HR Business Partner – Rowan University Branch Campuses

HR Business Partner – Rowan University Branch Campuses

Summary: Under the supervision and reporting structure of the Rowan University Human Resources Department, the HR Business Partner will serve as a dedicated HR generalist for the auxiliary units of Rowan University, including the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, the Salva School of Nursing and Health Professions, the South Jersey Tech Park, and the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum. The HR Business Partner will be embedded within these units and will have a dotted line report to their leadership with a direct line report to the Senior Director of Human Resources in central HR. This position will be responsible for operationalizing HR strategy in coordination with University HR and auxiliary leadership while leading, implementing, and delivering HR initiatives. The incumbent will serve as a resource, partner, and leader in managing the HR function by maintaining a positive working environment while instilling accountability.

Functional Areas of Responsibility:

• Directs the interpretation and application of established human resource policies.
• Coordinates with the Office of Institutional Equity and Labor Relations for counseling and discipline in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Helps facilitate efforts in recruitment, training, performance management, and employee engagement for the auxiliary units.
• Oversees objectives and projects intended to promote the growth and operational excellence of the auxiliary areas.
• Ensures HR workflow efficiency and effective project management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build credibility by providing insight, sound judgment, and guidance on HR and broader business objectives.
• Partner with leaders on business design, organizational development, and workforce planning. Expected to be a stakeholder in each area and provide guidance and insight on organizational support through university/union rules and regulations.
• Take accountability for HR service delivery across auxiliary groups, acting as a change agent to implement positive cultural change.
• Manage the first levels of employee relations and appropriately refer matters for labor counsel review. Employee and labor relations will be a primary function for this position.
• Engage with employees across various shifts, including evenings and weekends, to ensure a continuous HR presence and support.
• Identify, create and deliver new hire orientation, training needs, and other applicable presentations for teams and individuals. This role will interact with Employee Development surrounding these duties.
• Ability to understand and answer general health benefits and retirement account questions for employees, as needed, with support from Rowan University HR's benefits department. 
• Work closely with auxiliary leadership to improve working relationships, increase productivity, and drive retention.
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives for the auxiliary areas and provide HR recommendations to support business needs.
• Apply human resources policies, practices, and procedures to specific situations.
• Oversee frontline recruitment efforts in collaboration with central HR, including job postings, interviewing, and onboarding.
• Assist with performance management, evaluations, and feedback processes.
• Serve as the liaison to central HR for all functions, including benefits, compensation, talent acquisition, and employee relations and collaborate with central HR surrounding these areas as needed.

Competencies:

• Ability to build strong relationships across diverse entities to foster effective communication and active listening.
• Excellent employee relations and negotiation skills; proficient in labor laws and compliance.
• Strong time management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to manage difficult conversations and effectively handle challenging personalities.
• Comfortable with public speaking and giving presentations to small and large groups.
• Adaptability to the evolving needs of the university and its employees.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems, Microsoft Office suite, and data analytics.
• Ability to work independently with data manipulation to identify and establish patterns, areas of need, projections, etc. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Employee Relations, Labor Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of HR experience with knowledge of HRIS, Recruitment/Retention, Labor/Employee Relatio