Client Partners, Human Resource Services

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Missoula, MONTANA
Job Type: FullTime

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page.  Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College*Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*. 

The University of Montana (UM) invites applications for three (3) Client Partners to provide critical consulting services to colleges and administrative units throughout the UM campus as part of the Human Resource Services (HRS) department in the newly formed People and Culture (P&C) sector. The Client Partners are responsible for: aligning the university’s objectives with employees and management in designated client groups; consulting with management on human resource (HR) related issues; assessing and anticipating HR-related needs; communicating needs proactively with HRS and management; developing integrated solutions; coaching for performance improvement; advising and negotiating in conflict-based situations; and assisting in organizational effectiveness efforts. 

In this position you will deliver solutions intended to address a variety of needs related to HR functions of the university.  The position builds and maintains partnerships across the HR function to deliver value-added service to management and employees reflecting the mission and priorities of UM. 

Responsibilities:

  • Provide advice, guidance and informed decisions on HR matters to managers and employees. 
    • Identify and analyze employee relations situations, and recommend and implement employment actions.
    • Analyze workplace concerns, recommend solutions to issues and counsel employees.
    • Advise managers on matters involving the progressive disciplinary process, while highlighting the legal and policy-based requirements and ramifications.
  • Performs organizational and departmental assessments, and provides advice and guidance to clients on: restructuring, impact analysis and implementing change.
  • Partner with colleagues within the P&C sector's Conflict Resolution and Policy Department as appropriate to facilitate dispute resolution and manage disciplinary actions within client groups to ensure the consistent, uniform and fair application of UM policies and procedures.
    • Manage institutional risk by ensuring employment actions are in compliance with local, state and federal employment requirements.
  • Partner with the P&C sector's Organizational Learning and Development Department as necessary to create and deliver learning opportunities to managers and their departments.
    • Conduct training for clients related to HR functions.
  • Coordinate workforce and talent management efforts between clients and the university.
  • Participate fully and with meaningful contributions to the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
  • Participate in campus-wide strategic projects, committees, and working groups.
  • Conducts research, analyzes available data, and draws conclusions.
  • Manage complex projects/assignments of significant scope partnering with senior management.
  • Function as a peer in counseling with directors and other senior managers.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:
  • Demonstrated professional verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to facilitate productive discussions and present effectively to small and large groups
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive and private information
  • Understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws; with the ability to: remain current in understanding of all legal and policy changes; to monitor all relevant employment labor law updates
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, complex projects concurrently, and a broad range of tasks
  • Working knowledge of human resource functions, laws, and practices
  • Familiarity with learning and development and talent management
  • Demonstrated ability to use technology and HRIS systems to gather, interpret, organize, and present data
  • Must possess sound judgment and critical thinking skills
  • Experience in coaching and counseling managers and employees on policies and procedures
  • Successful experience providing customer service for diverse groups

Minimum Required Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field as well as at least two (2) years of directly related work experience; or any combination of experience and education

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certification in SHRM or HRCI
  • Experience with an employee and labor relations function within a human resource department
  • Ability to understand and apply collective bargaining agreements for unionized staff
  • Ability to create and maintain a productive working relationship with all union contacts and to participate in joint labor-management committees
  • Experience developing and providing in-person training or educational programs

About UM :

The University of Montana is a flagship, R1 research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains where three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.  The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.


Position Details:

Position Title: Client Partner (Personnel Officer)

Position Number: New

Department: Human Resource Services

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year.

Salary: $31.25/hr. Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Union Affiliation: None

Probationary Period: Six months minimum.

Benefits Include Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

Must be eligible to work in the United State upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.


How to Apply:

This position will remain OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below.

A complete application Includes:

  • Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
  • Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience.
  • Three (3) Professional References – names and contact information.
  • *Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application.  Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above. 


    Missoula, Montana, United States