Human Resources Partner (Term)

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is actively seeking a Human Resources Partner for a one year term appointment. RISD Human Resources partners with campus colleagues to attract, retain, develop and reward a diverse workforce. We strive to enhance the experience of all employees and to foster an environment that values respect, teamwork, diversity, and inclusion. Our team works proactively to create an environment that respects the whole person. We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

The Human Resources Partner (HRP) will be a trusted adviser responsible for the alignment, development, and delivery of Human Resource policy, programs, services, and resources in support of the designated areas of the College. The selected candidate will demonstrate the knowledge and skill to engage across a wide variety of individual differences and identities through meaningful interactions characterized by respect, mutual understanding, and reciprocity. The HRP will provide accurate and robust advice, interpretation, and guidance to employees and managers regarding a full range of HR/College policies and processes; will use their solid knowledge of federal and state laws to minimize risk for the College and to support the day to day needs of the leaders, managers, and employees in resolving complex problems. The HRP will promote a culture of inclusion providing advice and counsel aimed at enhancing performance through coaching, counseling, training, and career development.

Essential Functions

• Proactively engage with assigned divisional partners to understand divisional objectives and needs.
• As an integrated partner, identify, recommend and implement solutions that achieve desired results that best align operational and people (HR) strategies.
• Partner with divisional leaders to successfully roll out institution-wide initiatives for assigned areas and clients.
• Serve as a proactive and trusted partner providing timely, accurate, and robust advice, interpretation, and guidance to employees and managers regarding a full range of HR policies, processes, practices, agreements, and issues.
• Stay abreast of both state and federal laws in order to mitigate risk and support the day-to-day management of employees.
• Surface and identify practice and policy issues and opportunities.
• Partner with internal and external legal resources as required.
• Assist in developing a culture of inclusivity and awareness.
• Act as a point of contact for employee, employment and labor relations issues; recommend courses of action, ensuring appropriate documentation of events and consistency and fairness in all resolutions.
• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements, provide advice, coaching, corrective action, or investigation as needed.
• Request and interpret a wide variety of human resources management data for assigned division leaders and area.
• Analyze and share results, highlighting trends, progress and opportunities, and help develop and implement actions and solutions required based on data analysis.
• With an understanding of divisional operations, trends and needs, provide ongoing advice and performance management guidance (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, and improvement plans).
• With a continuous improvement approach, act as a conduit and advocate for performance management tools, techniques, and processes for assigned group in order to optimize performance and the college process.
• Identify divisional and individual training and coaching needs and skill gaps.
• Either directly or through other staff/consultants, create and deliver targeted training sessions to address opportunities within assigned groups.
• Evaluate and monitor results. Work with managers to ensure regular feedback and development occurs with employees.
• With an understanding of institutional process and divisional talent needs, engage and leverage the appropriate subject matter experts in delivery of services, including but not limited to compensation, benefits, legal, risk, labor, and a range of other internal or external resources.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years’ experience advising directly on a range of HR, management, and employee-related issues within a complex environment.
• Knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines. Strong knowledge of related federal and state rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated cultural competence with an understanding of inclusion and diversity issues in the workplace.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, and listening skills . Ability to be clear, fluent, and concise.
• Experience working effectively with diverse groups, including faculty, staff, students, and consultants.
• Effective communicator, able to collaborate and engage with others who are different from themselves in meaningful ways through interactions characterized by reciprocity, mutual understanding, and respect.
• Proven experience partnering with multiple divisional leaders, managers, and employees on a wide variety of HR issues. Demonstrated credibility and ability to influence others and serve as a trusted advisor.
• Ability to identify, manage and mitigate risk using exceptional judgement.
• Strong computer skills and experience utilizing HRIS systems.
• Ability to analyze data in order to shape and inform sound decision-making.
• Experience leading and supporting HR and college-wide projects.
• Capacity for ambiguity and ability to navigate paradox.

Preferred:

• PHR, SPHR, and/or SHRM CP/SPC
• Bi- or multi-lingual
• Experience in higher education or in a complex organization is highly desirable
• Union experience

Union:

No

Work Schedule:

Fixed Term, one year

Employment Status:

Full-time. Exempt.

Grade:

09/AD

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:

Human Resources