Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Senior Human Resources Business Partner (Hybrid) Apply now Job no: 528690Work type: Staff Full TimeLocation: UMass AmherstDepartment: Human ResourcesUnion: Non-Unit ExemptCategories: Human Resources 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 The Senior Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) for the UMass Amherst Libraries is responsible for the strategic and operational direction of the human resource function within the Libraries. This role provides leadership and administrative support to the Dean and staff throughout the Libraries specific to Human Resources. The Senior HR Business Partner builds strong partnerships with campus stakeholders and leads strategic HR initiatives that promote a productive, compliant, and positive workplace. Essential Functions Identifies and creates immediate and long-term strategic plans for the Libraries Human Resource function. Sets priorities and manages complex projects to continuously improve and advance the human resources function within the Libraries. Manages the Human Resources function while partnering with central offices to ensure alignment. Ensures consistent and timely communication regarding HR priorities and related information. Keeps Libraries staff and faculty abreast of best practices, emerging and changing policies and regulations, and other development opportunities in alignment with the goals and needs of the Libraries. Identifies immediate and long-term staffing plans. Optimizes the organizational structure, increases effectiveness and efficiency. In collaboration with Libraries’ Finance, develops staffing projections based on upcoming retirements, leaves, staffing patterns, succession plans, etc. Prioritizes new positions based on the strategic goals of the Libraries. Makes recommendations to senior leadership and provides cost/benefit estimates. Advises senior leaders, managers and administration on all classification and compensation policies, guidelines, and procedures for staff positions. Establishes, maintains, and refines programming in support of employee onboarding, new leader integration, and employee development. Manages compliance within the Libraries as it relates to regulations and collective bargaining provisions. Develops and counsels managers on how to identify, address and resolve employee issues. Advises managers regarding documentation processes for performance and/or other issues. Provides guidance on progressive discipline processes. In partnership with Labor Relations, assists managers with conducting meetings to resolve grievances or employee complaints. Participates in due process hearings and conducts investigations as needed. Ensures managers have the tools and information needed to properly supervise employees. Provides advice on how to communicate work expectations, establish performance goals, and conduct performance appraisals. Designs and oversees 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. Conducts research; creates and hosts trainings, education sessions, and workshops. Collaborates with Workplace Learning and Development to implement faculty and staff training/workshops. Provides leadership and guidance to ensure and support uniform compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, campus policies, practices, and procedures. Safeguards and maintains confidential personnel records on behalf of the Libraries. Has signatory authority. Other Functions Understands responsibilities with respect to DEI, Title IX, Clery, and other compliance requirements. Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) Bachelor’s degree and eight (8) years of progressive and relevant experience in human resources. Advanced knowledge and experience in a wide range of HR disciplines such as state/federal employment law compliance, organizational development, performance management, employee relations, compensation, and HR best practice. Demonstrated leadership abilities, mentorship skills, and supervisory experience. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Commitment to inclusion and awareness; has an understating of diverse thought, cultures, race, gender, and other differences. Ability to work with all levels of employees. Strong service orientation that demonstrates proactive relationship building. Ability to motivate others to drive functional performance. Proven record of developing and implementing new ideas. Ability to lead and manage change initiatives. Ability to exercise discretion and judgment in matters of a sensitive or confidential nature. Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) Certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP or SHRM- SCP) or the HR Certification Institute (PHR or SPHR). Experience working in a unionized, public sector, and/or higher education environment. Experience successfully working in and managing within a matrixed environment. Master's degree in human resources, business/public administration, or related discipline. Physical Demands/Working Conditions Typical office environment. This position directly manages a team of HR staff. Work Schedule Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm. Required to work occasional nights and weekends. 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. Application Instructions 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. Early submissions are encouraged. The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Advertised: Oct 10 2025 Eastern Daylight TimeApplications close: Dec 31 2025 Eastern Standard Time #J-18808-Ljbffr