Senior HR Business Partner

University of Rochester; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 87,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rochester is seeking Senior HR Business Partners to join the Human Resources team across the Medical Center and River Campus. You will serve as a trusted advisor to department leadership, balancing strategic HR partnership with hands-on employee relations support.

You’ll navigate complex personnel matters, coach and influence leaders, and develop practical solutions that align employee needs with organizational priorities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably within a large, complex or matrixed organization.
• Strong employee relations expertise, independently navigating complex and sensitive personnel matters.
• Demonstrated success building trusted relationships and advising leaders on strategic and operational HR challenges.
• Sound judgment, resourcefulness, and the ability to navigate ambiguous situations.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership: Advise and influence department leaders on workforce planning, organizational challenges, talent management, and strategic HR initiatives.
• Employee Relations: Navigate complex employee matters, including investigations, conflict resolution, performance management, and risk mitigation.
• Collaboration: Partner across HR functions to address business needs.
• Relationship Building: Establish trusted partnerships with leaders and employees, providing guidance through sensitive situations.
• Critical Thinking: Navigate ambiguity and balance priorities to support employees and the organization.
• Equity & Inclusion: Promote fair, consistent HR practices and an inclusive workplace culture.

Skills

HR experience

Employee relations

Strategic advisory

Communication

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree preferred

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

Compensation Range:

$86,900.00 - $130,300.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Human Resources team at the University of Rochester leads strategic HR initiatives and workforce solutions that support the University’s academic, research, and clinical missions. We serve as trusted partners to leaders and employees across the institution, helping navigate complex challenges, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and support a thriving workplace.

The Role: Senior Human Resources Business Partner

We’re seeking experienced Senior HR Business Partners to join our team, with multiple opportunities across the University of Rochester Medical Center and River Campus.

In this role, you’ll serve as a trusted advisor to department leadership, balancing strategic HR partnership with hands‑on employee relations support. You’ll navigate complex personnel matters, coach and influence leaders, and develop practical solutions that align employee needs with organizational priorities.

Our HR Business Partners support large, diverse employee populations and work closely with HR Centers of Excellence to deliver integrated solutions across the University.

What You’ll Do:

• Strategic Partnership: Advise and influence department leaders on workforce planning, organizational challenges, talent management, and strategic HR initiatives.
• Employee Relations: Navigate complex employee matters, including investigations, conflict resolution, performance management, and risk mitigation.
• Collaboration: Partner across HR functions, including Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Compensation, Leave Administration, and Learning & Development, to address business needs.
• Relationship Building: Establish trusted partnerships with leaders and employees, providing thoughtful guidance and coaching through sensitive situations.
• Critical Thinking: Navigate ambiguity, balance competing priorities, and develop practical solutions that support both employees and the organization.
• Equity & Inclusion: Promote fair, consistent HR practices and contribute to a respectful, inclusive workplace culture.

What We’re Looking For:

The ideal candidate brings:

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably within a large, complex or matrixed organization
• Strong employee relations expertise, including experience independently navigating complex and sensitive personnel matters
• Demonstrated success building trusted relationships and advising leaders on strategic and operational HR challenges
• Sound judgment, resourcefulness, and the ability to navigate situations where the right path forward isn’t always clear
• Strong communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; master’s degree preferred

Experience in higher education, healthcare, or unionized environments may be particularly relevant depending on the assignment but is not required across all openings.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status,or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.