Cierra Burnaugh

Strategic HR leader with 15+ years of experience partnering with executives and operational leaders to solve complex workforce challenges, lead employee relations initiatives, conduct workplace investigations, and strengthen organizational effectiveness. Proven expertise supporting unionized and high-volume environments, coaching leaders through sensitive employment matters, mitigating risk, and driving people strategies that improve culture, engagement, and business outcomes. Recognized for balancing employee advocacy with organizational goals while building trusted partnerships across all levels of an organization.

Senior Employee Relations Associate | HR Business Partner - Minneapolis Public Schools - Minneapolis

(2023-01)

• Lead complex employee relations and workplace investigations across approximately 40 sites.
• Advise leaders on performance management, misconduct, attendance, discipline, ADA/FMLA, and workplace conflict.
• Conduct end-to-end investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy violations.
• Partner with legal counsel and senior leadership on high-risk employment matters and corrective actions.
• Analyze workforce trends and recommend proactive solutions to reduce organizational risk.

Human Resources Business Partner - City of Minneapolis (Police, Fire & 911 Dispatch) - Minneapolis

(2022-01 - 2023-12)

• Served as strategic HR partner to public safety departments supporting complex labor and employee relations matters.
• Conducted investigations and advised leadership on disciplinary actions and policy interpretation.
• Collaborated with union representatives and department leaders to resolve workplace issues.

Employee Relations & Talent Management Consultant - Minneapolis Public Schools - Minneapolis

(2017-01 - 2022-12)

• Facilitated leadership development and employee relations training for 200+ leaders.
• Managed investigations, conflict resolution, performance management, and progressive discipline.
• Developed investigation tools, templates, and processes that improved consistency and efficiency.

Employee Relations Specialist - Minneapolis Public Schools - Minneapolis

(2015-01 - 2017-12)

• Managed high-volume employee relations caseloads across multiple school sites.
• Conducted investigations and advised administrators on workplace concerns and disciplinary matters.

Human Resources Operations Representative - Minneapolis Public Schools - Minneapolis

(2013-01 - 2015-12)

Human Resources Operations Specialist - Minneapolis Public Schools - Minneapolis

(2011-01 - 2013-12)