Sr. HR Business Partner

Department
 

BSD HRO - Clinical & Shared Research Units

About the Department
 

The Human Resources department within the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) of the University of Chicago provides HR support to BSD administrative and operational leaders for over 2400 staff employees in mission critical research positions. The Biological Sciences Division (BSD) is the largest unit of the University. Established in 1930, the BSD is comprised of faculty from the clinical and basic sciences. In this unique academic community, a unified division delivers undergraduate, graduate, medical, and postgraduate education in the biological sciences together with outstanding patient care and world renowned research. The BSD currently includes approximately 135 faculty in the 10 basic science departments, over 800 faculty in 13 clinical departments, and 2400 staff members. The BSD includes the Pritzker School of Medicine (PSOM), approximately 24 academic units, degree-granting committees, and research centers and institutes. The BSD is located on the University's main campus in Hyde Park, 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago.

Job Summary
 

The job works independently to design, implement and monitor a variety of human resource programs. Anticipates and plans for long-term human resource needs and trends in partnership with business management.

The Senior Human Resources Partner reports to the Director of Human Resources and supports the BSD departments. This position will support staff and leaders through a broad spectrum of HR services including performance management, employee relations, policy interpretation, workforce planning and staffing, and staff development. The Senior HR Partner will ensure BSD operations and administrative leaders have the resources they need to support their staff and to create long term employee satisfaction and engagement. BSD staff positions include basic science researchers, clinical researchers, research technicians, bioinformaticians, data scientists, well as administrative professionals in grants administration, finance, IT, and HR.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Talent Management

• Partner with operation and administrative leadership for designated client groups building talent capability across the organization through talent acquisition, talent development, engagement, organizational design, compensation administration, and by driving inclusion & diversity.

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the business and department culture in order to provide meaningful, value-added HR services supporting the department objectives.

• Analyze external internal workforce trends and metrics to develop organizational practices which meet the needs of each employee and fulfill the strategic vision and mission of the department, the BSD, and the University.

Talent Acquisition

• Lead staffing efforts through all phases of workforce planning and talent acquisition ensuring a successful hire and excellent candidate experience.

• HR Partner conducts position and job description review, drafts posting and marketing communication, actively recruits, extends offers, and supports candidates through initial onboarding.

Performance Management

• Provide guidance to managers and leaders on performance management and workforce success by coaching, counseling, and offering career development solutions.

• Partner with administrative leaders on facilitating the staff employee performance process from goal setting to compensation and merit review.

Employee Relations

• Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues by conducting thorough and timely investigations through to resolution and debriefing.

• Monitor trends and implement solutions that prevent employee relations concerns.

Compensation and Rewards

• Gain a deep understanding of unique BSD positions in research and life sciences.

• Analyze data and prepare visual summaries and proposals for management review and consultation with University HR and compensation team.

• Recommend creative rewards and recognition solutions to convey staff appreciation.

Standard Responsibilities

• Guides staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Develops templates and drafts offer letters. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of problems using best practices.

• Has a deep understanding of unit's employee/labor relations efforts, including handling grievances, disciplinary warnings, and employee complaints.

• Performs other related