Title: Senior HRBP

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Administration & Finance

Department: VC Admin & Finance HR

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Senior Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) is a member of the embedded Human Resources team that directly supports the University’s Administrative and Finance Organization. This position delivers hands-on Human Resources support tailored to a high volume of complex, local needs. Supervises a team of HR professionals that manage and deliver tailored HR solutions and services consistent with institution-wide policies and standards. Ensures high-quality service delivery, dedicated unit expertise and continuous improvement. The Senior HRBP maintains a consistent onsite presence and integrates with operations for real-time decision making and leadership engagement. Implements HR strategies that foster a positive organizational culture, improve employee engagement, and support the goals of the Administrative and Finance Business Unit.

Essential Functions

Supports HR transformation initiatives and the strategic planning process, driving change and ensuring alignment with the University's strategic plan. Influences senior leadership and key stakeholders within a centralized embedded services model to achieve organizational goals. 

Develops a thorough knowledge and understanding of assigned business unit(s) including their leadership structure, culture, and organizational objectives. Maintains on-site presence to remain closely aligned with division-specific priorities and workflows. Takes the lead role in driving HR strategy, setting priorities, and ensuring the efficient execution of HR programs and processes. Partners with senior leadership within the unit(s) to create short- and long-term strategic plans. 

Provides expert guidance to managers and employees on a comprehensive range of HR matters, including but not limited to recruitment, benefits, onboarding, compensation, employee engagement, training and development, HR administration, labor and employee relations, and talent management. Assumes a leadership role in addressing and resolving highly complex HR issues escalated from direct reports, ensuring effective and efficient resolution. 

Leads and supervises a team of HR staff. Provides guidance and support to ensure alignment with organizational goals and HR initiatives.

Coaches team members on best practice to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence within the HR function. 

Creates long-term staffing plans to optimize the organizational structure of the department. Develops and supports succession planning efforts. Establishes and maintains effective programs for workforce retention and promotions, with clear metrics to measure program success and impact on employee satisfaction and engagement. 

Manages the employee exit process including the strategic analysis of exit interview data for faculty and staff. Assesses trends, creates retention strategies, and provides recommendations to leadership with the goal of improving the employment life cycle. 

Remains current on employment law and compliance and participates as required in MCAD and EEO issue resolution including the conduct of investigations. Assures HR functions are performed effectively and efficiently and comply with regulatory standards and university policies. 

Leads collaborative initiatives with HR business centers and campus leadership to develop and integrate strategic HR solutions that address complex organizational needs and advance institutional priorities. 

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and eight (8) years of human resources experience. 

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/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 31

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Special Instructions for 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.

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.