Associate HR Business Partner

Location: TN, United States

Job Summary 
 
The Associate Human Resources Business Partner supports assigned divisions by assisting employees and supervisors with human resources matters and serving as a resource on HR policies, procedures, and practices. The position collaborates with HR colleagues to coordinate services across areas such as recruitment, employment, employee relations, compensation, and performance management. The Associate HR Business Partner independently addresses routine matters and works under the guidance of a Senior Human Resources Business Partner when handling complex, sensitive, or strategic issues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Working knowledge of core human resources principles, practices, and functions.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and clearly communicate HR policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to identify workplace concerns, gather and evaluate relevant information, and assist in resolving routine HR matters. 
• Ability to recognize complex, sensitive, or high-risk concerns and refer them to senior HR staff when appropriate. 
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong customer service, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills. 
• Ability to provide professional, responsive, and consistent service to employees and supervisors. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain organization in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with employees, supervisors, departmental leaders, and HR colleagues.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and seek guidance when needed. 
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive employee and organizational information.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and at varying levels of the organization. 
• Ability to conduct research, analyze information, identify relevant considerations, and develop preliminary recommendations. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other reporting, database, and data visualization software applications. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field and at least four years of experience – preferably human resources-specific experience.
  OR 
• An equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in an HR generalist, employee relations, recruitment, or talent-management role.
• Experience providing HR support in a higher education or similarly complex organization. 
• Working knowledge of Oracle Human Capital Management or a comparable human resources information system, including the ability to enter, retrieve, review, and maintain employee and position data accurately.
• Professional human resources certification or progress toward certification. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family – Human Resources Professional 3
• Market Range - 8 Salary Schedules
• For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions and additional details

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• Cover letter, resume, and three references available upon request. 
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institutions mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the positions essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.