Strategic HR Partner

Job Description

University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL)

The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Human Resources professional to join our team as a Senior HR Partner. This role plays a critical part in delivering high-impact HR consultation, services, and programs that advance UMSL’s mission to transform lives through exceptional education, research, and community engagement.

As a key member of campus-wide HR team, you will provide expert guidance across workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, compensation, organizational design, and policy interpretation. You will serve as a trusted advisor to assigned colleges, schools, and divisions (CSDs), while also contributing to university-wide initiatives.

The successful candidate will operate effectively in a complex, evolving organization by partnering across units, balancing numerous business models & institutional priorities, and applying sound judgement at all times.

Employee Relations & Policy Compliance – 45%

• Provide guidance and consultation on HR policies, team dynamics, effective communication, employee engagement, performance management, conflict resolution, corrective action, progressive discipline, and separation. Maintain employee relations documentation and incident files.
• Ensure consistent application of university policies and compliance with federal and state employment laws.
• Lead and document complex investigations and resolve sensitive employee relations concerns. Maintain case files.
• Draft and/or revise performance, compensation, and employment-related letters.
• May represent UMSL on the UM System Policy Committee.

Learning & Organizational Development – 25%

• Advise leaders on organizational structure, workforce optimization, and change management strategies.
• Coordinate annual and mid-cycle performance review processes and facilitate calibration discussions.
• Educate units on volunteer policies and processes.
• Ensure units are meeting compliance training expectations for employees and volunteers.
• Recommend, develop, and/or deliver training to strengthen engagement and supervisory capability.
• Support initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, recognition, and appreciation.

HR Data, Compensation, & Classification – 15%

• Provide key trends and metrics to CSD leaders. Identify strengths and gaps. Facilitate or assist with improvement strategies.
• Educate supervisors on compensation philosophy, structure, and application. In partnership with Compensation/Classification colleagues, provide recommendations on job titles, pay adjustments, and reclassification requests.
• Improve organizational job descriptions & organizational charts.
• Serve as back-up to the UMSL Compensation/Classification Specialist as needed.

HR Projects & Process Improvements – 15%

• Lead and/or contribute to other HR initiatives such as onboarding, documenting and improving processes, and initiatives related to learning and development, employee engagement, communications, total rewards, and offboarding.
• Standardize and improve documentation and HR processes.
• Participate on various project teams and systemwide HR committees.
• Deliver on other initiatives in support of institutional priorities.

Join UMSL and contribute to a vibrant academic community where your HR expertise will make a meaningful impact. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of HR at a leading public research university.

Shift

Monday – Friday. Position is on-site with some occasional remote work flexibility.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR policies, and compliance standards, including those applicable to higher education environments.
• Proven ability to coach supervisors and leaders on employee relations, team effectiveness, and organizational change.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to write clear, accurate, and legally sound HR documentation.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with various stakeholders in a complex organization.
• Prior experience in public higher-education or a similarly complex environment.
• Professional HR certification (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP) preferred.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $60,000 – $80,000
Grade: GGS- 011
University Title: Senior Human Resources Consultant
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

• Application materials include a cover letter and resume. Finalists will be asked to provide references at a later date.
• Applicants must combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment to the UMSL Careers: https://www.umsl.edu/services/hrs/careers/index.html
• Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). For questions about the application process, please email employment@umsl.edu. If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at umslhr@umsl.edu.