If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Smith College educates women of promise for lives of distinction and purpose. A college of and for the world, Smith links the power of the liberal arts to excellence in research and scholarship, thereby developing engaged global citizens and leaders to address society's challenges. Imagine working in a community dedicated to learning, teaching, scholarship, discovery, creativity and critical thought. It's the diversity and inclusivity of our community, founded on the free and open exchange of ideas, that runs through everything we do. Join Smith and become part of a unique team bringing our mission to life.

Primary Function

This is a hands-on role that provides full employee lifecycle support. The HR Partner & Project Manager role provides comprehensive day-to-day HR support and advice to customer groups on HR related matters, including employee and labor relations, training delivery and coordination, workforce planning, employee engagement, performance management, compensation and talent acquisition. The role has a strong emphasis on projects. This dual role also tracks department wide and cross functional projects, and manages and executes projects and processes for the department.

Responsibilities

HR Partner (50%)

• Coach, train, and guide managers on the performance review process, compensation practices, training and development opportunities, organizational design, and workforce planning

• Enable the success of new and experienced managers by leveraging, delivering and improving existing training content

• Consult with, and advise managers and employees on HR issues and ensures procedures and practices support College needs

• Work with managers and employees on performance management plans and employee relations concerns

• Analyze data and trends on ER and performance management to provide input to the organizational strategy to prevent the recurrence of known issues

• Conduct thorough and timely investigations; mitigate liability related to employment practices

• Advise, interpret, and administer collective bargaining agreements and advise leaders and on leading in a union environment, pursuant to the union contracts

• Communicate and interpret HR policies and procedures based on best practices

• Manage/act as thought partner regarding ADA accommodations for employees

• Advocate for inclusion and engagement in driving performance in all areas of the college

• Partner with management to build morale and engagement, increase productivity and retain talent. Analyze and communicate employee engagement survey results and assist with action planning initiatives

• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to forecast needs, ensure a strong talent pipeline; interview and give feedback on leadership positions

HR Projects (50%)

• Devise and own the HR Consulting project plan and ensure key milestones are identified and communicated to key stakeholders

• Work with the HR Partners to ensure the delivery of key project milestones are on time and within budget, resource allocation and policy

• Create and/or coordinate training and development events for all levels of employees. Create and maintain presentation materials, manage logistics, and maintain attendance logs. Work with other HRBPs, vendors and partners on planning and executing training on campus and virtual.

• Manage the HR Consulting annual calendar, developing and cataloging standard work for repeating processes

• Act as key member of cross departmental and College projects such as Workday implementations and policy revisions

Participate in the college's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, plus at least three years experience in Human Resources

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Strong HR acumen, including strong problem solving skills, critical thinking and analysis

• Communicates challenges and influences a variety of stakeholders effectively

• Adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups

• Self-starter, positive attitude, accessible, and approachable

• Proven coaching and consulting skills

• Prior employee and labor relations experience required, and experience/familiarity with the higher education setting preferred

• Experience interpreting concepts and clearly presenting back in Powerpoint or report format

• Knowledgeable in relevant office software most notably GSuite and Workday

• Data savvy and able to analyze, interpret and report back key themes and make recommendations

• Highly organized, thrives in an ambiguous environment and able to manage multiple simultaneous priorities

• Possesses intellectual curiosity; brings insight into the team & business

• Continual commitment to personal learning, demonstrated ability to build on learning and share within the broader HR function

This job description reflects general functions; it does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Review of applications will begin

Compensation Grade:

Position Type:

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.