About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
As the Director of Human Resources Facilities & Campus Services (F&CS) Service Center, manages effective labor and employee relations, training and development, compliance, and engagement initiatives. Evaluates and resolves human relations, labor relations, and work-related problems to promote employee health and well-being; interviews staff to discuss a variety of work-related matters to positively affect morale, health, and productivity; meets with management to determine appropriate action in disciplinary matters; provides advice and counsel to staff and managers about university, state, and federal rules, regulations, and procedures, and requirements for compliance; maintains records and monitors compliance with all relevant laws and regulations; and collaborates with senior directors and department heads regarding HR-related initiatives.
As part of the Administration & Finance (AF) Human Resources shared service model, the Director of Human Resources F&CS Center is also responsible for the implementation and administration of the recruitment activities across all AF departments.
Essential Functions
- Ensures integrity of employee investigations and represents F&CS at hearings, union bargaining, and arbitrations. Analyzes information for management in order to provide advice, counsel, and decisions on HR matters. Guides management and employees by researching, developing, writing, and updating F&CS policies, procedures, methods, and guidelines.
- Responsible for administration of employee performance management programs, per bargaining unit requirements. Advises on and manages progress of performance improvement plans.
- Responsible for ensuring all F&CS Human Resources procedures reflect AA/EEO compliance, safety and health standards, and records and retention policies. Manages the administration of Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Program for all Facilities Management employees holding a Commercial Driver’s License including confidential employee selection, result tracking and notification, and corresponding actions.
- Responsible for executing all recruitment efforts for AF business units. Manages position description updates and employee compensation appeals across AF. Assists leadership with workforce planning and position management. Collaborates and advises leadership on best practices to meet staffing needs. Partners with Central HR Talent Management and Compensation for an efficient and effective recruiting administrative process. Responsible for execution of all special hiring events and recruitment marketing efforts. Partners with community resources to attract a robust and diverse workforce.
- Manages the AF Recruiting Service Center and HR Team members specific to F&CS. Coach and develop subordinates to provide exceptional customer service to all AF leaders, managers, and employees.
- Coaches and advises F&CS directors and managers on techniques used to provide feedback to employees for optimal outcomes.
- Collaborates with departmental leadership to identify and address organizational issues and priorities; supports organizational change initiatives through communication and coordinating structure and position description adjustments; evaluates milestone accomplishments and makes recommendations.
- Responsible for administration of training programs for clerical, supervisory, technical, and management employees. Advises directors on human resource strategies for employee development, including in-house training programs. Conducts training needs analysis to design and execute training plans in collaboration with leadership.
- Collaborates with Partnership for Worker Education and F&CS Leadership on the AFSCME Apprenticeship Program initiatives. Assists in the apprentice recruitment and selection process and attends committee meetings and events.
- Plans and organizes employee engagement programs consistent with campus initiatives to build a positive work environment. Prevent and mediate employee disputes and grievances.
Other Functions
- Performs special projects and other duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet department, executive area/division, and university goals and objectives.
- Contributes toward a positive and respectful workplace with personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
- Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful and inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.
- Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university-related information only in the performance of responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree required with over 6 years of progressive HR experience at least 2 of which includes supervision.
- Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, with all levels of employees and management; demonstrated skills in problem analysis and resolution.
- Ability to work occasional night and weekends and to be on call for employee matters.
- Working knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to employee relations.
- Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery Act, conflicts of interest, and other compliance requirements and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university policy.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Master's degree.
- Human Resources professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP or World at Work.
- Experience in higher education and/or unionized environment.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment
Work Schedule
40 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Salary Information
- Non-Unit Exempt Level 29 with salary associated to level 30
- Salary commensurate with experience and skills.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.