Jr. HR Business Partner

Overview Of Athena

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.

Position Summary

We are currently recruiting for a Jr. HR Business Partner. This supports assigned colleges and units by providing consultative HR services and assisting in aligning human resources practices with institutional priorities and the strategic plan (Focus URI). This full-time position pays $35.71/hr, and is located in Kingston, RI.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strategic Support
• Assist HRBPs in building relationships with campus leaders to understand workforce needs.
• Provide input and recommendations on HR strategies, workforce planning, and talent management initiatives.
• Develop and use data and analytics to support decision-making and identify trends.

• Employee Relations
• Advise managers on routine employee relations issues, performance management, and policy interpretation.
• Support conflict resolution processes under guidance from senior HR staff.
• Ensure compliance with CBAs, University policies, and applicable laws.
• Change Management & Organizational Development
• Support organizational change initiatives by coordinating communications and assisting with implementation.
• Participate in assessments to identify opportunities for efficiency and improved culture.
• Help facilitate workshops and training sessions to build team and leadership capability.
• HR Administration & Compliance
• Serve as a resource for HR policies and procedures, escalating complex issues as needed.
• Partner with HR Centers of Excellence on recruitment, compensation, benefits, and leave management.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with employment laws and University policies and procedures.
• Equity & Inclusion
• Promote fairness and equitable practices in all HR activities.
• Work closely with HR Business Partners and campus leaders to foster an inclusive workplace culture, address workforce challenges, and ensure compliance with policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Contributes to organizational effectiveness by delivering thoughtful HR solutions and serving as a key liaison between central HR and campus units.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong knowledge of HR fundamentals and employment laws.
• Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and work independently with guidance.
• Experience using HR data to inform decisions.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical practices.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Workday) and data analytics tools, preferred.
• Ability to multitask and be flexible.
• Highly motivated.
  
  

Education And Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent, required.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in related field, preferred.
• Master’s degree or HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP), preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive HR experience, including generalist responsibilities.
• Experience in higher education or unionized environments, preferred.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Working hours M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds.
  
  

Successful ATHENA employees will display the following characteristics:

• You strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future.
• You like to make your employer look good.
• You find solutions, where others only see problems.
• You are proactive, you make and meet commitments, and you perform your duties exceedingly well.
• You are aware of the employer’s needs at all times and are well-versed in what you personally and ATHENA can offer them as a whole.
• You have the ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish the larger mission.
  
  

The benefits of working for ATHENA include:

• Support from a team of professionals committed to making your life better.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance available for full- time employment
• Health Savings Account
• Pet insurance.
• 401k with a generous employer match.
• ATHENA paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employee.
• Additional Voluntary Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employee, spouses, and children.
• Short and Long Term Disability.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Easy to use employee self-serve HR portal.
• Sick leave varies by state – be sure to inquire with your Recruiter.
  
  

The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required. The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.

ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

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