Senior Faculty Affairs Partner

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Senior Faculty Affairs Partner to provide strategic direction on faculty affairs and act as the primary liaison to Academic HR. This role supports the College of Education's mission and ensures compliance with faculty policies.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in HR, specifically within academic settings, and will manage faculty lifecycle matters, ensuring smooth operations and alignment with university standards.

This position requires strong leadership skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in HR or academic administration experience required.
• Advanced knowledge of academic personnel processes.
• Experience in managing complex employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as strategic Faculty Affairs partner to the Dean.
• Manage faculty lifecycle matters including tenure and promotions.
• Collaborate with HR for policy interpretation and employee relations.

Skills

HR management

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Title: Senior Faculty Affairs Partner

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Education

Department: Dean - College of Education

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Senior Faculty Affairs (FA) Partner serves as a senior advisor to the Dean and College leadership, providing strategic direction on faculty affairs and academic personnel matters. This role ensures the effective implementation of faculty policies and practices in alignment with university standards and serves as the primary liaison to Academic HR in the Provost’s Office. In collaboration with the Provost’s Office, the Office of Human Resources, and campus stakeholders, the Senior FA Partner advances consistent, compliant, and high‑quality faculty affairs operations in support of the College’s mission and strategic priorities.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a strategic Faculty Affairs partner to the Dean and College leadership team to define, support, and implement operational strategies that advance the College’s academic, research, and social justice mission.
• Serves as the primary point of contact within the College for all faculty lifecycle matters, including appointments, promotions, tenure, and leaves.
• Partners with Academic HR in the Provost’s Office and HR Business Partners to interpret policies, resolve complex employee relations or performance issues, and advise on labor relations strategy.
• Collaborates with HR Centers of Excellence (COEs) to ensure smooth facilitation of payroll and benefits administration, accommodation requests, and absence management for faculty.
• Ensures compliance and consistency in all academic personnel actions and documentation with university policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable legal and regulatory standards.
• Manages high‑volume workflows and coordinates faculty searches across multiple departments.
• Supports change management efforts related to new policies, collective bargaining agreements, and system upgrades.
• Collects and reports faculty data for accreditation, compliance, and institutional planning.
• Mentors and provides guidance to staff on faculty affairs processes.
• Represents the College in university‑wide Academic HR and HR partner initiatives.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, College, and University goals and objectives.
• May supervise employees as the College's administrative structure evolves.
• Safeguards and maintains confidential personnel records on behalf of the College.
• Travels and attends meetings, as requested.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery, and other compliance requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, and seven or more years of progressive HR or academic administration experience.
• Advanced knowledge of academic personnel processes and collective bargaining agreements.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations or policy matters.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• PHR certification and/or SPHR‑CP certification.
• Demonstrated leadership in faculty affairs or academic HR or higher education.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with academic leaders and central administration.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and lead through influence in a complex organization.

Additional Details

The College of Education includes three departments and serves approximately 400 undergraduate and 400 graduate students. At any one time, the College maintains approximately 240 employee appointments, including tenure system faculty, part‑time and full‑time lecturers, permanent and temporary staff members, post‑doctoral research associates, graduate teaching assistants, and student employees.

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 am – 5:00 pm (40 hours per week). Required to work occasional nights and weekends. The first six months in the role require onsite work full‑time before conversion to a mutually agreed hybrid schedule.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 28