Human Resources Business Partner

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Overview

Yale University is seeking a Human Resources Business Partner 1 (HRBP) to join the Employee Relations team and serve as part of a collaborative HR Business Partner team supporting Yale’s Law Library and the Yale University Library organizations. This role provides both strategic and tactical HR support to leaders, managers, and employees across a dynamic, service-focused and operational environment, driving day-to-day human resources operations. The incumbent serves as the front-line point of contact for designated client groups and employees.

The HRBP acts as a liaison to other HR functions—including compensation, benefits, labor relations, and staffing/talent acquisition—to deliver superior customer service and help organizations achieve their people, service, and operational goals. They will work closely with fellow HRBPs and HR colleagues to ensure coordinated, consistent support, and will be expected to be a nimble, proactive team player who communicates clearly and effectively in a fast-paced setting.

The ideal candidate will effectively investigate and resolve employee relations matters and support a positive workplace culture, while forming effective relationships with employees, managers, union representatives, and the HR team.  They will ensure all HR activities are conducted in accordance with government legislation and regulations, collective bargaining agreements/contractual obligations, and University policy. 

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Excellent critical, analytical, and strategic thinking abilities. Ability to initiate actions and solve problems using sound judgment. Ability to manage multiple competing priorities with flexibility and adaptability.

2. Ability to direct and influence change and collaborate with leaders to drive improvements in culture and management practices.

3. Knowledge of staffing, compensation, employment law, labor relations, training and development, benefits, and HRIS applications. 

4. Proficiency with Microsoft Word/Excel, databases, and HRIS systems.

5. Superior customer service orientation and ability to respond in a constructive and timely manner in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated success in detailed work requiring accuracy, high productivity, organization, and a sense of urgency. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities

Collaborative Partnership: Cultivates and fosters a collaborative partnership with departments in addressing human resource issues, which may include performing department-specific functions and faculty administration. Counsels managers on human resource policies and procedures and contractual obligations. Consults with the Director, Senior HR Business Partner, and HR specialists as needed. Client Understanding: Understands the client organization and mission and provides proactive guidance. Establishes strong relationships with employees and union representatives in the client base. Understands the unit's labor relations environment and provides support as needed. Facilitates enhancement of labor strategy and relationships within the unit. Organizational Support: Provides support for organizational change by advising, influencing, and assisting in organizational design efforts. Analyzes the impact of the change(s), explores options, and offers recommendations. Employee Relations: Works collaboratively on client issues, builds and maintains positive working relationships with Union representatives. Leads investigations of employee relations concerns. Educates, advises, and coaches managers/unit leaders and assists staff in resolving issues and grievances. Departmental Planning: Participates in departmental planning meetings, provides unit-specific tactical support as required. Develops, reviews, and updates new and existing department position descriptions. Works with Staffing and Compensation Representatives as needed to support recruitment and compensation requirements. May interview selected candidates at the request of the client. Policy Interpretation: Meets with the client base to interpret policy and contract provisions, assists with problem-solving, educates on risk factors, and advises on career development. Staffing Levels: Works with department managers to achieve appropriate staffing levels. Reviews all requests for departmental layoff. Conducts due diligence with regard to depar