Human Resources Business Partner

Cornell University • Ithaca, MI

27d • $68,381 - $79,469 • Hybrid

About The Position

The College of Arts & Sciences seeks an HR Business Partner to provide accurate, responsive academic HR support across 28 academic departments and 15 academic programs. The role helps departments navigate appointments, employment policies, and workforce processes while building trusted relationships that support the college’s teaching and research mission.

Working closely with the Academic HR Business Partner and college HR leadership, the position supports and consults with senior associate deans, the Associate Dean of Finance and Administration, department leaders, and managers on academic HR matters. The role is based in Goldwin Smith Hall on Cornell’s Ithaca campus and has a hybrid arrangement, typically with four days on campus and one remote day per week. Scheduling is coordinated with the supervisor to meet team and college needs.

The position supports academic HR policies, searches, hiring, appointments, salary and workforce planning, HR transactions, records, reporting, and Workday initiatives. It focuses particularly on non-tenure-track appointments, including postdoctoral associates and research associates, while offering opportunities to develop expertise in lecturer, teaching professor, and tenure-track faculty processes. It also provides coordinated backup support for academic HR matters when the Academic HR Business Partner is absent.

The position is listed as HR Generalist II, Human Resources family, level E, with a salary range of $68,381.00–$79,469.00. A cover letter and resume are required. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2–3 years’ experience, or an equivalent combination.
• In-depth working knowledge of Cornell’s academic human resource practices, policies, and procedures.
• Familiarity with the academic environment.
• Solid understanding of university and college workforce budgeting policies, position management, practices, and procedures.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective work relationships at all organizational levels.
• In-depth understanding of Workday.
• Demonstrated experience learning, using, and training others on new systems and platforms.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience effectively handling employee issues, including providing advice and recommendations consistent with university and College HR policies, practices, and procedures.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple conflicting deadlines.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with tact and discretion.
• Ability to establish priorities and demonstrate initiative and self-direction, following through on responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Ability and willingness to collaborate and share knowledge and information.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• A cover letter and resume outlining interest and how experience and goals align with potential mutual success are required for consideration.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with International Academic HR.
• SHRM certification or advanced experience in human resources.
• Previous work experience managing faculty affairs.
• Experience in higher education, especially at Cornell University, and familiarity with its mission, goals, and objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate a highly complex organizational structure.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on academic HR policies and employment matters, including leaves, resignations, and appointment procedures; answer routine questions independently and recognize when consultation is needed.
• Support academic searches, hiring, and appointments, including search waivers, compensation, and required documentation, with a focus on non-tenure-track appointments.
• Partner with HR leadership and the Academic HR Business Partner to analyze sensitive matters, identify solutions, maintain confidentiality, and coordinate policy waiver requests as appropriate.
• Support salary and workforce planning, including the annual Salary Improvement Process (SIP), Summer Salary Process, and workforce budgeting.
• Help ensure academic positions are budgeted accurately and contribute to improvements in salary and workforce processes.
• Maintain accurate HR transactions, records, and reporting using Workday and other tools; maintain and analyze appointment, compensation, and workforce data.
• With guidance from HR colleagues, serve as a liaison for Workday initiatives and related system training.
• Build collaborative relationships with department managers, faculty, college leaders, and campus partners.
• Generate monthly Fixed Term reports for non-professorial teaching and research Academic appointment types in the College to help departments track appointment deadlines.
• Provide coordinated backup support for academic HR matters during the Academic HR Business Partner’s absence, while developing knowledge through collaboration, training, and professional development.
• Manage competing priorities and deadlines, exercise initiative and follow through with minimal supervision, and collaborate and share knowledge with others.
• Support an inclusive and respectful work environment and cultivate inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care options.
• Generous retirement contributions.
• Access to wellness programs.
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation, 13 holidays, and two additional floating holidays.
• Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program.
• Tuition aid for external education.
• Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.
• Hybrid work arrangement, typically one remote day and four on-campus days per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level