Official Job Title: HR Business Partner

Division: Human Resources

Department: Office of Human Resources

Bargaining Unit Status: Non-Unit

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Vice Chancellor for Human Resources

Supervises: May supervise students and other HR staff as assigned.

Position Summary:

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) at UMass Dartmouth is a forward-thinking, strategic advisor and trusted partner to campus leadership, managers, and employees across the university. As a highly visible and accessible resource, the HRBP plays a pivotal role in shaping a positive workplace culture, driving organizational effectiveness, and advancing the university’s mission through innovative human resources solutions.

The HRBP manages a broad portfolio of HR activities—including talent acquisition, total compensation, employee and labor relations, training and development, and organizational change initiatives—for assigned areas. This role operates as a business partner, change agent, management advocate, and employee resource, providing expert guidance and solutions aligned with UMass Dartmouth’s strategic objectives. The HRBP also ensures cross-coverage for HR colleagues and acts as a key contributor to HR- wide projects and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with campus leadership and managers to understand workforce needs, providing HR solutions that are innovative, data-driven, and aligned with university strategy and values.
• Develop and implement workforce plans, identify skill gaps, and create strategies for talent acquisition, development, and retention, ensuring compliance with EEO.
• Coach and advise managers on employee relations, labor relations, performance management, policy interpretation, and legal compliance, fostering a culture of accountability, equity, and continuous improvement.
• Investigate and resolve complex employee issues with empathy, fairness, and adherence to applicable laws and university policies.
• Collaborate with the HR team on compensation, benefits, labor relations, and training initiatives, leveraging best practices and benchmarking data to enhance HR programs.
• Lead HR strategic planning and business goal-setting sessions with assigned leaders and their teams, supporting organizational change and transformation.
• Guide leaders in organizational design, succession planning, and effective communication strategies to meet evolving academic and administrative needs.
• Assess training needs and develop relevant professional development programs to build organizational capability and foster career growth.
• Oversee onboarding and transition processes for new employees and senior leaders, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive experience.
• Represent HR at campus committees and events, building partnerships and promoting the HR function across the university.
• Provide cross-coverage and back-up support for other HR Business Partners as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the evolving needs of the university and the HR department.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
• Demonstrated progressive HR generalist experience, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex organization.
• Ability to influence and build relationships at all organizational levels with excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Commitment to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and diverse work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Experience in higher education and/or a complex unionized environment.
• Supervisory or management experience.
• Experience in a public institution.

SALARY: $75,000 - $85,000

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance