Senior HR Partner, University Relations

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

8d•$120,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

USC Human Resources, Ethics, and Compliance (HREC) is seeking an experienced Senior HR Partner to serve as a trusted strategic advisor to USC University Relations leaders. University Relations advances USC’s role as an anchor institution by supporting university leadership, faculty, staff, and students in building community partnerships and civic leadership. Its portfolio includes government relations, civic and community partnerships, pre-K-16 education access programs, and Classical California, a musical public radio station. The Senior HR Partner provides dedicated HR partnership to University Relations while collaborating with USC’s HR Centers of Expertise. The role is part of University Human Resources’ Client Services and reports to a Director. The Senior HR Partner learns the client’s business, builds trusted relationships, and offers HR guidance that balances immediate needs with longer-term organizational priorities. The position coaches and consults with leaders, manages employee relations matters and workplace investigations, and drives people strategies aligned with organizational goals. Priorities include workforce planning and strategy, organizational effectiveness and team culture, change management, and performance management. The Senior HR Partner also guides HR Partners and Associate HR Partners. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday under a hybrid-fixed arrangement: at least three days onsite and two days remote each week. Additional onsite days may be required during onboarding or to meet client needs. Onsite work takes place at various locations within the assigned client organization, and travel between USC locations is required based on client and business needs. USC may modify schedules and arrangements based on business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, psychology, human resources, industrial relations, or a related field.
Seven or more years of experience in human resources or human capital management.
In-depth understanding of and experience across HR domains including total rewards (including compensation), employee and labor relations, talent management (including performance management, learning and development), continuous process improvement, change management, training, community and inclusion, workforce planning, and organizational development and design.
Demonstrated success consulting with business unit leaders on talent management strategies, including workforce planning, talent assessments, employee and labor relations, and performance management.
Ability to work with multiple leaders and manage competing priorities.
Experience presenting complex and sensitive information articulately through presentations or reports to executive leadership.
Excellent mentoring and coaching skills to enhance client management and leadership abilities and relationships among teams.
Analytical, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with diverse teams.
Ability to learn quickly and flexibly adapt HR expertise to different business units.
Ability to develop positive working relationships and rapport with team members.
Ability to manage one or more direct reports.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Demonstrated commitment, through ideas, words, and actions, to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in business, psychology, human resources, industrial relations, or a related field.
Ten or more years of experience in human resources or human capital management.
Experience in higher education and/or consulting.
Knowledge of Workday Human Capital Management applications and analytics.
CIPD, CPLP, ODCP, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or a similar certification. The posting also identifies SHRM, PHR, or SPHR certification, or the ability to obtain one certification within one year of hire, as preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic advisor to the assigned client organization and develop an understanding of its business, people, culture, priorities, and long-term goals.
Build relationships with employees and leaders at all levels and provide proactive HR consultation, coaching, and guidance.
Participate in strategic planning and advise leaders on workforce planning, change management, succession planning, performance management, talent development, and organizational effectiveness.
Manage and resolve employee and labor relations matters, including workplace investigations, performance concerns, disciplinary actions, and other sensitive employee matters.
Coach leaders through complex people decisions and provide thoughtful HR guidance, appropriately challenging assumptions when needed.
Partner with USC HR Centers of Expertise to deliver solutions across Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, HR systems and analytics, learning and organizational development, and other HR functions.
Use workforce data, employee feedback, and organizational insights to support hiring, promotion, compensation, professional development, succession planning, and other talent decisions.
Communicate complex HR policies, practices, and employment requirements clearly to leaders and employees.
Manage competing priorities and changing business needs with sound judgment, discretion, responsiveness, and follow-through.
Provide leadership, coaching, and guidance to HR Partners and Associate HR Partners and contribute to a collaborative HR environment.
Maintain current knowledge of HR leading practices and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested; the university may add or change duties.
Travel between USC locations based on client and business needs.