Human Resources Business Partner I - Labor Relations

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst is looking for a Human Resource Business Partner I to support Labor Relations within the Human Resources department. This full-time role focuses on managing collective bargaining agreements and enhancing operational support in a unionized environment.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field, 2-4 years of HR experience, and the ability to handle confidential information. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote work with on-campus responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support the Labor Relations function at the University.
• Assist with the interpretation of collective bargaining agreements.
• Coordinate meetings and documentation related to labor grievances.

Skills

Labor Relations Fundamentals

Contract Interpretation and Administration

Collaboration and Stakeholder Coordination

Clear and Effective Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

2–4 years HR experience

Tools

Workday or comparable HRIS systems

Job description

Title: Human Resource Business Partner I - Labor Relations

Executive Area: Human Resources

College/School/MBU: Human Resources

Department: Human Resources

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The HR Business Partner I (HRBP I), Labor Relations serves as a dedicated HR partner supporting the University's Labor Relations function. This role focuses on collective bargaining agreement administration, labor relations processes, and operational support within a complex, unionized higher education environment. The HRBP I supports Labor Relations leadership through research, documentation, case coordination, and stakeholder communication.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a dedicated HR Business Partner supporting the Labor Relations function.
• Assist with the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements, memoranda of agreement, and labor-related policies.
• Provide labor relations guidance to HR colleagues and campus partners, escalating complex issues to Labor Relations leadership as appropriate.
• Support consistent labor relations practices across departments in alignment with University policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Support intake, tracking, and administration of labor grievances and other labor relations cases.
• Prepare documentation, correspondence, timelines, and summaries related to grievances, hearings, and arbitration.
• Coordinate meetings, hearings, and related logistics in partnership with Labor Relations leadership.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records and case files.
• Act as a point of coordination between Labor Relations and the shared-service HRBP teams.
• Ensure relevant information is exchanged to support contract compliance, grievance handling, and consistent application of policies.
• Assist in identifying when matters should transition between ER and LR, in alignment with established protocols.
• Support communication and follow-up between ER, Labor Relations, and other HR stakeholders.
• Assist Labor Relations leadership with contract administration and bargaining preparation.
• Support data gathering, research, and analysis related to bargaining, grievances, and labor trends.
• Help track contract provisions, deadlines, and implementation requirements.
• Assist with drafting and maintaining labor-related documentation, guidance materials, and summaries.
• Partner with HR Business Partners, Payroll, Benefits, Faculty Affairs, and other campus stakeholders to ensure coordinated labor relations support.
• Support compliance with applicable employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, and University policies as they relate to labor relations.
• Assist with audits, reporting, and process improvement initiatives related to labor relations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 2–4 years of professional HR experience, preferably with exposure to labor relations or contract administration.
• Foundational knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, matrixed HR environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a unionized environment, preferably in higher education or the public sector.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts public sector labor relations.
• Experience supporting grievance administration or collective bargaining activities.
• Experience with Workday or comparable HRIS systems.

Competencies

• Labor Relations Fundamentals
• Contract Interpretation and Administration
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Coordination
• Judgment and Discretion
• Organization and Case Tracking
• Clear and Effective Communication

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. The role is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Professional Staff Hiring Ranges available upon request.