Job Description

Boston University - Position Description

Position Title:

Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP)

Department:

Human Resources - Employee & Labor Relations

Reports To:

Director, Employee Relations (or designee)

Grade:

50

Position Summary:

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic advisor and primary point of contact for designated departments within Boston University. The HRBP provides consultative guidance to managers, HR liaisons, and employees on a wide range of employee relations and employment matters. The role is responsible for ensuring consistent application of university policies, collective bargaining agreements, and legal requirements while mitigating organizational risk.

The HRBP works within the Employee & Labor Relations unit, alongside other HR business units and university leadership to support effective workplace practices and organizational success, as well as to support the University in providing transformative employee experiences in a caring and collaborative community.

Essential Functions

1. Employee & Labor Relations (40%)

• Provide daily strategic consultation to managers and HR liaisons on employee relations matters, including performance management, investigations, discipline, reorganizations, separations, and all other aspects of employment.
• Conduct or support workplace investigations and recommend appropriate corrective action, if any, and next steps.
• Work collaboratively with all critical partners, including EOO, OGC, school and college leadership, and HR Liaisons across academic and business units.
• Ensure consistent interpretation and application of policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Help to improve business processes and create greater efficiency and be able to work at scale.

2. Manager & Leadership Advising (20%)

• Advise managers on performance management, employee engagement, and workplace best practices
• Provide guidance on conflict resolution and handling employee complaints
• Support organizational leaders in workforce planning, restructuring, and change management efforts

3. Policy Interpretation & Compliance (15%)

• Interpreting and applying university policies, employment laws, and contractual obligations
• Work to support compliance with employment and labor laws.
• Support resolution of complaints and internal grievance processes

4. Strategic HR Partnership (15%)

• Partner with departments to align HR strategies with operational and institutional priorities
• Identify trends and recommend proactive solutions to improve organizational effectiveness
• Support implementation of university-wide HR initiatives

5. Collaboration & HR Program Support (10%)

• Collaborate with other HR business units and partners (Talent Acquisition, Compensation, OD&L, HRIS, HR Service Center, BU Children's Center, and Faculty & Staff Assistance Office, Office of the Ombuds, and Community & Inclusion)
• Support implementation of HR programs, communications, and projects across assigned client groups

Supervision Received:

Works under general direction with appropriate latitude to exercise high quality independent judgment on employee relations matters so long as such judgment in consistent with University policies, procedures, and best practices.

Supervision Exercised:

None (may provide guidance and mentorship to HR liaisons or junior staff as appropriate) but work is in an advisory capacity.

Required Skills

Required Qualifications (Minimum):

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 5+ years of progressively responsible HR experience, which may include employee relations
• Demonstrated experience advising managers on complex workplace issues
• Knowledge of employment law and HR best practices
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree, JD, or relevant advanced degree
• Experience in a unionized environment and interpreting collective bargaining agreements
• Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations
• Experience conducting workplace investigations
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification

Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Relationship management and influencing skills
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Outstanding communication skills

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

• Standard office environment with minimal physical demands

Internal/External Relationships:

• University leadership, managers, and employees
• HR Liaisons and BUHR Centers of Excellence
• Office of the General Counsel, EOO, Office of the Ombuds, Faculty & Staff Assistance Office, Community & Inclusion.

Comments / Additional Information:

This position supports a diverse portfolio of academic and administrative departments and requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex employee relations matters.