| Location | Fairfield, CT |
Position SummaryThe Human Resources Partner provides comprehensive human resources support to assigned University departments and administrative units. This position serves as a trusted resource to managers and employees by delivering guidance on a broad range of human resources functions, including employee relations, recruitment, performance management, policy interpretation, onboarding, and compliance.Working collaboratively with leaders across the University, the Human Resources Partner helps foster a positive employee experience while ensuring consistent application of University policies and employment practices. The role also partners closely with other Human Resources team members to support strategic initiatives and deliver responsive, high-quality HR services.Principal Duties & ResponsibilitiesEmployee Relations & Performance Management:
Serve as the primary HR contact for assigned departments, responding to employee and manager questions regarding HR policies, procedures, and employment practices.Provide guidance and support to managers on employee relations matters, including coaching, conflict resolution, corrective action, performance concerns, and policy interpretation.Partner with managers throughout the performance management process, including performance evaluations, performance improvement plans, and employee development discussions.Assist in resolving workplace issues while promoting fair, consistent, and legally compliant employment practices.Maintain confidential employee records and documentation in accordance with university policies.
Recruitment and Staffing:
Partner with hiring managers to identify staffing needs and support the recruitment process with HR team members.Support recruitment activities including candidate screening and interview scheduling.Assist managers with developing and updating job descriptions to ensure accurate representation of position responsibilities and qualifications.
Employee Development & Engagement:
Partner with the Department Head to support employee learning initiatives and required compliance training.Promote employee engagement by supporting initiatives that foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture.Coach managers on effective leadership practices, employee development, and performance management.
HR Operations & Compliance:
Maintain accurate employee information within Dayforce, HR Acuity, and personnel records while ensuring confidentiality.Interpret and apply University policies, employment practices, and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.Collaborate with Payroll, Benefits, Onboarding, Recruitment, and other Human Resources functions to ensure consistent service delivery.
Assist with HR projects, process improvements, audits, reporting, and other departmental initiatives.
Other Responsibilities:
Perform additional duties assigned, contributing to the overall success of the HR department.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.5 years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience in an HRBP, Generalist or comparable HR role.Demonstrated knowledge of employee relations, performance management, recruitment, and employment law.Working knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, EEO, and related employment regulations.Strong interpersonal, consultation, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Ability to exercise sound judgment while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality.Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple competing responsibilities.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS); experience with Dayforce preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
Human Resources experience in higher education.SHRM-CP, PHR, or other Human Resources certification.Bilingual language skills.
Unusual Working ConditionsOccasional additional hours may be required to support operational needs, special projects, or business deadlines.Periodic travel between University locations may be required.