Human Resources Business Partner

Pomona College has mandated the COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. New employees are required to show proof of full vaccination, including the first booster, against COVID-19 or request a Pomona College-approved medical or religious exemption on or before their first day of employment.  

ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE: 

Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona College is known for small classes, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty, and a range of student research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges.

JOB PURPOSE:  

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources/CHRO, the Human Resources Business Partner will focus on aligning HR activities with the College by (i) providing a comprehensive, professional and efficient service, offering strategic and operational support, advice and information to the senior managers in a designated Division or Department; such as the Office of the Dean of the College and (ii) working with their management and staff, as well as with other members of the Human Resources Department, in the areas of employee relations, budgeting for staff costs and other employment-related costs, reporting, resource planning, staff recruitment, analysis and oversight of human resource policies and procedures. The HR Business Partner will support an overall coordinated College-wide approach to the development, management, and implementation of HR activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources/CHRO, the HR Business Partner works independently and collaboratively to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Build and sustain effective and dynamic relationships between the Human Resources Department and the Office of the Dean of the College and Departments to which assigned.

• Develop close and effective working relationships with the Office of the Dean of the College and/or Department and other appropriate managers to ensure that HR policies are implemented; that HR services are integrated to meet operational needs; and that HR activities are in keeping with the College’s human resource strategy.

• Provide the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources/CHRO with efficient, timely and accurate information to enable both forward planning and measurement of staffing-related activities.

• In conjunction with the Finance Department and Budget Office, ensure that resource requirements are processed in accordance with financial budgetary limitations, the resource plan and HR policy requirements.

• Work with the Office of the Dean of the College/Department to build and maintain the manpower plan for the College/area and coordinate overall workforce supply and demand, anticipating recruitment needs, exploring recruitment options and actively assist in the organization of the recruitment process.

• Act as the first point of contact for line managers with regard to issues related to the management of staff performance or absenteeism, in order to assist them in handling/resolving the matter or referring them to the appropriate source of help.

• Act as the first point of contact for line managers in assisting and advising on employee relations and employee welfare issues, referring to Assistant Vice President, Human Resources/CHRO as required.

• Provide support to managers in terms of employment legislation and dispute resolution, e.g. interpret relevant employment legislation and provide advice to managers as required.

• Research the background to employee relations disputes and attend meetings with staff and with staff representative groups, as required.

• Attend external meetings and hearings as needed and other third party hearings, as appropriate.

• Provide administrative support to the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources/CHRO in relation to record keeping etc. on such matters.

• Support and advise College (or functional area) managers in implementing change and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Work with managers on training plans; collate information on area training needs and attend staff development meetings, as required.

• Work with managers and employees of the Office of the Dean of the College/Department on leaves including workers compensation and disability, including accommodations.

• Contribute and lead as appropriate on College or central HR projects.

• Implement and maintain the highest professional standards for all human resource activities in accordance with College policy and good practice.

• Perform such other duties of a related nature as may be required from time to time as assigned by the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources/CHRO.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, a liberal arts field, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience required.

• Licenses/Certificates: A valid driver’s license or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off-site meetings and events is required.  A Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) with California designation is preferred.

• Experience: A minimum of 4-5 years of HR management or HR generalist experience.  Experience working with the Dean of the College and faculty members required. Two to three years project management experience. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL SKILLS:

This position must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the job or must be able to demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other knowledge, skills and abilities not listed below.

Bi-lingual English/Spanish fluently with written and verbal business acumen highly desirable, but not required.

Deploy professional skills in human resource management, employment regulations, organizational change management, mediation and facilitation, and employee communication, in collaboration with colleagues, to best promote the College’s strategic interests.

• Demonstrated proficiency with general business acumen.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Able to resolve conflicts independently.

Demonstrate effective, accurate and clear communication with excellent/strong verbal, written, interpersonal, reading, phone, and customer service skills.  Follow all written and verbal instructions, asking questions as needed for clarification of projects/tasks/duties/assignments.

Deploy professional skills in the Human Resources Department, in collaboration with colleagues, to best promote the College’s strategic interests.

Demonstrate effective, accurate and clear communication with excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, reading, phone, and customer service skills. 

Follow all written and verbal instructions, asking questions as needed for clarification of projects/tasks/duties/assignments.

Operate computers proficiently with basic Microsoft Office software (such as Word, Excel, Outlook) and associated professional software (such as Adobe PhotoShop, Cognos, Workday HCM, Internet research, menu-driven databases, social media networking).  Use assigned technology/devices/equipment to achieve annual goals and maintain confidentiality.

Handle all activities and highly confidential information with patience, discretion, good judgment, courtesy and tact while working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Prioritize and perform multiple projects/tasks, meet deadlines/timelines, respond to others in a timely manner, and work both independently and as a collaborative member of the College with a high standard of integrity and ethics, in support of the College’s strategic vision and the division’s/department’s annual goals.

Use exceptional organizational and time management skills to complete work with accuracy and a keen attention to detail. Operate the College’s vehicles safely for campus-related work and meet all insurance-related requirements.

ANNUAL SALARY:

The annual salary for this role is between $98,000 and $113,000 with a competitive benefits package.  The specific factors that the College will consider when offering a salary to an individual will include, but not be limited to: education, training, relevant prior experience, and performance in prior roles.

REQUIRED HOURS:

The regular hours for this full time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Holiday, weekend and evening work hours may be required.  Travel may be required.  Regular hours may vary due to needs of the College or division.

ADA/OSHA:

This job description defines the essential job duties of this position.  The College expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others.  It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).