Senior Human Resources Business Partner

University of Rochester; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rochester Human Resources team seeks a Senior HR Business Partner to join across the Medical Center and River Campus. You will advise department leaders, balance strategic HR partnership with hands-on employee relations support, and help navigate complex personnel matters in a large, matrixed environment.

You will build trusted relationships, coach leaders, and develop practical solutions that align employee needs with organizational priorities, fostering an inclusive,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience in a large/complex organization.
• Strong employee relations expertise handling sensitive personnel matters.
• Experience advising leaders on strategic and operational HR challenges.
• Sound judgment and resourcefulness in ambiguous situations.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; 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, 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.

Skills

HR experience

Employee relations

Strategic partnership

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree preferred

Job description

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.