Human Resources Business Partner
Job Description
Full job description
Job Posting Location:
Claremont, CA
Job Posting Title:
Human Resources Business Partner
Job Description:
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:
Pomona College offers a collaborative and values-driven workplace where teamwork, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence are at the heart of what we do. As part of this culture, the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) plays a vital role in fostering trusted relationships, delivering thoughtful HR solutions, and driving strategic initiatives in partnership with College leaders.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources/CHRO, the HRBP will support the Office of the Treasurer and the Advancement Division, aligning HR strategies and services with operational goals. This role serves as a key liaison to the departments they support, requiring strong communication skills, excellent customer service, and the ability to develop productive and collaborative business partnerships. The position supports a union-represented environment, and experience with collective bargaining environments and bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are highly desired.
The HRBP contributes to the development and implementation of HR practices that align with College-wide goals and values, while also managing the day-to-day needs of staff and managers in areas such as employee relations, workforce planning, recruitment, policy interpretation, and continuous improvement.
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, collaborative, and customer-oriented partnerships with leaders and staff in the Office of the Treasurer and the Advancement Division.
- Serve as a trusted HR advisor by providing strategic guidance on workforce planning, organizational development, and policy application that aligns with institutional priorities.
- Provide timely, accurate data and analysis to the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources/CHRO to inform decision-making and strategic planning.
- Collaborate with the Finance Department and Budget Office to ensure HR-related resource needs align with budgetary parameters and College policy.
- Partner with departments on strategic staffing plans, proactively support recruitment efforts, and ensure talent pipelines align with divisional needs and College diversity goals.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for managers on employee performance and attendance concerns, offering coaching and guidance that encourages effective resolution.
- Provide guidance on employee relations and workplace culture, consulting with the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources/CHRO on complex matters as needed.
- Offer practical, legally sound advice on employment-related issues, including labor relations matters, and represent HR in meetings with employees and union representatives.
- Participate in third-party hearings and investigations, and support formal grievance or disciplinary processes, when necessary.
- Support departments in leading and navigating organizational change, promoting a culture of adaptability and innovation.
- Partner with managers to identify training needs and recommend or coordinate appropriate professional development initiatives.
- Guide employees and supervisors through leave processes, including workers’ compensation, disability accommodations, and return-to-work planning.
- Lead and contribute to campus-wide HR projects and initiatives aligned with strategic goals.
- Maintain the highest professional standards in all HR functions, ensuring confidentiality, compliance, and service excellence.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources/CHRO.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, liberal arts, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
- Licenses/Certificates: A valid driver's license or reliable transportation for off-site meetings is required.
- SPHR with California designation is preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 4–5 years of HR management or generalist experience. Project management and experience working in a unionized environment highly preferred.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL SKILLS:
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following competencies:
Bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency, verbal and written, is highly desirable.
Strong business acumen and the ability to align HR practices with organizational strategy.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse teams.
Sound judgment and discretion in managing sensitive or confidential matters.
Proficiency in employment law, organizational change, labor relations, and mediation.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to provide clear guidance and deliver presentations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS platforms such as Workday; experience with databases, social media, and HR analytics tools is a plus.
Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills; ability to handle multiple priorities with professionalism and responsiveness.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, service-driven environment.
Must meet all College vehicle operation and insurance requirements for occasional travel.
WORK SCHEDULE:
The regular hours for this full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Occasional evening, weekend, or travel may be required based on operational needs.
RATE:
The rate for this role is between $95,000 - $110,000 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.
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).
DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, the College will review this job description and make changes of business necessity.
*Please mention you saw this ad on UCareers.*
Be Seen By Recruiters at the
Best Institutions
Create Your FREE Profile Now!
University Jobs in Popular Cities
