About the role
Title: Human Resources Business Partner I (HRBP I)
Executive Area: Human Resources
College/School/MBU: Human Resources
Department: Office of Human Resources
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Job Summary
Under the general direction of the College of Natural Sciences Human Resources Business Partner III, the Human Resources Business Partner I (HRBP I) supports an academic grouping within the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) in meeting its HR operational and strategic objectives, with a high degree of judgment, initiative, and leadership. Serves as a subject matter expert and advisor on matters related to human resource management, personnel policies and procedures for all employees throughout the unit.
Essential Functions
Provide direction, leadership, and support to a team of HR staff members to ensure efficient, accurate, and timely execution of HR processes. Provide training and guidance on HR tasks, ensuring staff understand and follow proper procedures for submitting transactions across various systems. Share knowledge of HR processes, policies, and best practices to support the learning needs of CNS staff.
Engage regularly with CNS faculty and staff to administer Human Resources activities across the unit, supporting all employees, both academic and non-academic.
Manage the hiring, promotion, transfer, tenure, and reappointment processes. Advise on process compliance. Support onboarding processes to enhance employee effectiveness.
Work with managers to develop clear, accurate and results-oriented position descriptions.
Review and approve the submission of staff classification review requests in the Talent Management software system. Administer and advise managers and staff on university compensation and classification processes, ensuring alignment with HR best practices.
Facilitate and monitor leave processes. Partner with leadership to support non-standard leave cases.
Manage, monitor, and provide guidance on employee evaluation processes. Support and maintain engagement to drive best in class performance.
Support senior level HR staff in resolving employee performance concerns. Partner with managers to escalate non-standard employee relation or performance matters.
Process, monitor, and approve HR actions within HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems), ATS (applicant tracking system), and other relevant systems. Advise staff on proper policies and procedures to support the timely and accurate management of employment actions. Troubleshoot and resolve complex HR processing inquiries with a high level of independence.
Create and provide queries and reports to support ongoing HR management throughout the college.
Collaborate with college and department constituents to create, write and update knowledge-based resources.
Partner with peers and leadership to advance current processes and systems to support continuous improvement throughout the HR operation.
Other Functions
Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Associates degree and four (4) years of human resource-related experience OR a bachelor's degree and two (2) years of human resource-related experience.
Demonstrated ability to effectively problem-solve, manage multiple demands, and prioritize competing tasks while maintaining a strong focus on timeliness and quality for both individual and team performance.
Strong service orientation that demonstrates proactive relationship building and customer-focused problem solving.
Commitment to inclusion and awareness and understanding of diverse thought, cultures, race, gender, and other differences.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including training skills.
Proven competence with spreadsheets, word processing, electronic calendars and organizational charts, as well as central data systems.
Ability to exercise extreme discretion and judgment in matters of a sensitive or confidential nature.
Preferred Qualifications
PHR/SPHR certification.
Experience in Higher Education.
Additional Details
This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional) Employee Personnel Policy.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26
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Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.