HR Business Partner and Team Lead

About The SEI

The SEI is a community dedicated to securing the nation's critical infrastructure, improving mission-critical systems, and advancing software. We collaborate with government and industry partners, and we foster innovation through unique research projects. As a member of the SEI, you'll join a team of talented individuals who bring diverse perspectives to create impactful solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders, providing strategic HR guidance that supports business success and mission outcomes.
• Oversee key people programs including onboarding, performance management, promotions, and recognition while leading a team of two who support these efforts and recruiting operations.
• Navigate complex employee relations matters including conflict resolution, performance challenges, and workplace concerns with fairness, discretion, and legal soundness.
• Coach and support managers in building strong teams, improving performance, and fostering connection.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, succession strategies, change management, and talent optimization.
• Analyze HR data to provide insights and recommend evidence-based solutions.
• Identify opportunities to modernize HR processes, policies, and tools, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with the SEI HR team to deliver a cohesive, human-centered employee experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of progressive HR experience, with a focus on employee relations and HR business partnering.
• Proven ability to advise leaders on complex people issues while balancing organizational needs and employee well-being.
• Demonstrated success leading or contributing to cross-functional people programs, HR projects, and process improvements.
• Current/recent experience working with HR systems, such as Workday.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR).
• Experience supporting technical, research-intensive, government, or higher education environments.
• Knowledge of employee relations, including policy interpretation, and employment law.
• Strong coaching and consulting skills with the ability to build trust, influence others, and partner effectively at all levels.
• Exceptional judgment and emotional intelligence when managing sensitive, high-stakes situations.
• Skilled problem-solver who can synthesize diverse perspectives and develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Organized and adaptable - able to prioritize competing demands in an evolving environment.
• Experience driving HR initiatives from conception through implementation and evaluation.
• Comfortable working with data to tell stories and inform decisions; demonstrated ability to analyze workforce data and translate insights into actionable recommendations using Excel or similar analytical tools.

Other Considerations

• This position is fully on site in our Pittsburgh, PA office.
• Occasional travel to our Arlington, VA office and other SEI locations may be required.
• You will be subject to a background investigation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• A generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits.
• Affordable paid time off and observed holidays.
• Lifetime life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• A free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to a Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Access to a fitness center.