Employee Relations Specialist - Minneapolis, MN

Who We Are:
Fredrikson & Byron is the premier Midwest-based law firm working collaboratively to help businesses achieve their goals regionally, nationally, and globally.

Overview:
We are seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to join our Human Resources team. Reporting to the Employee Relations Manager, this position blends two critical areas of work: (1) data-driven and highly responsive performance management with (2) forward thinking and meaningful employee engagement strategies to shape a connected and cohesive culture across the Firm.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Performance Management:

• Act as a trusted advisor, guiding operations employees and managers on complex employee relations issues with professionalism and tact.
• Collaborate with operations managers on performance management, including drafting and implementing Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs).
• Conduct thorough investigations into employee concerns, ensuring timely and effective resolutions.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records for all employee relations activities and performance management.
• Enhance people management processes by monitoring feedback and refining performance review practices.
• Manage termination processes, including communications and exit interviews.
• Stay updated on employment laws and support the development of HR policies and compliance measures.
• Facilitate effective communication across the HR team, ensuring timely responses to employee inquiries.
  

Employment Management:

• Drive positive employee experiences by coordinating and supporting engagement initiatives and events.
• Stay current with trends in employee engagement and culture, applying best practices to improve workplace morale.
• Analyze survey data (e.g., exit, retention, pulse) to identify trends and recommend proactive improvements.
• Create and share communications about engagement and culture initiatives to keep employees informed.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned to support overall HR objectives.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• This position is based in our Minneapolis office with hybrid work arrangement of three days in office and two days remote each week.
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in employee relations, performance management, or HR generalist roles.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) preferred.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive conversations with diplomacy.
• Strong ethical standards, with a proven track record of handling confidential information professionally.
• Experience in advising and influencing leaders, with a strong problem-solving mindset.
• Positive, proactive attitude with the ability to inspire trust and confidence at all levels.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Deep understanding of employment laws and regulations.
• Experience in a professional services setting (e.g., law firm) is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and a willingness to adapt to new technologies.

Benefits:

Our comprehensive benefits options include medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short- and long-term disability, employee resource benefits (inclusive of counseling, coaching, and caregiving guidance), paid parental leave, parenting classes, pre-tax parking and transportation options, and much more! Our retirement plan includes financial planning, Social Security/Medicare planning, 401k/Roth investment options, and a firm-paid profit-sharing contribution. Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms and conditions.

The salary range for this position varies by geographical market. In Minneapolis, the estimated starting annual pay range is $75,000 - $85,000/year. The compensation offered will be dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, education, professional background, overall qualifications, and geographic market location.

Applying For This Position:

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter. Applications will only be accepted online at https://www.fredlaw.com/careers-meet-us. For assistance with the application process or for accommodations, please contact recruiting@fredlaw.com.

About Fredrikson:

With a reputation as the firm "where law and business meet," our attorneys and staff bring business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking to operate as business advisors, strategic partners, and legal counselors to our clients. To best serve our clients, we provide innovative solutions to legal needs while reflecting inclusion and diversity as core values. We offer highly competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits in a collaborative work environment. The firm's 400+ attorneys serve clients through our ten locations around the world: Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Mankato, MN; Bismarck and Fargo, ND; Ames and Des Moines, IA; Madison, WI; Saltillo, Mexico; and Shanghai, China. Visit www.fredlaw.com for more information.

Fredrikson is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Fredrikson does not discriminate in its recruiting, hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, marital status, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, and any other characteristics protected by applicable local, state, and/or federal laws.

We are not accepting search firm submissions for this position; please apply directly through our careers page.