HR Partner (7596U), Berkeley Regional Services - #80785 - University of California Berkeley : Job Details

HR Partner (7596U), Berkeley Regional Services - #80785 at University of California, Berkeley. This role focuses on managing client relationships and facilitating effective service delivery to administrative business or academic units on campus. Serves as a business partner and liaison between clients and BRS HR/APS, and works with BRS HR Leadership and AP/HR Process Improvement teams to implement best practices and continuous improvements in service.

Berkeley is a world-leading institution with a commitment to equity and social justice. The university emphasizes learning, employee development, and supportive collaboration across campus.

• Counsels department managers and supervisors on employee and labor policies, procedures, and practices regarding performance management, recruiting, onboarding, compensation/classification, disability, training and other HR areas. Provides accurate and timely guidance to ensure policy adherence and effective people management.
• Manage a diverse and complex client allocation, addressing the HR needs of academic and staff titles across departments/units; collaborate with central HR teams and campus partners to ensure a smooth, compliant hiring process.
• Manage the entire recruitment lifecycle for a diverse range of staff and academic positions. This includes consulting on job titles/classifications, ensuring alignment with UC Berkeley standards and submitting recruitment requests and HR actions via systems such as JDX, AP Recruit, and UCPath.
• Ensure adherence to UC Berkeley policies, collective bargaining agreements, and federal/state employment laws; maintain data integrity in HR systems and audit records as needed.
• Provide guidance on compensation programs (salary scales, merit processes, equity reviews) to ensure fair, competitive pay.
• Manage complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary actions, grievances, and involuntary separations, with consultation from ELR and APO; counsel employees on sensitive work-related issues.
• Partner with departments and labs on reorganizations and staffing plans, coordinating with Research Administrators to ensure funding sufficiency for positions and sustainable lab decisions.
• Maintain data accuracy in UCPath and other HR systems; generate employment data reports (e.g., Cognos, CalAnswers) to support departmental needs and decision-making; resolve benefits or payroll issues by coordinating with regional and central teams and UCPath.
• Contribute to special projects and continuous improvement initiatives; provide ad-hoc support to team as required.
• Independently manage a dynamic workload, prioritize assignments, and escalate complex or sensitive HR cases to leadership as needed.
• Support departments and labs in developing internal policies and expectations for employees; advise on professional development opportunities and connect client groups with the People and Organizational team as needed.

• Strong analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations; demonstrates organization and problem-solving abilities.
• Thorough knowledge of organizational policies and procedures and understanding of how work affects related areas.
• Thorough knowledge of human resources concepts, policies, employment practices, labor relations, salary administration, training, and related HR areas.
• Experience with a human resources management system (HRMS) or related software; proficient in HR data handling and processes.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle difficult or volatile situations effectively with discretion and professionalism.
• Analytical, active listening, and critical thinking skills.
• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

The budgeted annual salary range is $85,000.00 – $94,000.00. This is a 1-year, full-time (40 hours/week), contract appointment eligible for UC benefits with potential extension. This is an exempt monthly-paid position. For information on the comprehensive benefits package, please visit the UC Berkeley Compensation & Benefits site. California law requires UC Berkeley to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range and notes that offers are based on qualifications and experience.

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This recruitment has 2 openings.
• This position is eligible for up to 100% remote work; exact arrangements are determined with your supervisor and may change.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.