Human Resources Business Partner (Hybrid)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

 

Job Summary

The Human Resources Business Partner is directly accountable for developing and maintaining effective working relationships between Human Resources and Academic Affairs, supporting the Academic Affairs Administrative unit leaders for the assigned areas of responsibility. This position will report directly to the Sr. Director of HR Partnerships and Labor Relations and provide support specifically to the Academic Affairs Unit with a dotted line to the Vice Provost for Administration and Finance.

Drawing on a broad range of expertise, the HR Business Partner (HRBP) operates as a business partner, management advocate, and employee champion for all levels of the University organization. The HRBP acts as a liaison for unit leaders, their staff and central HR staff for matters involving recruiting, employment, compensation, employee relations, labor relations and training and development. The HRBP provides regular updates regarding personnel policies, processes and procedures, and new technology (software) implementations. The HRBP is directly responsible for the delivery of a full suite of customer-focused HR services to their assigned responsibility areas. All HRBPs provide cross-coverage and back-up support for their counterparts serving other assigned organizations within the university community.

 

Essential Functions

• Plans, develops, organizes and implements HR business plans for university units that are aligned to both the overall University strategy and direction set by the Chancellor and to specific Vice Chancellor, Dean and Department Head area needs.
• Develops human resources strategies to meet changing academic and business needs through assisting with organizational structure redesign, succession planning, creation of new positions and roles and the effective use of communication planning.
• Provides direction and tools for Vice Chancellors, Deans and Department Heads to continually assess changing skill set needs, skill levels and skill gaps, overall team effectiveness and effectiveness of retention and performance management initiatives.
• Builds and maintains personal credibility throughout responsibility areas at all levels to effectively provide advice and counsel.
• Provides proactive guidance and coaching in bringing front-line employee relations and labor relations matters to successful resolution.
• Partners with central employee and labor relations staff on complex matters. Leads investigations related to such matters.
• Develops partnerships with unit HR and Business leads to foster open communications and information sharing. Assesses training needs in assigned organizations and development of relevant training programs in conjunction with the HR Workforce Learning and Development and HR functional areas (Compensation, Benefits, Labor Relations, etc.).
• Remains current on employment law and compliance and participates as required in MCAD and EEO issue resolution including the conduct of investigations.
• Maintains membership in regional and national academic and professional HR organizations with a focus on leading, advancing and influencing the management of HR and widespread use of industry best practices.
• Provides cross-coverage and back-up support for other HR Business Partners and their assigned organizations.

 

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• 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 other related field or a JD will count towards two (2) years of the required experience.
• Ability to develop and execute talent management, performance management, employee relations and labor relations programs at every level of the enterprise.
• Ability to plan and implement major change initiatives for the enterprise or for the HR Function.
• Executive presence, ability to formulate, present and execute complex strate