Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Overview

The Senior Team Relations Specialist (STRS) serves as a subject matter expert and mentor within Sun's Team Relations team, playing a central role in cultivating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture across Sun Communities. The STRS brings deep expertise in employee relations, HR compliance, and risk mitigation, providing trusted guidance on complex matters including performance management, policy interpretation, workplace investigations, and employment practices. With a thorough understanding of the interconnectedness of internal policies and external regulations, the STRS proactively identifies and mitigates organizational risk while ensuring consistent, equitable application of company policies. Equally vital to the role, the STRS actively mentors and develops the Team Relations Specialist team, building capabilities through coaching, resource development, and training that elevate the function's overall effectiveness and readiness.

Job Duties

• Champions and models the culture, values, and mission of Sun Communities by fostering a safe, inclusive, positive, and productive work environment (Essential)
• Serves as a recognized subject matter expert and strategic advisor to team members and leaders on complex employee relations matters, workplace concerns, and policy interpretation (Essential)
• Maintains accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of employee relations matters, investigations, corrective actions, and performance trends within the team relations case management system (Essential)
• Strategically coaches and develops leaders on effective people management practices, including performance management, conflict resolution, communication, and team member engagement (Essential)
• Serves as the senior escalation point for complex and high-risk investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misconduct, and other workplace concerns (Essential)
• Develops investigation frameworks, templates, and resources that strengthen the broader Team Relations team's capabilities (Essential)
• Actively mentors and develops the Team Relations Specialist (TRS) team on employee relations best practices, policy application, and risk mitigation strategies; leads by example to elevate the team's capabilities, confidence, and professional growth (Essential)
• Identifies areas of opportunity within the Team Relations function, taking initiative to develop and implement solutions with the intensity and urgency needed to drive meaningful results (Essential)
• Administers exit interviews, analyzes feedback, and identifies recurring themes and retention risks; goes beyond reporting to proactively recommend retention strategies and initiatives
• Acts as a lead on the development, review, and maintenance of job descriptions to ensure alignment with business needs, organizational structure, and compliance requirements
• Designs and implements special projects, process improvement initiatives, and other HR-related activities that support organizational goals and strategic priorities
• Aids in the management of Sun's J1 Visa program, ensuring compliant and successful execution in partnership with relevant stakeholders and in accordance with all applicable regulations
• Creates and maintains resources, tools, job aids, and training materials that support the success of the broader Team Relations team and leaders throughout the organization
• Identifies areas of opportunity within the Team Relations function, taking initiative to develop and implement solutions with the intensity and urgency needed to drive meaningful results
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business or related field (Required)
• Master's Degree in Human Resources, Business or related field (Preferred)
• 6 years in of progressive, hands-on Human Resources experience with a direct focus on employee relations (Required)
• 6 years in experience conducting workplace investigations, including alleged harassment & discrimination (Required)
• 6 years in experience interpreting and advising leaders on federal, state, and local employment law (Required)
• 6 years in guiding & interpreting application of HR policies, procedures, & compliance requirements (Required)
• 6 years in experience leading managers and team members through comprehensive performance management processes (Required)
• 6 years in experience interpreting and applying FLSA, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, NLRA, and related statutes (Required)
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting end-to-end workplace investigations with sound judgment, objectivity, and legally defensible documentation practices
• In-depth understanding of employee relations compliance, including disciplinary procedure integrity, progressive discipline application, and retaliation-prevention protocols
• Comprehensive understanding of FLSA requirements including exempt/non-exempt classification analysis, minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping obligations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise investigation reports and legally sound documentation
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex investigations and employee relations matters simultaneously
• Excellent presentation skills with proven ability to interact with and influence all levels of the organization
• Strong interpersonal, investigative, and mediation skills with demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive and high-stakes situations with professionalism
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all matters related to employee relations, investigations, and personnel actions
• Demonstrated ability to effectively mentor Team Relations professionals while fostering growth, collaboration, and a culture of continuous development
• Advanced computer proficiency including the ability to use Microsoft applications, HRIS platforms, case management systems, email, and internet
• Ability to travel for on-site visits and leadership conferences.
• Demonstrated experience connecting people management objectives to business outcomes and organizational priorities
• Demonstrated ability to guide sound employment decisions through strong understanding of the interconnectedness of internal policies and related external regulations
• Required Certifications/Licensures:(Professional in Human Resources (PHR))
• Preferred Certifications/Licensures:(Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR))