University of Massachusetts Amherst
Executive Human Resources Business Partner (Hybrid/Remote)
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, us, 01002
Overview
Executive Human Resources Business Partner (Hybrid/Remote)
role at
University of Massachusetts Amherst . UMass Amherst is seeking an experienced and strategic Executive HR Business Partner (HRBP) to provide leadership and direction to a team of HR Business Partners who support assigned colleges and administrative units across the University. The Executive HRBP reports to the Senior Director for HR Embedded Services and delivers high-impact HR services that align talent strategy with the University's academic and operational priorities. The position serves as a senior advisor to institutional leaders, coaching and developing HRBPs as strategic consultants, and collaborates with Centers of Excellence across Compensation & Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement, Labor Relations, and Total Rewards to deliver integrated HR solutions in a complex, unionized higher education environment. Responsibilities
Serve as a senior HR advisor to assigned deans, department heads, and administrative leaders, providing guidance on workforce strategy, organizational design, talent planning, and change management. Partner with senior leadership to understand unit goals and challenges and align HR solutions that advance institutional strategy. Promote a culture of inclusion, accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement across all assigned areas. Lead, coach, and develop a team of 4–6+ HR Business Partners who serve assigned academic and administrative units. Provide direction, feedback, and support to ensure consistency, quality, and impact of HRBP service delivery across the university. Manage workload distribution and ensure appropriate coverage for portfolios and strategic initiatives. Partner with units to develop and implement workforce and succession plans aligned with current and future talent needs. Collaborate with Employee Engagement and Talent Development teams to assess leadership bench strength and identify development opportunities. Facilitate talent reviews and consult on job architecture, promotions, and organizational structure. Lead and support the HRBP team in managing all aspects of employee relations, including performance management, corrective actions, workplace concerns, grievance handling, and policy interpretation. Ensure HRBPs provide consistent and effective ER guidance to supervisors and employees, with routine matters handled by HRBP I/II roles and complex or high-risk issues escalated to HRBP III/senior HRBPs or the HRBP Lead. Foster a proactive and solutions-focused ER approach that promotes accountability, inclusion, and employee engagement. Collaborate with the Labor Relations COE on matters involving collective bargaining agreements, formal grievances, and union engagement, ensuring alignment between employee relations actions and contractual obligations. Support HRBPs in partnering effectively with the Labor Relations COE for issues that intersect both ER and LR scopes. Lead or consult on organizational assessments, restructures, and change initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and financial sustainability. Provide guidance on job redesigns, spans of control, and reporting structures to improve operational effectiveness. Serve as a liaison between Embedded Services and HR COEs to ensure seamless implementation of HR programs (e.g., performance management, engagement surveys, merit increases). Monitor trends, assess impact, and recommend improvements to HR programs and policies based on stakeholder feedback and institutional needs. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or related field. More than ten (10) years of progressive HR experience, including at least five (5) years of people leadership or team management experience. Demonstrated experience as a strategic HR Business Partner or HR leader supporting senior-level clients. Strong knowledge of workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, and organizational design. Experience navigating a complex, matrixed, or unionized environment. Strategic thinking skills with proven ability to lead change and align HR services with organizational goals. Exceptional communication, influence and relationship building skills. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, or related field. Higher education or public-sector experience. Working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations practices. Experience supervising or mentoring HR professionals. Active HR certification (i.e. PHR, SHRM-CP). Additional Information
Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, defined by the University as an arrangement where work is performed at a location other than the campus for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy. It also offers the opportunity for remote work as defined by the same policy. Salary Information:
Level 34; 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 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.
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Executive Human Resources Business Partner (Hybrid/Remote)
role at
University of Massachusetts Amherst . UMass Amherst is seeking an experienced and strategic Executive HR Business Partner (HRBP) to provide leadership and direction to a team of HR Business Partners who support assigned colleges and administrative units across the University. The Executive HRBP reports to the Senior Director for HR Embedded Services and delivers high-impact HR services that align talent strategy with the University's academic and operational priorities. The position serves as a senior advisor to institutional leaders, coaching and developing HRBPs as strategic consultants, and collaborates with Centers of Excellence across Compensation & Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement, Labor Relations, and Total Rewards to deliver integrated HR solutions in a complex, unionized higher education environment. Responsibilities
Serve as a senior HR advisor to assigned deans, department heads, and administrative leaders, providing guidance on workforce strategy, organizational design, talent planning, and change management. Partner with senior leadership to understand unit goals and challenges and align HR solutions that advance institutional strategy. Promote a culture of inclusion, accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement across all assigned areas. Lead, coach, and develop a team of 4–6+ HR Business Partners who serve assigned academic and administrative units. Provide direction, feedback, and support to ensure consistency, quality, and impact of HRBP service delivery across the university. Manage workload distribution and ensure appropriate coverage for portfolios and strategic initiatives. Partner with units to develop and implement workforce and succession plans aligned with current and future talent needs. Collaborate with Employee Engagement and Talent Development teams to assess leadership bench strength and identify development opportunities. Facilitate talent reviews and consult on job architecture, promotions, and organizational structure. Lead and support the HRBP team in managing all aspects of employee relations, including performance management, corrective actions, workplace concerns, grievance handling, and policy interpretation. Ensure HRBPs provide consistent and effective ER guidance to supervisors and employees, with routine matters handled by HRBP I/II roles and complex or high-risk issues escalated to HRBP III/senior HRBPs or the HRBP Lead. Foster a proactive and solutions-focused ER approach that promotes accountability, inclusion, and employee engagement. Collaborate with the Labor Relations COE on matters involving collective bargaining agreements, formal grievances, and union engagement, ensuring alignment between employee relations actions and contractual obligations. Support HRBPs in partnering effectively with the Labor Relations COE for issues that intersect both ER and LR scopes. Lead or consult on organizational assessments, restructures, and change initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and financial sustainability. Provide guidance on job redesigns, spans of control, and reporting structures to improve operational effectiveness. Serve as a liaison between Embedded Services and HR COEs to ensure seamless implementation of HR programs (e.g., performance management, engagement surveys, merit increases). Monitor trends, assess impact, and recommend improvements to HR programs and policies based on stakeholder feedback and institutional needs. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or related field. More than ten (10) years of progressive HR experience, including at least five (5) years of people leadership or team management experience. Demonstrated experience as a strategic HR Business Partner or HR leader supporting senior-level clients. Strong knowledge of workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, and organizational design. Experience navigating a complex, matrixed, or unionized environment. Strategic thinking skills with proven ability to lead change and align HR services with organizational goals. Exceptional communication, influence and relationship building skills. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, or related field. Higher education or public-sector experience. Working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations practices. Experience supervising or mentoring HR professionals. Active HR certification (i.e. PHR, SHRM-CP). Additional Information
Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, defined by the University as an arrangement where work is performed at a location other than the campus for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy. It also offers the opportunity for remote work as defined by the same policy. Salary Information:
Level 34; 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 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.
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