Human Resources Partner (5396C), Berkeley Regional Services - #88114

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation—driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and foster supportive colleague communities through numerous employee resource groups.

About BEARS

BEARS (Berkeley Educators and Administrators Regional Services) is the largest region at UC Berkeley, supporting a wide variety of personnel positions. BEARS provides reliable, high-quality administrative support to faculty, academics, staff, student employees, and retirees in alignment with UC Berkeley’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. Services include:

• Research Administration: Customized administrative and management support for research proposals, grants, awards, and contracts throughout their lifecycle.
• HR and Academic Personnel Support: Administrative support for hiring, appointments, separations, classifications, compensation, performance management, employee/labor relations, strategic planning, reorganizations, ADA accommodations, and general management advice.
• Purchasing and Reimbursements (P&R): Assistance with purchasing services and complex Travel and Entertainment (T&E) reimbursements.

About the Role

The Human Resources Partner manages client relationships and facilitates effective service delivery to administrative business or academic units on campus. This position serves as a business partner and liaison between clients and BRS HR/APS, ensuring the efficient flow of information and coordination of activities to meet client needs. The role collaborates with the Service Delivery Manager and AP/HR Process Improvement teams to implement best practices and deliver continuous service improvements.

Responsibilities

• Counsel department managers and supervisors on employee and labor policies, procedures, and best practices regarding performance management, recruiting, onboarding, compensation/classification, disability, training, and other HR areas.
• Manage diverse and complex client allocations.
• Collaborate with employee and labor relations leads to research and resolve grievances, identify inconsistencies or compliance issues in collective bargaining agreements, and provide recommendations for interpretation and bargaining.
• Oversee the full recruitment cycle for staff and academic positions.
• Advise employees on sensitive work-related issues and conduct termination interviews, providing feedback to administration and academic unit management.
• Assist managers, supervisors, and employees at all levels with job descriptions, disability management, leaves of absence, performance management, and interpretation of personnel policies.
• Support client groups on complex reorganizations and staffing objectives to meet business goals.
• Represent BEARS at department meetings upon request.
• Prioritize work assignments, analyze complex HR trends, and develop data-driven recommendations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to provide exceptional customer service in a high-volume, fast-paced, professional environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of human resources concepts, policies, procedures, employment practices, labor relations, salary administration, training, and other HR areas.
• In-depth knowledge of disability case management and proven ability to resolve cases in a timely manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective relationships with diverse client groups.
• Demonstrated ability to handle difficult or volatile situations effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to apply them consultatively.
• Skill in prioritizing competing work assignments and timelines.
• Political and interpersonal acumen to analyze information and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Strong analytical, active listening, and critical thinking skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of UCPath and related business software programs, or the ability to learn.
• Experience with academic personnel or administration, or the ability to learn.
• Experience in a shared services environment, particularly in higher education.
• Knowledge of campus initiatives impacting human resources and an understanding of their broader implications.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or 3–5 years of combined experience in human resources, organizational development, and/or training and development.

Pay

The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $85,300.00 – $115,000.00. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.

Schedule

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits. The role is eligible for up to 5 days/week of remote work within the United States, with exact arrangements determined in partnership with your supervisor. Annual on-campus meetings may be required as needed.

Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, visit the University of California’s Compensation & Benefits website.