Employee Relations Lead

About the Role

As a key member of the HR team, the Employee Relations Lead will work closely with managers and employees to foster a culture of open communication, diversity, and inclusion. This includes providing guidance on company policies, best practices, and day-to-day people management, as well as analyzing trends from employee feedback and ER cases to recommend improvements.

Cardinal Education values collaboration, innovation, and learning, and the Employee Relations Lead will be responsible for supporting these values through their work. The company is committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive workplace, and the successful candidate will be passionate about education and dedicated to making a positive impact.

What You Will Do

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters, including concerns, conflicts, and investigations
• Partner with managers on performance management, coaching, and employee support
• Provide guidance on company policies, best practices, and day-to-day people management
• Drive employee engagement initiatives and support a positive, mission-driven culture
• Manage onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure a smooth employee experience
• Oversee HR administrative tasks, including employee records, HRIS updates, and documentation
• Manage timekeeping and attendance tracking; validate data for payroll processing
• Analyze trends from employee feedback and ER cases to recommend improvements
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws and company policies
• Support the development of employee relations programs and initiatives

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in employee relations or HR generalist roles
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices and labor laws
• Experience handling investigations and sensitive employee matters
• Hands-on experience with HR operations, including onboarding/offboarding and timekeeping
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills
• High level of discretion and professionalism
• Experience supporting remote teams and familiarity with US HR practices and recruiting
• Proficiency in Excel and other HR software

Nice to Have

• Experience in education, consulting, or service-oriented environments
• Familiarity with HRIS and case management tools
• Certification in HR or a related field
• Experience with employee engagement and culture initiatives

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses and regular merit reviews
• Fully remote work environment with structured team support and flexibility
• Collaborative, high-performing culture offering exposure across functions and departments
• Hands-on mentorship and career development, empowering you to grow professionally
• Meaningful, mission-driven work that directly impacts students and families
• Company events and virtual team-building activities to connect and celebrate achievements
• Opportunities for growth within client operations, education services, and beyond
• Access to professional development resources and training
• Flexible PTO policy and paid holidays

• Tip: Make sure to highlight your experience with HR operations, including onboarding, offboarding, and timekeeping, in your application.
• Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you have handled sensitive employee matters and investigations in the past.
• Showcase your knowledge of labor laws and HR best practices, and be prepared to discuss how you would apply this knowledge in the role.
• Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with employees and managers at all levels.
• Consider creating a portfolio that showcases your experience and skills in employee relations, and be prepared to discuss it during the interview process.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview, such as what a typical day in the role looks like, and what opportunities there are for professional development and growth.
• Research the company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to and support these values in the role.