Human Resources Business Partner

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The College of Arts & Sciences seeks an HR Business Partner to provide accurate, responsive academic HR support across academic departments and programs. The role helps departments navigate appointments, employment policies, and workforce processes while building 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 provides guidance on academic HR policies and employment matters; supports academic searches, hiring, and appointments, with a particular focus on postdoctoral associates and research associates; and handles sensitive matters with sound judgment and confidentiality. It also supports salary and workforce planning, maintains HR transactions and data using Workday and other tools, generates appointment deadline reports, contributes to Workday initiatives and training, and provides coordinated backup support for academic HR matters. The position is based at Cornell’s Ithaca campus and offers a hybrid arrangement, typically four days on campus and one remote day per week.

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.
Experience learning, using, and training others on new systems and platforms.
Ability to use sound judgment, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Experience effectively handling employee issues and providing advice and recommendations consistent with university and College HR policies, practices, and procedures.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple conflicting deadlines.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with tact and discretion.
Ability to set priorities and demonstrate initiative and self-direction, following through with minimal supervision.
Ability and willingness to work collaboratively 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.
Support academic searches, hiring, and appointments, including search waivers, compensation, and required documentation.
Focus on non-tenure-track appointments, particularly postdoctoral associates and research associates, while developing expertise in lecturer, teaching professor, and tenure-track faculty processes.
Navigate sensitive matters, analyze issues, identify solutions, maintain confidentiality, and coordinate with HR leadership and the Academic HR Business Partner.
Coordinate requests for policy waivers as appropriate.
Support salary and workforce planning, including the annual Salary Improvement Process, Summer Salary Process, and workforce budgeting.
Help ensure academic positions are budgeted accurately and contribute to process improvements.
Maintain accurate HR transactions, records, and reporting using Workday and other tools to maintain and analyze appointment, compensation, and workforce data.
Serve as a liaison for Workday initiatives and related system training, with guidance from HR colleagues.
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 and continue building knowledge through collaboration, training, and professional development.

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 and 13 holidays, including an end-of-year winter break from December 25 through January 1.
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, subject to modification by the university.