HR Business Partner - Learning & Employee Relations

Job Description

OE/HR has an outstanding opportunity for HR Business Partner to join their team.

About this Opportunity:
Reporting to Assistant Vice Chancellor of OE/HR, the HR Business Partner will serve as a strategic and consultative human resources professional, providing guidance, training, and operational support to managers, supervisors, and employees across a broad range of HR functions.

Key Responsibilities:

Facilitation and Training (50%)

• Design, develop, coordinate, and deliver training programs, curriculum, and learning solutions related to HR and organizational initiatives, with a primary focus on performance management, employee development, workplace communication, and supervisory practices.
• Collaborate with the Organizational Development Specialist to support the development and delivery of training and professional development programs
• Facilitate training using a variety of methods, including classroom-style instruction, coaching, micro-learning, and other blended learning approaches.
• Develop and maintain instructional materials, tools, and resources that support skill development, strengthen core competencies, and promote effective people management practices.
• Assess participant feedback and evolving organizational needs to continuously improve training content, delivery methods, and learning outcomes.
• Provide orientation, guidance, and training to supervisors and managers on performance evaluation procedures, use of forms, and application of relevant UW policies and processes.
• Compile, maintain, and update campus-wide performance evaluation guidance and related resources in accordance with job classification specifications and UW requirements.
• Partner with leaders and stakeholders to identify training needs and recommend practical, scalable learning solutions.
• Promote inclusive, thoughtful training practices that contribute to a respectful and supportive workplace culture.

Employee Relations (25%)

• Advise supervisors and managers on corrective action, termination, probationary period rejection, trial service rejection, and layoff processes in accordance with UW policy, union rules, applicable procedures, and employment laws.
• Counsel managers and supervisors on disciplinary matters, procedural employment issues, appeals, mediations, and separation processes.
• Assess reported incidents and conduct timely, thorough reviews or investigations, as appropriate, in compliance with Executive Order 81 and with a strong emphasis on sound judgment, documentation, and confidentiality.
• Attend meetings between supervisors and staff members, as requested, to provide HR guidance and process support.
• Assist in preparing, editing, and organizing corrective action documents, development plans, disciplinary materials, separation letters, and related correspondence.
• Coordinate pre-determination meetings and prepare separation documentation and agreements in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Process and communicate reduction-in-force notices for Professional Staff and grant-funded classified positions, as needed.
• Ensure appropriate procedures are followed in matters involving sensitive employee relations actions and separations.
• Provide guidance regarding available employee assistance and support resources when appropriate.

Performance Management (20%)

• Manage and monitor processes related to employee performance management, including automated tracking and reporting.
• Send reminders to supervisors regarding probationary period end dates for classified staff and support timely completion of related actions.
• Review performance evaluations as received and provide comments, edits, and recommendations to supervisors as appropriate.
• Assist management and employees in addressing job performance concerns and support effective performance improvement efforts.
• Ensure Professional Staff evaluations are completed prior to the annual merit review period.
• Serve as the point of contact for distribution, communication, and management of the merit process.
• Help supervisors create individual development plans and performance improvement documentation as appropriate.

Administration (5%)

• Coordinate logistics for training sessions, workshops, meetings, and related activities, including materials, scheduling, and support as needed.
• Maintain training resources, tools, and related systems or inventories as applicable.
• Serve as a backup resource for leave of absence inquiries, including:

- Personal leave of absence

- FMLA

• Reasonable accommodation
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Education, Instructional Design, Organizational Development or related field.
• At least four years of professional experience in human resources, training, facilitation, learning and development, employee relations, or related field within higher education environment.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience in performance management, employee relations, and workplace coaching.
• Experience designing and delivering training for adult learners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of UW policies, HR processes, and/or unionized work environments.

Working Conditions:

• Open workspace environment that may include noise and visual distractions.
• Occasional early morning or evening work with advance notice.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$82,800.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$90,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.