About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The HR Strategy and Transformation Lead drives the strategic vision and execution of transformative HR initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. The Lead works cross-functionally to design, implement, and optimize a centralized, embedded HR services model, including overseeing the transition to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and other major HR projects. They champion organizational change, foster stakeholder engagement, and deliver measurable improvements in HR processes, efficiency, and employee experience.
Why Join UMass HR?
- Opportunity to shape and lead transformative HR initiatives in a dynamic and innovative organization.
- Collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
Essential Functions
Strategic Leadership
- Partners with the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) and senior leadership to define and articulate the vision for HR transformation.
- Develops and executes a multi-phase roadmap for implementing a centralized, embedded HR services model.
- Analyzes and integrates University goals into the HR strategy, ensuring alignment with broader business priorities.
Project Management
- Leads the end-to-end management of transformation projects, including timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation.
- Oversees the implementation of a new ERP system and other major HR initiatives and projects, ensuring smooth integration and adoption across HR functions.
- Monitors project progress and success metrics, addressing risks and roadblocks proactively.
Change Management
- Develops and executes a change management strategy to engage and prepare employees for new processes and systems.
- Acts as a change agent, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability.
- Provides ongoing communication and training to support system adoption and employee engagement.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborates with HR Business Partners, IT, and functional leaders to ensure alignment and buy-in.
- Acts as the primary point of contact for senior leadership on HR transformation updates and progress.
- Leads workshops and feedback sessions to align transformation initiatives with employee and business needs.
- Creates and implements comprehensive communication plans to inform stakeholders of upcoming changes, benefits, and impacts.
- Provides coaching and support to managers as they guide their teams through transitions.
Operational Excellence
- Analyzes and optimizes existing HR processes to improve efficiency and service delivery.
- Leverages data and analytics to inform decision-making and tracks the success of transformation initiatives.
- Analyzes feedback and adjusts change management strategies as necessary to improve outcomes.
- Ensures compliance with relevant policies, regulations, and industry best practices.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- 8+ years of progressive experience in HR leadership, strategy, or project management.
- Proven experience leading large-scale HR transformation projects, including ERP system implementation.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Expertise in HR processes, systems, and organizational development.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to effectively engage with all levels of the organization.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to drive change and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Data-driven mindset with a focus on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Master’s Degree.
- Experience in a higher education environment.
- Proficiency in project management or change management software tools.
- Project or Change Management certification (e.g., PMP, Lean, or Agile).
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
- Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm, with extended hours required during peak periods or when required to meet deadlines.
- 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
Salary Level 31.
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. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.