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 Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) II supports HR processes to ensure alignment with the business goals of Research & Engagement. The HRBP II provides guidance and policy interpretation on complex HR issues including workforce planning, recruitment, compensation/ classification, leave administration, and performance management across campus research support units and other areas as assigned by the Associate Vice Chancellor of Research Support Services (AVCRSS). This position proactively supports the HR and operational needs of large-scale research awards and collaborates with senior HR staff to address personnel issues escalated by post-award support staff across the campus.
Essential Functions
Anticipation and Support for New Large-Scale Awards
- Partners with Schools and Colleges to support Principal Investigators (PIs) and hiring managers to assess staffing needs, define organizational structure, project personnel costs, develop job descriptions and guide the hiring process for newly awarded large-scale research projects.
- Advises on classification and compensation in collaboration with Central HR to ensure alignment with institutional and sponsor requirements.
- Leads recruitment efforts by advising on search strategies, planning and best practices to attract top talent.
- Develops and maintains staffing models and resource plans to support evolving HR needs throughout the lifecycle of large-scale awards.
Incident Management and Resolution
- Addresses performance and personnel issues escalated from college-level post-award staff, offering guidance and solutions in collaboration with senior HR colleagues, and executing tasks to resolution.
- Analyzes personnel issues including performance management, team dynamics, and compliance, and implements corrective actions.
- Collaborates with relevant college and department-level staff, as well as individual PIs to address HR matters and facilitate stakeholder communication.
Expert Consultation and Support
- Serves as a lead HR resource for R&E research support units and other areas assigned by AVCRSS, providing consultation on staff development and organizational effectiveness.
- Advises managers within research support units and as assigned by AVCRSS, on HR policies, procedures and best practices. Manages complex HR issues, partnering with senior-level HR staff as appropriate.
- Manages non-routine personnel actions, ensuring legal and policy compliance through coordination with Central HR.
- Supports professional development initiatives and training efforts that strengthen the capacity of research administration staff.
- Identifies and recommends process and policy improvements to enhance HR practices and post-award support effectiveness.
Compliance and Reporting
- Provides campus-wide guidance to research staff on HR best practices and ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
- Prepares advanced reports and data analyses to support HR decision making and presentations to senior leadership.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- Four (4) years’ progressively responsible experience in human resources.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to manage complex HR and operational scenarios.
- Expertise in federal and state employment regulations, institutional policies, and compliance.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency in HR software and information systems.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPA, or relevant field).
- HR experience in higher education or research administration.
- Familiarity with research administration tools.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
40 hours per week. Some flexibility in working hours may be required to meet project deadlines and handle urgent incidents.
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 28.
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.
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.