HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNER, Human Resources

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic advisor and primary point of contact for designated departments within Boston University. The HRBP provides consultative guidance to managers, HR liaisons, and employees on a wide range of employee relations and employment matters. The role is responsible for ensuring consistent application of university policies, collective bargaining agreements, and legal requirements while mitigating organizational risk.

The HRBP works within the Employee & Labor Relations unit, alongside other HR business units and university leadership to support effective workplace practices and organizational success, as well as to support the University in providing transformative employee experiences in a caring and collaborative community.
1. Employee & Labor Relations
Provide daily strategic consultation to managers and HR liaisons on employee relations matters, including performance management, investigations, discipline, reorganizations, separations, and all other aspects of employment.

Conduct or support workplace investigations and recommend appropriate corrective action, if any, and next steps. Work collaboratively with all critical partners, including EOO, OGC, school and college leadership, and HR Liaisons across academic and business units. Ensure consistent interpretation and application of policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements. Help to improve business processes and create greater efficiency and be able to work at scale.
2.

Manager & Leadership Advising
Advise managers on performance management, employee engagement, and workplace best practices
Provide guidance on conflict resolution and handling employee complaints
Support organizational leaders in workforce planning, restructuring, and change management efforts
3. Policy Interpretation & Compliance
Interpreting and applying university policies, employment laws, and contractual obligations
Work to support compliance with employment and labor laws. Support resolution of complaints and internal grievance processes
4.

Strategic HR Partnership
Partner with departments to align HR strategies with operational and institutional priorities
Identify trends and recommend proactive solutions to improve organizational effectiveness
Support implementation of university-wide HR initiatives
5.

Collaboration & HR Program Support
Collaborate with other HR business units and partners (Talent Acquisition, Compensation, OD&L, HRIS, HR Service Center, BU Children’s Center, and Faculty & Staff Assistance Office, Office of the Ombuds, and Community & Inclusion)
Support implementation of HR programs, communications, and projects across assigned client groups
Supervision Received:
Works under general direction with appropriate latitude to exercise high quality independent judgment on employee relations matters so long as such judgment in consistent with University policies, procedures, and best practices.

Supervision Exercised

None (may provide guidance and mentorship to HR liaisons or junior staff as appropriate) but work is in an advisory capacity.

Required Skills
Required Qualifications (Minimum):
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
5+ years of progressively responsible HR experience, which may include employee relations
Demonstrated experience advising managers on complex workplace issues
Knowledge of employment law and HR best practices
Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree, JD, or relevant advanced degree
Experience in a unionized environment and interpreting collective bargaining agreements
Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations
Experience conducting workplace investigations
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification
Competencies:
Strategic thinking and sound judgment
Risk assessment and mitigation
Relationship management and influencing skills
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Outstanding communication skills
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
Standard office environment with minimal physical demands
Internal/External Relationships:
University leadership, managers, and employees
HR Liaisons and BUHR Centers of Excellence
Office of the General Counsel, EOO, Office of the Ombuds, Faculty & Staff Assistance Office, Community & Inclusion.

Comments / Additional Information

This position supports a diverse portfolio of academic and administrative departments and requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex employee relations matters.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, 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.