between an organization and its employees, addressing workplace issues, resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. Professionals in this role often conduct investigations, facilitate communication, and develop policies to promote a positive work environment.
More about Employee Relations jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Employee Relations jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Employee Relations jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Employee Relations jobs in Iowa? For Employee Relations jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Employee Relations jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Employee Relations jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Employee Relations jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Employee Relations job openings:
Employee Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Employee Relations job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,184 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Employee Relations Consultant/ Senior Employee Relations Consultant

Principal Financial Group

Des Moines, IA • On-site, Remote

$84K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

What You'll Do

We’re looking for an Employee Relations Consultant to join our Employee Relations team. In this role, you'll provide legal and strategic employee relations advice, counsel and support on common questions and concerns from leaders and employees to determine appropriate resolution based on business and employment law knowledge and expertise, that are aligned with organizational goals and all applicable laws, policies and regulations.

You'll have the opportunity to grow in:

    • Partners with leaders and employees on common employee relations issues to work toward effective resolution. Assists with employee relations investigations and escalated issues, Reductions in Force, and disciplinary actions. Partners with Sr. ERC on complex employee relations concerns. Obtains director approval for termination decisions. Balances business need and risk.
    • Provides proactive and reactive coaching and training on employee relations topics and HR Policy to leaders and employees.
    • Ensures uniform and equitable application of organizational policies and practices.
    • Reviews data/information from employee relations issues as well as external research to understand data and trends. Provide applicable information to Employee Relations Director, HRBPs and leaders as support and planning for future workforce issues/trends as well as to mitigate risk and future ER issues.
    • Partners with other HR staff to keep them informed and leverage corporate resources and expertise.
    • Perform other job related duties or special projects as required. 

Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!


Who You Are
    • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required, and 4+ years of experience in HR, with majority in area related to employee relations preferred
    • Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, listening, problem solving, oral and written communication skills
    • Ability to deal with conflicting points of view and demonstrates integrity and fair mindedness
    • Strong organizational, analytical and decision-making skills
    • A high level of confidentiality required
    • Understanding of applicable case and employment laws
 

Salary Range Information
Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.
Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)
$84600 - $187200 / year
Salary Details

The following levels and locations are examples of market-specific salary ranges across different job levels and geographies. Candidates will be evaluated to determine the appropriate job level based on their skills and experience. 

  • Grand Island, NE:
    • Employee Relations Consultant: $84,600 - $114,300 / year
    • Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $104,400 - $140,400 / year
  • Des Moines, IA:
    • Employee Relations Consultant: $89,300 - $120,650 / year
    • Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $110,200 - $148,200 / year
  • Charlotte, NC:
    • Employee Relations Consultant: $94,000 - $127,000 / year
    • Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $116,000 - $156,000 / year
  • Chicago/Minneapolis:
    • Employee Relations Consultant:  $103,400 - $139,700 / year
    • Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $127,600 - $171,600 / year
  • Los Angeles/New York City:
    • Employee Relations Consultant: $112,800 - $152,400 / year
    • Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $139,200 - $187,200 / year

Time Off Program
Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don't accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.
Pension Eligible
Yes

Work Environments

This role offers in-office, hybrid from a local Principal office (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA.). You'll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.

Job Level

We’ll consider talent at the next level with the right experiences and skills. The Senior Employee Relations Consultant requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and and 6+ years of experience in HR, with majority in area related to employee relations preferred

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Asset Management positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

Experience Principal

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.


Posting Window
We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.
Original Posting Date
7/24/2026
Most Recently Posted Date
7/24/2026
 

Principal uses artificial intelligence tools to assist in reviewing and evaluating job applications, fraud prevention, and candidate matching and comparisons. These AI tools support our human recruiters in the initial review process but do not make final hiring decisions without human involvement. By submitting your application, you acknowledge this use of AI in our recruitment process. Please review our Workforce (U.S.) Privacy Notice for more details on our practices and your data privacy rights.


LinkedIn Remote Hashtag


#LI-Remote

LinkedIn Hashtag


#LI-MT1Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required, and 4+ years of experience in HR, with majority in area related to employee relations preferred
    • Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, listening, problem solving, oral and written communication skills
    • Ability to deal with conflicting points of view and demonstrates integrity and fair mindedness
    • Strong organizational, analytical and decision-making skills
    • A high level of confidentiality required
    • Understanding of applicable case and employment laws
 
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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