About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) Finance & Operations Director, the Human Resources (HR) Generalist supports the HR function for IALS, including the centralized Core Facilities. This position provides procedural guidance and coordination for human resource management, personnel policies, recruitment, and all other personnel actions.

Essential Functions

• Facilitates recruitment by assisting in all aspects of the search process:
• Works with hiring managers to develop clear, accurate, and results-oriented job descriptions.
• Consults on search committee selection and appropriate advertisement venues.
• Initiates requisitions and posts open positions via electronic applicant tracking system.
• Communicates regularly with search committees and monitors progress.
• Prepares search summaries and offer letter for approvals.
• Initiates, manages and tracks personnel processes and actions. Ensures personnel actions comply with and are completed according to established University and departmental timelines, policies, and procedures.
• Interprets HR policies and procedures and relays information to IALS staff. Identifies compliance issues and contacts managers to discuss and determine an appropriate resolution. Troubleshoots most HR questions and problems independently, escalating unique situations or more serious matters to supervisor as required.
• Provides direction for managers on how to properly complete the performance review process. Ensures that managers complete relevant probationary period and annual performance reviews for all staff.
• Develops and implements on- and off-boarding processes. Ensures completion of any required paperwork. Answers questions from newly hired or departing staff and their managers.
• Provides consultation on leave policies to staff and managers according to University policies, bargaining agreements, and state/federal regulations, including the usage of sick leave bank, FMLA, and PFML. Conducts reviews of supporting documents and prepares approval letters and documentation.
• Reports work injuries and analyzes incidents if necessary, keeping appropriate documentation.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and organized personnel files for all IALS, including faculty co-hired documentation from departments.
• Stays up-to-date on state and federal regulations and ensures adherence to labor relations and conditions of employment.
• Responsible for on-going HR / personnel process improvements.
• Serves as primary departmental Time and Labor coordinator. Acts as point of contact for staff and manager time reporting or payroll questions and concerns.

Other Functions

• Assists with undergraduate and graduate personnel action processing as needed.
• Performs other departmental duties as needed and assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Associate's degree and four (4) years of direct experience in human resources. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of human resources practices, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an effective team with a highly cooperative and collaborative work style. Must have the ability to work productively with a minimum amount of supervision or guidance.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to create and implement timelines, complete assignments in a timely manner, and balance the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence.
• Ability to read, understand, apply and explain rules, regulations and policies/procedures related to duties. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and create effective and efficient work processes.
• Ability to think through problems, organize and seek out information, identify key factors and underlying causes, and generate solutions or resolve discrepancies.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, familiarity with online platforms for collaborative work (such as Google Drive or OneDrive), and ability to quickly learn or adapt to new programs and processes.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience working in an HR role in higher education.
• Experience working in an HR role in a unionized environment.
• S/PHR or SHRM certification.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm (37.5 hours/week).
• May be required to work occasional nights and weekends.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is 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. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.
• This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee’s work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Level 26

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.