RIO HR Operations Manager and Business Partner

This role serves as the functional HR expert in the Research and Innovation Office (RIO), leveraging business insight to align HR strategies with organizational goals and drive impactful outcomes. This role is responsible for providing consultation to RIO leaders, managers and supervisors in the areas of employee and labor relations, contract and policy interpretation, classification, talent acquisition, compensation, performance management and evaluation, employee engagement, compliance, project management, and process improvement. This position reports to the RIO HR Director and plays a key role in aligning HR functions with the strategic goals of RIO, ensuring the effective management of its workforce and fostering an inclusive and innovative environment.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

50%-Employee Relations Internal Consultant

• Manage a wide range of employee relations and HR communications issues with sensitivity and confidentiality, employing critical thinking to navigate complexity and provide sound, strategic recommendations.
• Effectively interface at all levels of the organization using clear, impactful communication and a consultative approach to foster understanding and collaboration.
• Provide guidance on HR policy, procedures, and best practices for all employee groups including, but not limited to labor relations, performance management, grievance and contract interpretation.
• Partner with OHR consultants, Office of the General Counsel, Office of Equity and Diversity, Disability Services and other experts throughout the organization to address concerns raised within RIO.
• Optimize HR processes to manage employee complaints effectively, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and adherence to best practices.
• Partner with local units to support the onboarding and performance management process, including evaluations/tools; develop and implement forward-thinking HR strategies that align with evolving workforce trends and organizational objectives, ensuring long-term success.
• Ensure leaders and managers partner with RIO HR on the layoff and non-renewal processes; provide guidance on the notification process as well as related benefits programs and, where applicable, determine bumping rights

20%-Organizational Strategy and Development

• Collaborate with RIO leaders to identify and implement change initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and drive sustainable success, providing guidance, communication, and resources throughout the change management process.
• Drive employee engagement by fostering an inclusive culture that empowers employees, promotes professional development, and supports collaboration to achieve organizational goals.
• Champion diversity and inclusion by valuing differences, creating an equitable workplace, and leveraging diverse perspectives to enhance decision-making and innovation.
• Collaborate with a wide range of teams with diverse backgrounds, including creative, administrative, and analytical teams.
• Responsible for creation and implementation of effective programs in employee retention, partnering with OHR consultants to utilize available University programming.
• Coach leaders and managers in employee and leadership development as well as partner with OHR consultants to utilize available development training.

10%-Workforce Planning and Talent Management

• Provide organizational analysis and talent acquisition consulting that supports the needs of the organization and meets the complex classification and compensation parameters.
• Consult with hiring authorities on job classification, workforce planning, organizational structure, position design, and position description development; review and recommend changes for posting and classification.
• Assist in the development and implementation of recruitment strategies to attract and retain diverse talent pools.
• Directly support RIO senior leader searches.
• Consult with hiring authorities and search committee members on talent acquisition, with a key focus on equal opportunity and affirmative action.
• Partner with units to work with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to process employment-sponsored visa applications when needed.
• Conduct data-driven analysis to guide decisions on job classifications, compensation adjustments, recruitment strategies, and employment changes, ensuring equity and competitiveness.
• Analyze annual University-wide pay plans in consultation with the RIO HR Director and assist in implementing the annual merit compensation process.
• Liaison between OHR Compensation and unit managers for job classification appeals and union challenges/disagreements.
• Continuously adapt and learn to provide informed guidance to managers and supervisors on HR policies, procedures, rules, contracts, employment laws and practices, and evolving workforce dynamics.

10%-Compliance and Risk Management

• Consult with RIO leaders to ensure compliance with HR policies, laws, governing contracts, and rules (such as employment eligibility) are properly being implemented and carefully followed.
• Conduct investigations into complaints of violations of employment laws or policies.
• Consult on HR risk management; take appropriate actions to minimize risk, including providing timely and effective investigations, as well as consultation and advice to managers, leaders, and other HR professionals on conflict of interest, nepotism, and other matters of concern.
• Ensure compliance with all required HR training (such as Preventing Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination).

10%-RIO HR Operations Team Management

• Build and lead an effective team within the RIO HR Shared Services, fostering collaboration, growth, and a high-performance culture; meet regularly to ensure accountability for achieving operational excellence and meeting organizational objectives with high service standards.
• Provide work direction, development, coaching and training as needed.

Flexible Work Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the RIO Human Resources Office endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

This position has been designated as eligible for flexible work profiles 1-3.

Profile 1 is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located in the McNamara Alumni Center.
Profile 2 is expected to work on-site more than 50% of the time. Your office will be located in the McNamara Alumni Center.
Profile 3 is expected to work remotely more than 50% of the time. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location.

RIO Human Resources management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in human resources or a related field plus at least six years of progressive human resources generalist experience across key operational areas.
• Experience advising and coaching managers, supervisors, and staff.
• Experience managing projects from needs assessment through implementation and evaluation.
• Experience working in an academic environment with multiple employee groups including union and non-union staff, faculty, and P&A.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Five years of University of Minnesota human resources generalist experience including expertise in the University's HRMS system.
• Demonstrated experience with payroll/finance principles and data reporting.
• Human resources experience in a labor-represented environment.
• Evidence of excellent knowledge, skills, and abilities in: complex problem solving, oral and written communication, customer service, being a team player, facilitation, diversity and inclusion, confidentiality, organizational collaboration, and analysis.
• Demonstration of a positive and calm demeanor.

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) helps facilitate collaborative research designed to solve our most complex problems. We serve as a central resource for conducting, managing, and sponsoring research at the University of Minnesota and developing and bringing to market UMN innovations that improve people's lives. In addition, RIO offices oversee key areas of research compliance and administration and help to cultivate a culture of research integrity at the University.

Pay Range: $91,669 - $107,250; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).