Human Resources Business Partner

JOB TITLE: HR Business Partner

DIVISION: Human Resources

DEPARTMENT: Division 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.

SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: The HR Business Partner (HRBP) is a strategic advisor and trusted partner to campus leadership and managers in assigned areas. As a highly visible campus resource, the HRBP will develop and maintain effective working relationships between Human Resources and the respective Vice Chancellors, Deans and Department Heads. The HRBP will manage all HR activities including recruiting, employment, total compensation, employee relations, labor relations and training and development matters for their assigned areas. Operating as a business partner, change agent, management advocate and employee resource, the HRBP will provide expert guidance and solutions aligned with university strategy and objectives. The HRBP will also provide cross-coverage and back-up support for their HR Business Partner counterparts. The incumbent is a confidential employee as defined in M.G. L. Chapter 150E, Section 1.

EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with campus leadership and managers to understand workforce needs and provide HR solutions aligned with university strategy and objectives.
• Develop workforce plans, identifying skill gaps, and implement strategies for talent acquisition, development, and retention in compliance with EEO regulations.
• Coach managers on employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation, and legal compliance.
• Investigate and resolve complex employee issues with empathy, fairness, and adherence to applicable laws and policies.
• Collaborate with the HR team on compensation, benefits, training, labor relations initiatives, and legal compliance efforts.
• Plan, develop, organize and implement HR business plans aligned with the overall University strategy and the specific Vice Chancellor, Dean or Department Head.
• Lead HR strategic planning and business goal-setting sessions with respective leaders and their teams.
• Develop human resources strategies to meet changing academic and business needs through organizational structure redesign, succession planning, creation of new positions and roles and effective communication planning.
• Build and maintain personal credibility at all levels to effectively provide advice and counsel.
• Provide direction and tools for leaders to continually assess changing business requirements and skill set needs including guiding and developing job descriptions.
• Assess training needs in assigned organizations and develop relevant training programs.
• Oversee onboarding and transition of new employees and new senior leaders to their respective areas.
• Coordinate, participate and represent the Office of Human Resources at various committee meetings.
• Provide cross-coverage and back-up support for other HR Business Partners and their assigned organizations.
• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned and/or the job description changed periodically to reflect changing organization needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business, or related field required.
• Demonstrated progressive HR generalist experience, preferably in higher education or a similar complex organization.
• Ability to influence at all levels using excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive environment.
• OTHER:
  • Travel to off-campus meetings is required.
  • Ability to work flexible hours and to have a strong physical presence on campus is required.
  • Some remote work flexibility is available.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Master's degree
* PHR or SPHR certification
* Experience in a higher education environment
* Experience in a unionized environment
* Experience supervising and managing
* Experience in a public institution

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Core Competencies:

Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to think strategically and creatively.
Outstanding customer service mindset and interpersonal skills to interact tactfully with diverse stakeholders.
Superb written and verbal communication abilities to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
Robust knowledge of HR best practices, employment laws, and university policies/procedures.

Strategic Advisory:

Ability to provide expert guidance, coaching, and counsel to leaders on talent management, employee relations, and change initiatives.
Skilled at cultivating credible relationships and influencing senior stakeholders to drive HR strategy execution.
Adept at resolving sensitive employee issues with empathy, confidentiality, and composure.

Operational Excellence:

Proficiency in leveraging HR technologies, data analytics, and process improvements to enhance efficiency.
Ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Capacity to work independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment.

Collaboration and Inclusion:

Commitment to fostering a collaborative, team-oriented HR function and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
Ability to balance employee needs with organizational objectives and policies in an ethical and equitable manner
Skilled at building partnerships and representing HR positively to internal and external stakeholders

Why UMass Dartmouth?

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid work model with a blend of on-campus and remote work.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Vibrant campus community dedicated to student success and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Collaborative, inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

SALARY: $75,000 - $85,000

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• Paid personal, vacation, and sick time
• And More!

Benefits for Non-Unit Professional: Non-Unit Professional

UMass Dartmouth is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds. Apply today!

The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.