The HRBP (Partner) is responsible for delivering strong and engaged employee relations services to Boston University’s schools, colleges, and departments in support of the University’s strategic priorities. The Partner will maintain high levels of understanding of the school, college, and/or business unit’s employment needs to help the area meet its short- and long-term goals. The Partner will be fully attuned to the University’s people-centered ethos, and work to ensure alignment between our philosophy and approach, while using data and best practices to help drive decision making, advice, and best counsel to clients. The Partner must be able to demonstrate the exercise of good judgment, high EQ, and calm, while being collaborative with a broad swath of constituents. It is important that the Partner is (and viewed as such) a trusted advisor and results oriented.

While the Partner has no supervisory responsibilities, they will serve as a support and coach to the schools, colleges, and/or business units. The Partner will be a confidential resource for employees, when needed, unless legal obligations and/or risks dictate otherwise. In such case, the employee will be notified of the reporting obligations of the Partner.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conducts regular check-in meetings with respective clients and maintains basic employment metrics (e.g., turnover, complaints, etc.) in concert with the business unit and HR Operations
• Provides day-to-day performance management guidance to line management (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, corrective actions), and works with the Improving with You team to meet client performance objectives and needs.
• Provides guidance and input on business unit restructures, workforce planning and succession planning in conjunction with Organizational Development & Learning (OD&L), as needed.
• Maintains a close awareness of the unit’s employment related needs and services
• Supports the administration of the University’s collective bargaining agreements and assists the LR directorate and managers in the handling and administration of grievances at the initial stages, as needed.
• Consults with both academic and administrative management, providing employee relations guidance when appropriate.
• Analyzes trends and metrics in partnership with HR to develop solutions, programs, and policies.
• Manages and resolves complex employee relations issues. Conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance, and compliance with wage and hour laws. Partners with the legal department as needed/required.
• Works closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Supports managers in the handling of long-term absences and other leave related issues
• Provides HR policy guidance and early-stage interpretation of collective bargaining agreements.
• Identifies training needs for business units and individual executive coaching needs and works with OD&L to meet the needs and goals of the unit.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Demonstrated ability to follow through and close the loop with all constituents.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrated ability to interface routinely with clients in support of the work.
• Excellent organizational skills, strong ability to prioritize work and sharp attention to detail.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, collective bargaining agreements, and policies.
• Demonstrate a sense of calm, while working promptly and efficiently to meet the employee service needs of clients.
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization’s hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with SAP, OnBase, Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience resolving complex employee and labor relations issues, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including compensation practices, organizational diagnosis, employee and labor relations, DEI, performance management, and federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Higher-level (e.g., Masters or J.D.) degree preferred.
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment, preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption ( instructions ). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Resources site.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Required Experience

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Demonstrated ability to follow through and close the loop with all constituents.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrated ability to interface routinely with clients in support of the work.
• Excellent organizational skills, strong ability to prioritize work and sharp attention to detail.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, collective bargaining agreements, and policies.
• Demonstrate a sense of calm, while working promptly and efficiently to meet the employee service needs of clients.
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization’s hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with SAP, OnBase, Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience resolving complex employee and labor relations issues, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including compensation practices, organizational diagnosis, employee and labor relations, DEI, performance management, and federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Higher-level (e.g., Masters or J.D.) degree preferred.
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment, preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption ( instructions ). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Resources site.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.