The HR Business Partner (HRBP) is both a strategic and hands-on role that provides full-cycle Human Resources support within the University for the assigned span of care. The role is critical in executing on APU's strategic plan initiatives, with a focus on the University being a thriving university of choice for faculty and staff. The HRBP provides exceptional internal customer support, drives HR functional excellence, and implements appropriate process improvement. This position serves as the primary HR point of contact for the assigned span of care, including managing employee relations issues and conducting investigations when needed. The HRBP exhibits the highest professional standards, ethics, and integrity. This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Human Resources.
Required Education- Master's degree preferred; Bachelor's plus equivalent work experience required.
Required Experience- Six or more years of HR Business Partner, Generalist, or other advanced employee-facing HR experience with increasing responsibility.
- Experience in higher education settings and in multiple HR domains, including training, employee relations, benefits, and employee engagement preferred.
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
Primary Duties/Essential Functions- Acts as the single point of contact and trusted advisor for employees and managers by building strong relationships within the assigned span of care.
- Manages complex and difficult HR projects cross-functionally, actively identifies gaps, and proposes and implements changes necessary to improve operations while also mitigating risks.
- As a key part of the HR Leadership Team, partners to ensure that university-wide talent management and HR initiatives are developed and implemented that improve the employee experience, increase engagement, maximize productivity, and improve retention.
- Cultivates strong, collaborative relationships within the HR team and across key stakeholder groups to understand business priorities, enhance organizational effectiveness, and reinforce the strengths of the University's culture.
- Advises, coaches, and assists supervisors and employees with interpretation of university policies.
- Provides support and guidance on employee relations issues for the business units.
- Provides business units with guidance and counseling regarding performance improvement plans and disciplinary documentation.
- Conducts investigations into alleged employee misconduct, discrimination, and/or harassment.
- Provides feedback to employees in a constructive manner.
- Sets strong, clear boundaries and provides professional counsel to a diverse population of faculty, staff, and student employees.
- Conducts exit interviews to help assess climate and identify areas of employee concern.
- With AVP of HR, drives employee training initiatives, which may include supervisor training, required sexual harassment training, professional development, coaching, and other HR-related training.
- Facilitates employee engagement initiatives, including the employee engagement survey process.
- Partnering with the business units, identifies employees ready for promotion and monitors and fosters development of uniquely talented employees, including preparation of appropriate development plans.
- Ensures compliance with all federal and state employment laws. Stays abreast of current laws and trends, including in FMLA, ADA, PDL, PFL.
- Partnering with functional areas within HR, researches, answers, and follows up on inquiries from employees and managers on policies, procedures, and status of HR-related processes.
- Works closely with the functional areas, such as HRIS, Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Leaves of Absence, and Compensation, to deliver to the business units timely and excellent service.
- Answers routine questions from assigned business unit regarding workers' compensation claims, leaves of absence, benefits, and compensation.
- Establishes, maintains, and protects the confidentiality of personnel information.
- Serves on various university committees as assigned.
- May supervise one or more staff within the HR team.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Skills- Ability to work independently in a changing environment.
- Ability to manage the completion of projects independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to navigate complex employee relations issues.
- High level of professionalism and ethical principles.
- Ability to identify problems and drive appropriate solutions with a positive "can do" attitude.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while focused on results.
- Passion for innovative HR solutions and process improvement.
- Must be collaborative and an effective team member and team builder.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, with ability to interface at all levels of the organization.
- Strong internal and external customer service focus.
- Excellent organizational skills, with high attention to detail.
- Proactive communication and follow-up skills.
Mental Demands- In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.
Physical Demands- Requires repetitive motion and sitting at computer keyboard.
- Hearing and speaking on the telephone.
- Meetings may require walking and/or driving to various University locations.
- Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach and lift up to 20 lbs.
- Must be able to climb stairs multiple times in a work day.
Visual Demands- Computer monitor and reading.
Environment- Pleasant office, comfortable temperatures.
Technologies- Proficient in Google applications and Microsoft Office applications.
- PeopleSoft HCM, including timekeeping.
Compensation- Grade 17: $91,587 - $105,325 is the annual compensation for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package.
