People Partner

YMCA of Greater Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Boston is seeking a People Partner to serve as a strategic partner to senior leaders, managers, and staff, aligning People and Culture initiatives with organizational goals and a positive workplace culture.

You will provide consulting on employee relations, performance management, and workforce development, guiding organizational design and culture-building efforts within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in HR with focus on employee relations, performance management, and organizational development.
• Proven experience as a trusted business partner delivering HR solutions to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leadership to align HR strategies with business objectives.
• Coach managers on leadership development, performance management, and employee relations.
• Lead investigations to ensure policy and legal compliance.
• Advise on organizational changes and workforce development.
• Contribute to talent management, succession planning, and employee engagement.

Skills

Employment law knowledge

Employee relations

Project management

Data-driven decisions

HRIS proficiency

MS Office (Excel/PP/Word)

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Fast-paced environment

Human-centered HR

Documentation skills

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS platforms

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

Department: Human Resources

Location: Association Office

Compensation: $77,100 - $104,538 / year

Job Title: People Partner

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

People Partner serves as a strategic partner to senior leaders, managers, and employees, ensuring that People and Culture initiatives align with organizational goals and contribute to a positive workplace culture. This is a key role that directly impacts the lives of our employees, empowering them to thrive and grow within a supportive, inclusive environment. As an integral member of the People and Culture team, the People Partner provides consulting on a range of People and Culture / HR topics, from employee relations to talent management, and offers guidance on performance management, organizational design, and workforce development. If you are a strategic thinker, passionate about people, and eager to make an impact through collaboration and continuous improvement, we encourage you to apply!

Key Responsibilities

People Partner Duties

• Partner with leadership and managers to understand business objectives and workforce needs, providing tailored HR strategies and solutions.
• Offer guidance and coaching to managers on leadership development, conflict resolution, performance management, and employee relations.
• Drive the resolution of employee relations issues, conducting thorough investigations to ensure compliance with company policies and legal standards.
• Advise managers and teams on organizational and policy changes, helping to align human resources strategies with organizational priorities and transformation.
• Collaborate on talent management initiatives, such as succession planning, employee engagement, and retention strategies, to develop and nurture a strong talent pipeline.
• Assist with onboarding and training new employees, ensuring they align with the organization’s culture and values.
• Maintain effective and proactive communication with managers and employees to foster a positive working environment.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional HR projects aimed at improving organizational effectiveness, such as:
  • Employee engagement initiatives and surveys.
  • Policy and process enhancements, ensuring they are current and aligned with best practices.
  • People systems upgrades and integration of new technologies.
  • Organizational development initiatives including change management and culture-building efforts.
• Contribute to the design and execution of continuous improvement programs that optimize HR operations, streamline processes, and enhance the employee experience.
• Ensure the consistent application of HR programs and policies across departments, contributing to a cohesive workplace.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Education

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in HR, with a strong focus on employee relations, performance management, and organizational development.
• Proven experience as a trusted business partner, delivering strategic HR solutions to leadership and managers.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, navigate complex employee relations matters, and drive initiatives from inception to completion.

Certifications Preferred

• Certification in conducting MCAD (Mass Commission Against Discrimination) investigations or other relevant workplace investigation training.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR)

Skills and Competencies

Core Competencies

• Strong Knowledge of Employment Laws: In-depth understanding of labor laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Employee Relations Expertise: Proven track record of handling complex employee relations matters, investigations, and conflict resolution.
• Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage and execute HR-related projects efficiently from initiation through completion.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Ability to analyze HR data, identify trends, and leverage this information to inform strategy and process improvement.
• HR Systems Proficiency: Experience with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across levels of the organization.

Additional Competencies

• Demonstrated Ability to Multi-task: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and track multiple projects simultaneously.
• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to work in diverse, inclusive environments, managing varied work styles and effectively navigating cultural differences.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Proven experience working in dynamic, rapidly changing environments, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Human-Centered Approach: A demonstrated ability to approach HR work from a human-centered perspective, ensuring that employee needs, engagement, and development are prioritized while balancing organizational objectives.
• Documentation Skills: Ability to properly document all HR processes, investigations, and other personnel-related activities in a clear, accurate, and legally compliant manner.
• Continuous Improvement: A strong commitment to identifying opportunities for streamlining HR processes, eliminating inefficiencies, and driving operational improvements.

Additional Information

Travel: Occasional / Frequent travel to various company locations required.

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for extended periods. Ability to communicate effectively in both individual and group settings, including virtually.