Careers at UMass Amherst

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 I (HRBP I) administers HR processes for assigned business units. They facilitate employee life cycle events including recruitment, onboarding, and benefits. The HRBP I communicates policies and procedures to managers and employees and handles routine issues, referring more complex problems to senior-level staff.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a first point of contact for Human Resources-related issues within the business unit(s). Interprets and communicates HR policies and procedures to managers and employees. Answers general questions across a broad range of HR topics, solves problems related to routine HR issues, and refers more complex questions to the appropriate HR subject matter expert.
• Facilitates recruitment efforts. Counsels search committee members and hiring managers on proper search procedures. Ensures requisitions are properly managed within the Applicant Tracking System.
• Takes a leadership role in the onboarding and integration process for new hires. Develops comprehensive orientation programs to familiarize new hires with the business unit(s). Follows up with employees at regular intervals to ensure a smooth transition to the University.
• Collaborates closely with employees, managers, and the Employee Accommodations and Absence Support Team to identify and address accommodation and/or absence support needs. Serves as the first point of contact within supported units, ensuring the Absence Support Team is informed of potential cases for evaluation and compliance processing (e.g., ADA, FMLA, PMFL). Maintains ongoing communication with employees and managers throughout the leave or accommodation period, supports successful returns to work, and promotes a positive and compliant employee experience.
• Conducts exit interviews with employees terminating from the University. Gathers feedback on their experiences, reasons for departure, and suggestions for improvement. Analyzes data to identify trends and recommend actionable steps to improve turnover.
• Supports the annual performance review process. Ensures timely completion of evaluations for all employees.
• Enters and/or approves personnel actions in the HRIS system. Ensures data integrity and timely follow-up on submission status.
• Develops reports and/or provides data in support of HR initiatives.
• Collaborates with HR colleagues and administrative leadership to streamline processes and promote consistency in HR service delivery across the University. 

Other Functions

• 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. 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm. 
• 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.
• This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee’s work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. 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 26

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. 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.