Human Resources Business Partner

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement

Bozeman (MT)

On-site

USD 69,000 - 85,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Montana State University is seeking a Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) to serve as a strategic partner to client units, aligning HR strategies with department goals and ensuring policy compliance. The role focuses on guidance on HR policies, compensation and classification, and employee relations to deliver value to management and staff across the university.

Responsibilities include partnering with leaders on HR needs, conducting assessments, developing accurate job descriptions, and

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or related field with substantial HR experience.
Advanced knowledge of HR practices, policies, and regulatory compliance.
Experience providing high-quality advisory services in a consulting capacity.
Strong data-analysis abilities and proficiency with standard office software.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary HR partner for assigned client units, delivering strategic guidance on HR matters.
Identify HR needs, conduct organizational assessments, and support change management initiatives.
Apply HR policies to advise clients and develop up-to-date job descriptions.
Conduct market research and compensation analysis to ensure equitable pay structures.
Support dispute resolution and employee relations in collaboration with the Employee Relations team.

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27057. For questions regarding this position, please contact: Kerry Evans (406) 994-7664 kevans@montana.edu

Classification Title Personnel Officer Working Title Human Resources Business Partner Brief Position Overview

Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs) are core University Human Resources team members, serving as strategic partners to client units at Montana State University. HRBPs provide expert guidance on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and university regulations. Join a dynamic and evolving team of HR professionals committed to aligning HR strategies with client department goals, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration at the university!

Position Number 4M1594 Department HR Comp Ben Empl Services Division Administration Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $77,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) is the conduit between University Human Resources and the assigned client group(s) (i.e., colleges, departments, centers, administrative units, etc.) at Montana State University. This role focuses on aligning HR strategies with departmental goals, providing expert guidance to units across the university on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, and ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal policies and regulations. The position builds and maintains partnerships across the HR function to deliver value-added service to management and employees that reflect the mission and priorities of MSU.

Duties and Responsibilities

Serves as the first point of contact for managers and employees on HR-related matters, referring them to appropriate subject matter experts. Provides strategic advice and guidance on HR matters to managers and leaders

Collaborates with leaders to identify and address HR needs and challenges for assigned units
Performs organizational and departmental assessments, providing advice and guidance to clients on department reorganizations and change implementation
Applies human resources policies, practices, and procedures to specific situations to advise assigned clients
Provides innovative and creative solutions to the most complex issues

Provides client groups with expert guidance and comprehensive information on compensation and classification-related issues

Conducts comprehensive position analysis to determine appropriate classifications and ensure alignment with job descriptions
Partners with leadership to develop, evaluate, and maintain accurate and current job descriptions that align with organizational needs and role expectations.
Analyzes salary data and trends to support equitable pay structures across the university
Conducts market research to ensure competitive compensation practices and support recruitment and retention efforts
Prepares and presents reports on compensation and classification metrics, including pay equity and salary compression analyses
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and Montana University System policies and regulations regarding compensation and classification
Provides training to client unit leaders on compensation and classification matters
Initiates and facilitates compensation paperwork in partnership with client leaders

Facilitates dispute resolution and manages disciplinary actions with client groups in partnership with the Employee Relations team

Serves as the first point of contact for employees and managers regarding HR policies, procedures, and conflict resolution
Analyzes workplace concerns, recommends solutions to personnel issues, ensuring a fair and consistent approach
Advises managers on matters involving the progressive disciplinary process while highlighting the legal and policy-based requirements and ramifications
Assists in risk management by identifying potential areas of concern related to employee relations and labor issues
Promotes a positive work environment through effective communication and conflict-resolution strategies
Creates letters and other documentation pertaining to progressive disciplinary processes and other employee relations matters

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or related field, and substantial relevant experience in human resources or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Advanced knowledge of and expertise in HR practices and application of human resources concepts and best practices.
Experience providing high-quality advice and guidance to clients in a consulting capacity.
Demonstrated experience gathering and compiling information to analyze and evaluate complex matters.
Successful experience providing customer service to various internal and external constituents in a complex organizational environment.
Demonstrated competence using personal computers and various software such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, email, and the Internet. Microsoft Office software experience is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Working knowledge of human resource laws and regulations.
Certification in SHRM or HRCI.
Experience in one or more specialist areas: compensation, recruitment and selection, performance management, organizational development, or employee and labor relations.
Demonstrated experience delivering training and presenting to small and large groups.
Experience working in a university or academic setting.

The Successful Candidate Will

Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills, including collaborating successfully with faculty, staff, students, and applicants in person and over the phone.
Handle sensitive, confidential situations and information professionally.
Balance independent and team-oriented work positively and productively to foster a cooperative work environment.
Possess excellent organizational skills and critical thinking skills to prioritize and manage several simultaneous projects with dynamic, sometimes conflicting, priorities while maintaining accuracy.
Be flexible, adaptable, and open to change in order to respond to evolving organizational needs effectively.
Analyze complex situations within the broader human resources context, identify issues, and propose practical solutions to navigate complex HR issues and improve the quality of the processes.
Possess strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
Have the desire to increase knowledge, acquire new skills, and take on new projects and challenges.
Demonstrate knowledge and skill in interpreting and applying state and federal statutes, university, and departmental policies and procedures.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but as a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Posting Detail Information

Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon Completion Of a Successful Search. Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be

Screening of applications will begin on August 31, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents