Human Resources Business Partner (Hybrid)

About the position The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst plays a crucial role in fostering effective relationships between Human Resources and Academic Affairs. This position is directly accountable for supporting the Academic Affairs Administrative unit leaders and operates under the guidance of the Sr. Director of HR Partnerships and Labor Relations. The HRBP serves as a business partner, management advocate, and employee champion across all levels of the university organization. This role involves acting as a liaison for unit leaders, their staff, and central HR staff on various matters including recruiting, employment, compensation, employee relations, labor relations, and training and development. The HRBP is responsible for delivering a comprehensive suite of customer-focused HR services tailored to their assigned areas of responsibility, while also providing cross-coverage and backup support for other HRBPs within the university community. In this position, the HRBP will plan, develop, organize, and implement HR business plans that align with the overall strategy of the university as set by the Chancellor, while also addressing the specific needs of Vice Chancellors, Deans, and Department Heads. The HRBP will develop human resources strategies to adapt to changing academic and business needs, assist with organizational structure redesign, succession planning, and the creation of new positions. They will provide direction and tools for leadership to assess skill set needs and overall team effectiveness, while also offering proactive guidance in resolving employee and labor relations matters. The HRBP will partner with central employee and labor relations staff on complex issues and lead investigations as necessary. Additionally, the HRBP will maintain current knowledge of employment law and compliance, participate in issue resolution, and maintain membership in relevant HR organizations to stay informed on best practices. This role requires a collaborative approach to foster open communication and information sharing, as well as the ability to assess training needs and develop relevant training programs in conjunction with HR functional areas. The HRBP will also perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the HR department and the university as a whole. Responsibilities • Develop and maintain effective working relationships between Human Resources and Academic Affairs. , • Support Academic Affairs Administrative unit leaders in assigned areas of responsibility. , • Act as a liaison for unit leaders, their staff, and central HR staff on recruiting, employment, compensation, employee relations, labor relations, and training and development. , • Deliver a full suite of customer-focused HR services to assigned responsibility areas. , • Plan, develop, organize, and implement HR business plans aligned with university strategy. , • Develop human resources strategies to meet changing academic and business needs. , • Provide direction and tools for leadership to assess skill set needs and overall team effectiveness. , • Offer proactive guidance and coaching in employee and labor relations matters. , • Partner with central employee and labor relations staff on complex matters and lead investigations. , • Develop partnerships with unit HR and Business leads to foster open communication and information sharing. , • Assess training needs and develop relevant training programs in conjunction with HR functional areas. , • Remain current on employment law and compliance, participating in issue resolution as required. , • Maintain membership in regional and national HR organizations to influence best practices. , • Provide cross-coverage and backup support for other HR Business Partners. Requirements • Bachelor's Degree. , • Seven (7) years of progressive HR experience in Specialist, Business Partner, or other HR areas. , • A Master's Degree in Business, HR, or related field or a JD counts towards two (2) years of required experience. , • Ability to develop and execute talent management, performance management, employee relations, and labor relations programs. , • Ability to plan and implement major change initiatives for the enterprise or HR function. , • Executive presence and ability to formulate, present, and execute complex strategies, policies, and programs. , • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. , • Ability to be a collaborative HR professional and team player. , • Knowledge of complex concepts, practices, and procedures within business, academic, and HR environments. , • Ability to promote ideas and proposals persuasively using data and analysis. , • Ability to cultivate influential relationships with Vice Chancellors and Deans. , • Ability to resolve difficult employee, student, or leader issues in a professional and confidential manner. , • Ability to balance University policies with business needs and staff requirements. Nice-to-haves • Master's Degree in Business, HR, or related field or JD. , • PHR or SPHR certification. , • Experience in higher education or the public sector. , • Significant experience with recruitment and hiring strategies. , • Experience in designing and executing integrated performance management and employee development programs. Benefits • Competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience. , • Hybrid work schedule options available.