Human Resources Business Partner I – Labor Relations

Title: Human Resources Business Partner I – Labor Relations

Executive Area: Human Resources

College/School/MBU: Human Resources

Department: Office of Human Resources

Work
Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job
Summary

The HR Business Partner I (HRBP I), Labor Relations serves as a dedicated HR partner supporting the University’s
Labor Relations function. This role focuses on collective bargaining agreement administration, labor relations processes, and operational
support within a complex, unionized higher education environment. The HRBP I supports Labor Relations leadership through research,
documentation, case coordination, and stakeholder communication.

Essential Functions

Labor Relations
Support

Serves as a dedicated HR Business Partner supporting the Labor Relations function.

Assists with the interpretation and
application of collective bargaining agreements, memoranda of agreement, and labor-related policies.

Provides labor relations
guidance to HR colleagues and campus partners, escalating complex issues to Labor Relations leadership as appropriate.

Supports
consistent labor relations practices across departments in alignment with University policies and collective bargaining
agreements.

Supports labor negotiations activities before, during, and after collective bargaining sessions.

Grievance & Labor
Case Coordination

Supports the intake, tracking, and administration of labor grievances and other labor relations
cases.

Prepares documentation, correspondence, timelines, and summaries related to grievances, hearings, and
arbitration.

Coordinates meetings, hearings, and related logistics in partnership with Labor Relations leadership.

Maintains
accurate, confidential records and case files.

Liaison to Employee Relations (ER)

Acts as a point of coordination between
Labor Relations and the shared-service HRBP teams.

Ensures relevant information is exchanged to support contract compliance,
grievance handling, and consistent application of policies.

Assists in identifying when matters should transition between ER and LR,
in alignment with established protocols.

Supports communication and follow-up between ER, Labor Relations, and other HR
stakeholders.

Collective Bargaining & Contract Administration

Assists Labor Relations leadership with contract administration
and bargaining preparation.

Supports data gathering, research, and analysis related to bargaining, grievances, and labor
trends.

Helps track contract provisions, deadlines, and implementation requirements.

Assists with drafting and maintaining
labor-related documentation, guidance materials, and summaries.

Collaboration & Compliance

Partners with HR Business Partners,
Payroll, Benefits, Faculty Affairs, and other campus stakeholders to ensure coordinated labor relations support.

Supports compliance
with applicable employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, and University policies as they relate to labor relations.

Assists
with audits, reporting, and process improvement initiatives related to labor relations.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree.

Minimum of two (2)
years of professional Human Resources experience, preferably with exposure to labor relations or unionized workforces.

Demonstrated
experience using workplace technology and software applications, with the ability to learn and adapt to new systems, tools, and platforms
quickly and effectively.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Strong organizational skills and attention to
detail.

Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, matrixed HR environment.

Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and
confidential information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a unionized environment,
preferably in higher education or the public sector.

Foundational knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations
principles.

Familiarity with Massachusetts public sector labor relations.

Experience supporting grievance administration or
collective bargaining activities.

Experience with Workday or comparable HRIS systems.

Additional Details

The HRBP I does not independently manage employee relations matters; rather, the position serves as a liaison between Labor Relations and
the shared-service HRBP team, ensuring coordination, information flow, and alignment on labor-related
issues.

Competencies

Labor Relations Fundamentals

Contract Interpretation and Administration

Collaboration and
Stakeholder Coordination

Judgment and Discretion

Organization and Case Tracking

Clear and Effective Communication

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal
physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 5:00pm.

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

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for 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.

This
position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable
candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

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