Rank: Management/Confidential – Manager 2
Department: Office of Human Resources
Supervisor: Chief Human Resources Officer
Search Number:
Job Posted: 5/24/2024

Southern Connecticut State University is a diverse and student-centered university dedicated to academic excellence, access, and service for the public good. Southern provides a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of its community through a campus wide commitment to social justice.  Founded as a teacher’s college in 1893, Southern has evolved over the past century into a comprehensive public university of more than 9,000 students, offering graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and professional disciplines. It is one of four universities in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. The University is located in New Haven, a city rich with arts and culture, and less than 90 miles from New York City and 140 miles from Boston.

The Senior Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) is responsible for managing a broad range of human resources and labor relations functions for an assigned group of colleges and divisions across the University. The Senior HRBP will serve as a trusted partner to their assigned group(s) in providing administrators, managers, supervisors, and staff consultative HR services and support that reflects and advances the goals and objectives of the University.

Position Responsibilities

• Meets on a regular basis with assigned colleges and divisions, building and developing trusted relationships with the leadership and staff.
• Oversees all facets of the employment lifecycle for an assigned area, including recruitment, hiring, training, leave, benefits administration, discipline/performance management, and termination.
• Oversees entry of accurate data in CORE or other HRIS systems. Produce reports or data as needed to carry out HR functions.
• Provides guidance and counsel to assigned colleges and divisions regarding employee and labor relations issues and employment actions. Works closely with managers and employees to address and resolve employee relations issues. Recommends corrective action when appropriate and assists in the delivery of the corrective action as necessary.
• Conducts employment-related investigations and makes recommendations for discipline or other appropriate action.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of the laws, policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements related to the day-to-day management of employees. Provides related direction to assigned colleges and divisions with interpretation of, and compliance with, collective bargaining agreements, federal and state discrimination and employment laws and regulations, and university policies, procedures, and practices.
• Provides strategic HR support in the development and implementation of the assigned department(s) strategic initiatives, including workforce planning, business unit restructuring, job description reviews, etc.
• Designs, develops, delivers and/or facilitates training programs and organizational development initiatives.
• Maintains relationships and collaborates with HR colleagues and other campus partners and stakeholders.
• Reviews and approves transactional items with an understanding of department and college structure and through the lens of university policy and practice (e.g. offer letter review; job requisition (PCRF) approval; request for changes in compensation, job classification, or other position changes (PAF), etc.
• May supervise the following positions: HR Business Partner, Assistant HR Business Partner, HR Administrative Operations Assistant
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Incumbents must possess proven ability to effectively work with a culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students. They are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills along with strong Information technology literacy skills such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.).

Customer service orientation, ability to work collaboratively, and strong interpersonal skills are required, as is the ability to handle sensitive information in a professional and confidential manner. The following additional qualifications are required for this position:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required. Master’s Degree and/or SPHR certification preferred.
• Four (4) to Six (6) or more years of strong HR business partner or generalist experience and/or labor relations experience, including at least two years of experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience conducting employment-related investigations and administering collective bargaining agreements. Strong knowledge of labor relations laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Strong knowledge of principles and processes associated with the entire employment lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring, benefits, training, classification and compensation, performance and discipline, termination.
• Up-to-date knowledge of applicable state and federal employment and labor laws, governmental compliance requirements, and employment related policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and ability to analyze complex issues and exercise sound judgment; initiative to address problems and develop solutions; superior attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience designing and delivering presentations and training.
• Demonstrated ability to work on project teams to facilitate process improvements.
• Ability and willingness to maintain strict confidentiality and high standards of ethics and fairness in the execution of HR duties; ability to conduct business in a manner consistent with university and HR core values.
• Experience supervising employees in an HR environment preferred.
• Experience in a higher education or public institutional setting preferred.

Application

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter of application, resume, and contact information for three professional references to careers@southernct.edu by June 26, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.

Southern Connecticut State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University seeks to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff. People of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.