Human Resources Business Partner I – Labor Relations

Title: Human Resource Business Partner I – Labor Relations

Executive Area: Human Resources

College/School/MBU: Human Resources

Department: 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.

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 in Human Resources, Labor
Relations, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.

Minimum of 2–4 years of professional HR experience, preferably with
exposure to labor relations or contract administration.

Foundational knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor
relations principles.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and
confidential information with discretion.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

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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