Employee Relations Business Partner

What We’re Looking For:

The Employee Relations Team is dedicated to the well-being of all 2U’s employees. We work to ensure that all employees are safe, productive, and that they are provided consistent, fair, and equitable treatment at work.  The Employee Relations Business Partner leads this charge as a trusted partner delivering knowledge and guidance on ER related issues; addressing employee concerns; resolving conflict and mitigating  risk.  The ERBP acts independently and confidently, managing through ambiguity, thinking strategically and situationally while developing innovative solutions that challenge the status quo. 

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Employee/People Manager Support:

• Provide Employee Relations support, thought partnership, and coaching for all employees in the organization
• Provides guidance on documentation to address performance/behavior concerns and supports managers with delivery and monitoring. 
• Provides guidance on conflict resolution and facilitates dialogue on employee/employer issues
• Demonstrate a change management mindset through identification of opportunities to enhance the employee experience through education, individual contributor and manager development, process improvement and innovative ideas; offer potential solutions to drive greater stakeholder satisfaction;
• Provides interpretation, explanation and clarification of 2U’s policies and procedures and key federal and state regulations, labor and employment law compliance.
• Perform ad hoc research and/or person-to-person follow up on workplace issues with sensitivity and discretion.
• Craft/update employee relations resources which may include training sessions and discussion forums.
• Partners with the HRBP and/or Sr. Manager ER to approve recommendations for all terminations, ensures employment related decisions follow state and federal regulations protecting the rights of the employees and the legal position of the organization; partner with legal counsel as needed. Facilitate involuntary termination process and attend termination meetings

Investigations/Case Management: 

• Maintain a complex and highly sensitive caseload of investigations for assigned business units. Conduct timely and through investigations  interviews with employees that have filed a complaint, respondents, as well as named witnesses, and make objective recommendations based on your findings
• Demonstrate a risk and control mindset by escalating issues promptly; approaching decisions proactively, making effective and pragmatic choices, balancing benefit and risk, and maintaining compliance;

Process Improvement/Analytics:

• Provide data analysis and reporting based on business needs. Highlight key trends to  drive proactive people solutions to minimize reactive work and mitigate organizational risk;
• Integrate and partner with HR colleagues in the HR Business Partner,  Learning & Development, other HR Centers of Excellence and Legal/Compliance to implement solutions and help scale the business

General/Role Specific:

• Maintain knowledge and awareness of all federal, state, and local labor/employment and wage and hour laws; legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks, and ensuring compliance.
• Participate as an integral member of the extended HR community and influence others within the organization
• Lead with integrity, respect, high personal standards and build personal credibility
• Partners with the HRBP and/or Sr. Manager ER to approve recommendations for all terminations, ensures employment related decisions follow state and federal regulations protecting the rights of the employees and the legal position of the organization; partner with legal counsel as needed. Facilitate involuntary termination process and attend termination meetings

Things That Should Be In Your Background: 

• BA/BS Degree (and/or its equivalent)
• 5 + years of Human Resources experience with 3 of those years primarily focused on Employee Relations, including substantial Employee Relations in a geographically dispersed organization.
• In-depth knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements regarding employee relations and employment law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong influencing skills that achieve the desired business outcomes, especially in situations where there is no clear “ownership” of the issues.
• Proficient in coaching by providing valuable perspective, inspiring others’ thinking and helping others to fully develop their own capabilities.
• Strong analytical skills: diagnosing root-cause of issues, identifying trends and providing clear recommendations/solutions.
• Experience in facilitating/delivering management training.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, in ambiguous situations, and persevere over internal and external barriers to drive resolutions

About 2U Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)

2U is comprised of 3 lines of business: Graduate Degree Programs, Short Course, and Boot Camps. Going beyond traditional learning management systems, we use tech, people, and data to help top universities and enterprise organizations transform in the digital era—and eliminate the back row in higher ed. We support lifelong learning which means thinking beyond a single degree. It means finding ways for students to gain the skills they need to change careers, evolve their expertise, and meet the challenges of the changing world head-on. We help our partners fill those needs—developing new digital education technologies and offerings capable of supporting students at different points in their lives. Whether they need a simple refresher, to learn something new, or to change their career trajectories completely, our partners are there to help them succeed. Together with our partners, 2U has positively transformed the lives of more than 275,000 students and lifelong learners. 

2U Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At 2U, we are committed to creating and sustaining a culture that embodies diverse walks of life, ideas, genders, ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities and other unique qualities of our employees. We strive to offer a workplace where every employee feels empowered by the ways in which we are different, as well as the ways in which we are the same. 

Benefits & Culture

Working at 2U means working with individuals that are passionate and mission driven. We collaborate on tough problems to deliver the best outcomes for our partners, students, and each other. You will find team members working together in our open office spaces, gathered in the kitchen grabbing a snack, or taking a break in our game rooms.

2U offers a comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance, disability and 401(k)
• Unlimited snacks and drinks
• Generous paid leave policies including unlimited PTO
• Additional time off benefits include: volunteer days, parental leave, and a company-wide winter break

The anticipated base salary range for this role is ($80,000-90,000), with potential bonus eligibility.  Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, budget for the position and cost of labor in the market in which the candidate will be hired.

To learn more, visit 2U.com. #NoBackRow

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

2U is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans’ status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 2U’s equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, job benefits and pay.