Human Resources Partner

Human Resources Partner

We're looking for a results-driven HR Partner to bridge strategy and daily operations. If you bring a strong skillset in workforce management, employee relations, and organizational support, we want to hear from you.

The University of Maine is seeking to fill two Human Resources Partner positions to support assigned departments at the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias. The HR Partner will collaborate with the UM Human Resources team and HR Centers across the University of Maine System to deliver effective HR solutions that align with and support the University's goals. The HR Partner will also provide HR generalist support to employees, including managers and supervisors, within their assigned portfolio.

The HRP must have the interest and ability to work in a fast-paced, unionized environment and manage multiple projects at a time. They must have the capacity to consistently meet deadlines while demonstrating a positive and collaborative attitude that supports employee engagement. The HR Partner will be a collaborative problem-solver who takes initiative and thrives in a matrixed organization.

These are full-time positions with an annual salary of $62,000; this is a fixed starting salary set within a predefined wage band and is nonnegotiable. Work will be conducted in-person at the University of Maine campus, with the possibility for a hybrid work schedule (up to 2 days per week remote) after successful completion of the probationary period.

The University of Maine System offers highly competitive benefits for full-time and eligible part-time employees that includes (but is not limited to):

• 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation time and sick time.
• Health, dental and vision insurance.
• Low-cost short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance.
• A tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse or dependent child(ren).
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution.

About the University: The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world.

Qualifications: Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in a HR generalist or employee relations role.
• Working knowledge of human resources principles and practices, including employee and labor, performance management, policy interpretation, organizational practices, and applicable employment laws and regulations.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and/or employment-related requirements in a consistent, practical, and sound manner.
• Strong judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to assess situations objectively, recognize risk, and determine when consultation or escalation is appropriate.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues and trends, gather and evaluate relevant information, and develop practical recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with employees, faculty, managers, administrators, and other internal and external stakeholders. Experience presenting information, facilitating discussions, or providing training is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities, and build effective working relationships across multiple levels and functions of an organization.
• Experience using HR information systems and other workplace technologies to support HR operations, communication, reporting, and decision-making.
• Demonstrated commitment to responsive, professional, and service-oriented HR support.
• Experience working in a higher education setting or similarly complex matrixed organization.

To be considered for this position you will need to "Apply" and upload the documentation listed below:

• a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
• a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on October 23, 2026. The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.