Human Resources Business Partner

The Human Resources Business Partner at Grand Rapids Community College will play a key role in supporting the overall HR functions. This position involves a wide range of responsibilities including, recruitment, employee and labor relations, benefits administration, policy implementation, and contract or employee handbook administration. The Business Partner will collaborate with their assigned employee group to ensure a positive and inclusive working environment in alignment with our mission, values, and strategic goals.

Position Number: 00001937
Requisition ID: 1131
Employee Group:PMA
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation: Grade OP5, $63,000 per year
Benefits:Full-time
Reports to: Human Resources Operations Director
Posting Opens: 06/12/2026
Posting Closes: 06/25/2026

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Recruitment and Staffing:

• Manage full-cycle recruitment processes, including job postings, applicant screening and interviewing. This will happen using an evidence-based approach as well as a screening committee model.
• Collaborate with supervisors to identify staffing needs and ensure timely and effective hiring.
• Facilitate screening committee training for interview and selection procedures.
• Guide managers through the position authorization process, and work collaboratively with management to design job descriptions for effective recruitment.
• Meet with new hires; following up during the first months of employment to help communicate our culture and improve employee retention.
• Conduct exit interviews, assess employee feedback, and evaluate the data to make recommendations for improvements to management.
• Collaborate with Operations Manager and Talent Acquisition team to evaluate, develop and implement process improvements to the recruitment process.

Employee Relations:

• Serve as a point of contact for employee inquiries and concerns.
• Actively participate in employee relations and handbook updates or contract negotiations and administration; interpreting handbook and/or contract language for supervisors and employees.
• Mediate and resolve employee relations issues, fostering a positive work environment. This may involve collaborating with the Office of General Counsel.
• Conduct investigations and provide recommendations for resolution.
• Create a proactive employee relations environment including effective communication and compliance with policies and laws, while ensuring fair treatment of employees.
• Keep management advised of potential problem areas and recommend and/or implement solutions.
• Interpret and apply applicable law and statute updates related to human resources management, as well as proactively maintaining compliance expectations.

Payroll and Benefits Administration:

• Facilitate & approve employee payroll setup, including additional compensation.
• Lead new fiscal year setup for assigned employee groups. Responsible for coordinating all payroll changes for assigned employee groups
• Implement and calculate employee pay out upon separation from the College.
• Assist benefits staff with administering benefits programs, answering questions about retirement plans, medical benefits and leave policies.
• Provide information and education for various retirement plan options, including MPSERS, ORP, and optional plans to employees. To include orientation, onboarding and offboarding, review of retirement with current employees, general assistance with employee retirement applications, etc.

Organization and Employee Development:

• Coach, counsel, and guide managers through the execution of employee disciplinary action process
• Coordinate and facilitate employee training and development programs.
• Manage performance review/evaluation programs.
• Provide career counseling and share expertise with assigned employee groups and community members. Participate in student events focused on employment/career growth.
• Leads cross college process-based management teams for continuous improvement of HR/LR processes.
• Involved in the review and follow up to Staff Opinion surveys.
• Work closely with College administration to provide guidance and updates on HR topics.
• Lead departmental improvement initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Policy Implementation:

• Implement and communicate HR policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Stay informed about changes in labor laws and regulations impacting HR practices.
• Understanding of local, state and federal laws, regulations and standards pertaining to public sector labor relations.
• Knowledge of human resources policies, procedures and management practices, involving recruitment, employment, terminations and contract administration.
• Create, design, implement and administer human resources policies and procedures.

Data Management:

• Maintain and track all employee disciplinary actions and investigations for assigned employee groups.
• Work with the Employee Leave and Compliance Coordinator on the management of the leaves of absence process including FMLA for assigned employee groups.
• Responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the monthly Board of Trustees report around new hires and separations.
• Maintains up-to-date personnel records and performs credential audits to ensure compliance with accreditation standards. Manages wage and salary programs in conformance with handbooks and/or labor agreement.
• Provides information regarding unemployment claims for assigned employee groups.
• Maintain content of departmental documents, and forms.

Other Job Functions:

• Persons in this role are identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CSA's will be trained and responsible for reporting Clery Reportable Crimes to Campus Police as required by the Clery Act.
• Demonstrates and promotes a positive, professional, and collaborative attitude in all interactions with colleagues, team members, supervisors, and customers; contributes to a respectful, supportive, and solutions-oriented work environment.
• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in business management, business administration, or HR related field required, with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in employee relations, handbook administration, disciplinary action, recruitment and other closely related responsibilities.

Skills

• Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution: Ability to handle employee relations matters, mediate conflicts, and resolve issues in a fair and constructive manner.
• Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining: Proficiency in understanding and navigating labor relations, including experience in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Recruitment and Staffing: Strong skills in full-cycle recruitment, including job posting, applicant screening, interviewing, and collaboration with hiring managers to meet staffing needs.
• Knowledge of Employment Laws and Regulations: Thorough understanding of relevant employment laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, particularly those specific to the higher education sector.
• Communications and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of individuals, including faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Organization and Problem-Solving Abilities: Strong organizational skills to manage responsibilities and deadlines effectively, coupled with the ability to analyze problems and provide solutions.

Physical Demands

• The position requires long periods of sitting, reading and writing, listening and computer work.

Mental Demands

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality in carrying out all duties, including maintaining confidential record tracking systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Understand and appreciate our community college philosophy and diverse populations.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.
• Must maintain high levels of confidentiality with appropriate discretion.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.

BENEFITS

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums.
• Time off: Enjoy substantial vacation time.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan or a 401(a) with a 12% employer contribution.

NEXT STEPS / APPLICATION PROCESS

Please fill out an application at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter and resume. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295