Executive HR Business Partner

About The Company

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, commonly known as UMass Amherst, is a premier public research university located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Renowned for its academic excellence, innovative research, and vibrant campus community, UMass Amherst is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. As part of its mission, the university strives to advance knowledge, enhance student success, and serve the community through impactful programs and initiatives. With a strong focus on sustainability, collaboration, and leadership, UMass Amherst continuously seeks to attract top talent and foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

About The Role

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking an experienced and strategic Executive Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) to lead and support the university's human resources initiatives across academic and administrative units. Reporting to the Senior Director for HR Embedded Services, this senior leadership role involves guiding a team of HR Business Partners in delivering high-impact HR services aligned with the university's strategic goals. The Executive HRBP serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing expert guidance on workforce planning, organizational design, employee relations, and change management within a complex, unionized higher education environment. The role requires a proactive approach to fostering a culture of inclusion, accountability, and engagement, while ensuring HR strategies support the university's mission and operational needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field
• More than 10 years of progressive HR experience, including advanced employee and/or labor relations leadership in highly complex organizational environments
• At least five (5) years of people leadership or team management experience
• Executive-level experience in resolution strategies for high-risk, enterprise-wide, or highly sensitive employee and labor relations matters
• Proven ability to advise senior leadership on organizational risk, conflict navigation, and institutional response strategies
• Demonstrated experience supporting senior-level clients as a strategic HR Business Partner or HR leader
• Strong knowledge of workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, and organizational design
• Experience navigating complex, matrixed, or unionized environments
• Strategic thinking skills with the ability to lead change and align HR services with organizational goals
• Exceptional communication, influence, and relationship-building skills

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior HR advisor to deans, department heads, and administrative leaders, providing guidance on workforce strategy, organizational design, and change management
• Partner with senior leadership to understand unit goals and challenges, aligning HR solutions accordingly
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 4–6+ HR Business Partners supporting academic and administrative units
• Provide direction, feedback, and support to ensure consistent and high-quality HR service delivery across the university
• Manage workload distribution and strategic initiatives within the HR team
• Collaborate with units to develop and implement workforce and succession plans aligned with current and future talent needs
• Partner with Employee Engagement and Talent Development teams to assess leadership bench strength and identify development opportunities
• Facilitate talent reviews, and advise on job architecture, promotions, and organizational restructuring
• Lead and support employee relations activities, including performance management, grievance handling, and policy interpretation
• Ensure consistent ER guidance to supervisors and employees, escalating complex issues as needed
• Collaborate with the Labor Relations COE on collective bargaining, grievances, and union engagement matters
• Lead or consult on organizational assessments, restructures, and change initiatives to ensure alignment with institutional priorities
• Serve as a liaison for HR program implementation, monitoring trends, assessing impact, and recommending improvements
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the university's HR functions

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Hybrid or remote work arrangements available
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Retirement savings plans with university contributions
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Supportive work environment fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion