HR Business Partner, Performance & Culture- Wharton Human Resources & People Operations

University of Pennsylvania•Philadelphia, PA

40d•$76,000 - $95,000

About The Position

At Wharton Human Resources & People Operations, we believe that people are the foundation of organizational success. We are seeking a dedicated HR Business Partner to play a pivotal role in fostering a thriving workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered to succeed. This dynamic role offers the opportunity to manage a variety of complex, high-impact responsibilities in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of progressive HR experience are required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
HR Generalist Expertise: Demonstrated experience managing employee relations, talent acquisition, and compensation reviews, with the ability to provide strategic support on workforce planning, recruitment, and retention initiatives.
Compliance & Policy Knowledge: Solid understanding of HR policy compliance, legal requirements, and navigating employer policies, with the ability to apply this knowledge effectively to workplace challenges.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders and provide practical, empathetic HR coaching and support.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, resolve employee issues, and proactively manage sensitive workplace situations.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Experience working within a matrixed environment and willingness to support Wharton HR colleagues when additional support is needed.
Empathetic and highly emotionally intelligent, with a genuine passion for supporting people through challenges and opportunities.
Strong sense of accountability and integrity, ensuring fairness and consistency in all HR practices.
Strategic thinker with the ability to see both the big picture and the operational details.
Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly.

Nice To Haves

HR Certification: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
Project Management Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage HR-related projects, including wellness initiatives, employee engagement programs, or organizational development efforts.
Technology Skills: Experience using HR systems and technology platforms such as Workday, Qualtrics, and AI-driven tools to enhance HR operations and employee experience.
Advanced Compensation Knowledge: Strong understanding of job classifications, salary reviews, and adjustments, particularly within a higher education setting.
Survey Design & Analytics: Experience with survey design and analysis to gather insights on employee engagement and workplace culture.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor, managing complex and varied employee relations cases with fairness and integrity.
Partner with leaders to enhance performance management practices and deliver meaningful development opportunities & feedback.
Contribute to the design and execution of employee experience programs that build community, strengthen engagement, and promote equal opportunity, as well as other professional development opportunities.
Contribute to ongoing efforts to innovate and modernize HR operations.
Leveraging data analytics to inform strategic decision-making and drive operational excellence.
Provide expert guidance on HR policy, compliance, and workplace challenges while contributing to a positive and people-centered culture.

Benefits

Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.