Senior Human Resources Business Partner (Hybrid)

Job no : 528690

Work type : Staff Full Time

Location : UMass Amherst

Department : Human Resources

Union : Non-Unit Exempt

Categories : 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. 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. 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. They collaborate with university Centers of Excellence (COEs) across Compensation & Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement, and Labor Relations to deliver integrated HR solutions aligned with the college's priorities.

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

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

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

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Additional Details

Work Schedule

Salary Information

Level 31 – Non-unit

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

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 Time

Applications close : Dec 31 2025 Eastern Standard Time

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