Human Resources Business Partner I - Labor Relations

Title: Human Resource Business Partner I - Labor Relations

Executive Area: Human Resources

College/School/MBU: Human Resources

Department: Human Resources

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

The HR Business Partner I (HRBP I), Labor Relations serves as a dedicated HR partner supporting the University's Labor Relations function. This role focuses on collective bargaining agreement administration, labor relations processes, and operational support within a complex, unionized higher education environment. The HRBP I supports Labor Relations leadership through research, documentation, case coordination, and stakeholder communication.

• Serve as a dedicated HR Business Partner supporting the Labor Relations function.
• Assist with the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements, memoranda of agreement, and labor-related policies.
• Provide labor relations guidance to HR colleagues and campus partners, escalating complex issues to Labor Relations leadership as appropriate.
• Support consistent labor relations practices across departments in alignment with University policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Support intake, tracking, and administration of labor grievances and other labor relations cases.
• Prepare documentation, correspondence, timelines, and summaries related to grievances, hearings, and arbitration.
• Coordinate meetings, hearings, and related logistics in partnership with Labor Relations leadership.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records and case files.
• Act as a point of coordination between Labor Relations and the shared-service HRBP teams.
• Ensure relevant information is exchanged to support contract compliance, grievance handling, and consistent application of policies.
• Assist in identifying when matters should transition between ER and LR, in alignment with established protocols.
• Support communication and follow-up between ER, Labor Relations, and other HR stakeholders.
• Assist Labor Relations leadership with contract administration and bargaining preparation.
• Support data gathering, research, and analysis related to bargaining, grievances, and labor trends.
• Help track contract provisions, deadlines, and implementation requirements.
• Assist with drafting and maintaining labor-related documentation, guidance materials, and summaries.
• Partner with HR Business Partners, Payroll, Benefits, Faculty Affairs, and other campus stakeholders to ensure coordinated labor relations support.
• Support compliance with applicable employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, and University policies as they relate to labor relations.
• Assist with audits, reporting, and process improvement initiatives related to labor relations.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 2–4 years of professional HR experience, preferably with exposure to labor relations or contract administration.
• Foundational knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, matrixed HR environment.

• Experience in a unionized environment, preferably in higher education or the public sector.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts public sector labor relations.
• Experience supporting grievance administration or collective bargaining activities.
• Experience with Workday or comparable HRIS systems.

• Labor Relations Fundamentals
• Contract Interpretation and Administration
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Coordination
• Judgment and Discretion
• Organization and Case Tracking
• Clear and Effective Communication

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. The role is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Professional Staff Hiring Ranges available upon request.