About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Senior HR Business Partner, the HR Business Partner I (HRBP I) supports a wide range of human resources functions with the UMass Amherst Libraries. The UMass Amherst Libraries, the largest state-supported academic library system in New England, provides access to more than 8 million print and digital items, much of which is available online worldwide. The HRBP I provides operational and transactional HR support, ensuring timely, accurate, and policy-aligned handling of hiring, onboarding, compensation, classification, and employment lifecycle activities. 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

• Serves as a first point of contact for HR-related questions and requests from departments within the Libraries, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Reviews and approvals for the submission of staff classification review requests in the Talent Management software system. Administers and advises managers and staff on university compensation and classification processes, ensuring alignment with HR best practices.
• Oversees the recruitment and hiring process for staff and temporary positions, including position description development, job postings, applicant communication, NENS requests, and preparation of offer letters. Ensures all associated actions are processed accurately within the HRIS (Human Resource Information System), ATS (applicant tracking system), and other relevant systems. Troubleshoots and resolves complex HR processing inquiries with a high level of independence.
• Coordinates access requests for HR, finance, and student systems (e.g., SPIRE), ensuring proper approvals and timely access.
• Advises staff on proper policies, compliance and procedures to support the timely and accurate management of employment actions, including the processing of new hires, promotions, transfers, reclassifications, funding changes, leaves, and terminations.
• Maintains personnel records and documentation in compliance with university policies and records management standards.
• Facilitates onboarding for new hires, including orientation coordination and system access setup.
• Manages, monitors and provides guidance on employee evaluation processes by distributing information and guidance to departments, tracking completion, and assisting with questions or issues.
• Creates reports and data summaries to support HR decision-making and monitor activity across departments.
• Collaborates with HR colleagues and administrative leadership to streamline processes and promote consistency in HR service delivery across the Libraries.

Other Functions

• Works collaboratively to promote an inclusive, respectful, and responsive HR environment.
• Participates in special projects and process improvement efforts as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Associate’s degree and four (4) years of human resources-related experience. A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to accuracy and timeliness.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office, and comfort learning and using enterprise systems (e.g., HRIS, applicant tracking, reporting tools).
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies with discretion and sound judgment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field.
• PHR/SPHR certification.
• Experience in higher education or in a unionized environment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office setting.

Work Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm schedule.
• 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

Level 26 – Non-unit

Exempt Hiring Ranges

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. Early applications are encouraged.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.