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
Under the general direction of the Lead HR Business Partner, the HR Business Partner II (HRBP II) provides consultative HR services to academic administration units within the Office of the Provost. The HRBP II facilitates HR processes aligned with University policies and collective bargaining agreements and serves as a key point of contact for HR matters. This role provides support for moderately complex issues related to recruitment, classification, compensation, onboarding, and employee lifecycle activities. The HRBP II also provides coverage and operational support for day-to-day HR work and handles routine matters, helping to ensure continuity and consistency across HR service delivery.
Essential Functions
- Serves as a key point of contact for HR-related questions within academic administration units, advising on HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Manages and executes full-cycle recruitment for staff and temporary positions, including posting, screening, offer letter preparation, and coordination with hiring departments.
- Collaborates with departments and Central HR to support position classification reviews, reclassifications, and salary recommendations. Drafts position descriptions and provides guidance on role requirements.
- Coordinates and supports onboarding for new hires, ensuring timely system access and consistent practices across departments.
- Provides support for leave administration and performance evaluation processes. Coordinates tracking and compliance with annual review cycles.
- Processes and monitors personnel actions (ePAFs) for hires, separations, changes in funding, and other updates. Ensures data accuracy and follows up as needed.
- Prepares HR activity reports and supports workforce data analysis to assist in planning and decision-making.
- Provides guidance to HR support staff and helps ensure alignment and continuity in operational HR practices.
- Participates in collaborative projects to streamline HR processes and promote efficiency across academic affairs units.
- Supports Lead HRBP in addressing moderately complex employee relations issues and contributes to resolution planning as needed.
Other Functions
- May supervise employees as HR shared services model evolves.
- Performs other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the unit and the University.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years of progressively responsible human resources experience.
- Diverse experience in human resources including knowledge of best practices in recruitment, compensation, performance management, employee training, and state/federal employment law compliance.
- Familiarity with employment laws and regulations applicable in a unionized environment.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Proficiency with enterprise systems (e.g., HRIS, ATS, reporting tools) and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and handle sensitive information with discretion and judgment.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- PHR/SPHR certification.
- Experience working in higher education or a unionized setting.
- Demonstrated ability to coach, support, and supervise entry-level HR professionals.
- Experience working in a shared services or embedded HR model.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
- Monday through Friday 8:30 to 5:00 PM.
- May require occasional evening or weekend hours for urgent HR matters or project 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 28
Exempt Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Upload your resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.