Human Resources Partner

If you are an HR professional with demonstrated experience or interest in employee relations, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, customer service, and workforce management with a strong operations skillset, this position may be of interest to you!

The University of Southern Maine is seeking to fill the position of Human Resources Partner (HRP) to support our Academic Affairs division, including part-time faculty, under the direction of the Vice President for Human Resources, and in partnership with the Provost, Deans and Directors in the division. The HR Partner will collaborate with the USM Human Resources team and HR Centers across the University of Maine System to deliver effective HR solutions that align with and support the University’s and division’s goals. Furthermore, the HR Partner provides HR generalist support to faculty and staff in the Academic Affairs division. 

The HR Partner will assist employees, managers, and supervisors work through employee relations issues with coaching and corrective action procedures, especially pertaining to progressive discipline, skill development, and contract and policy interpretation. The HRP must have the interest and ability to work in a fast-paced, unionized environment and manage multiple projects at a time. They must have the capacity to consistently meet deadlines while demonstrating a positive attitude that supports employee engagement. The HRP should be a team player who takes the initiative to make improvements and accomplish work while collaborating well in a team environment and matrixed organization.

This is a full-time position on our Portland Campus with an annual salary of up to $62,000.   

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University. 

The University of Southern Maine offers highly competitive benefits for full-time and eligible part-time employees that includes (but is not limited to):

• 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation time and sick time.
• Health, dental and vision insurance.
• Low-cost short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance.
• A tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse or dependent child(ren).
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Free access to the METRO system, including the Husky Line with service between our Portland and Gorham campuses.

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary.  

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline and 3+ years of HR experience. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with external and internal contacts, including presentation and facilitation skills. 
• Exercises good judgment, diplomacy, and perceptual objectivity to make decisions effectively and appropriately.
• Aptitude to define problems, identify trends, collect data, and establish facts to draw valid conclusions.