Careers at UMass Amherst

Job Summary 

The HR Business Partner I (HRBP I) supports a wide range of human resources functions within an assigned portfolio of Colleges/Schools, departments, and administrative units. The HRBP I provides operational and transactional HR support, ensuring timely, accurate, and policy-aligned handling of hiring, onboarding, compensation, classification, and employment lifecycle activities. The HRBP I serves as a subject matter expert and advisor on matters related to human resource management, personnel policies, and procedures. 

Essential Functions 

• Serves as a university-wide HR liaison, responding to HR-related inquiries and requests from multiple units and providing consistent guidance on institutional policies, procedures, and best practices. 
• Reviews and approves for the submission of staff classification review requests in the Talent Management software system. Administers and advises managers and staff on university compensation and classification processes, ensuring alignment with HR best practices. 
• Oversees the recruitment and hiring process for staff and temporary positions, including position description development, job postings, applicant communication, NENS requests, and preparation of offer letters. Ensures all associated actions are processed accurately within the HRIS (Human Resource Information System), ATS (applicant tracking system), and other relevant systems. Troubleshoots and resolves complex HR processing inquiries with a high level of independence. 
• Coordinates access requests for HR, finance, and student systems, ensuring proper approvals and timely access. 
• Advises staff on proper policies, compliance and procedures to support the timely and accurate management of employment actions, including hiring, transfers, promotions, reclassifications, funding changes, leaves, and separations. 
• Maintains personnel records and documentation in compliance with university policies and records management standards. 
• Facilitates onboarding for new hires, including orientation coordination and system access setup. 
• Manages, monitors and provides guidance on employee evaluation processes by distributing information and guidance, tracking completion, and assisting with questions or issues. 
• Creates reports and data summaries to support HR decision-making and monitor activity across departments. 
• Collaborates with HR colleagues and administrative leadership to streamline processes and promote consistency in HR service delivery across the University. 

Other Functions 

• Works collaboratively to promote an inclusive, respectful, and responsive HR environment. 
• Participates in special projects and process improvement efforts as needed. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

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

• Associate’s degree and four (4) years of human resources-related experience, or a Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of related experience. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to accuracy and timeliness. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. 
• Proficiency with MS Office, and comfort learning and using enterprise systems (e.g., HRIS, applicant tracking, reporting tools). 
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies with discretion and sound judgment. 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.