Position Summary: The Sr. Human Resources (HR) Consultant is a strategic HR advisor to the Provost’s office on key HR needs. Key responsibilities involve coaching and advising on various employment matters, offering guidance to employees on resolving concerns, clarifying policy, collaborating with HR colleagues to develop strategic retention and development initiatives, and supporting conflict resolution and management for faculty and staff. The Sr. HR Consultant will accomplish these responsibilities through partnerships with the various offices within HR, the Provost’s Office, and the client areas it supports. 

A successful candidate for this position must be able to lead or manage cross-functional programs and projects, provide consultative services and advisory support on employment matters, be adept at working in complex environments with discernment, initiative, and adaptability, proactively anticipate needs and next steps in situations, and build and maintain trust and confidentiality with employees at all levels of the organization. 

This is a full-time, exempt, and on-campus position. This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties be performed in-person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range:  This position is benefits eligible and exempt. It has an expected minimum salary starting at $100,000, dependent on experience and qualifications

On campus position: “This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at Rice. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.”

Minimum Requirements: 

Bachelor's Degree 5+ years in a similar HR role 
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted Skills In-depth knowledge of human resource principles, procedures, and best practices. Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences. Strong, active listening skills, with the ability to ask insightful questions to identify underlying issues and customize responses based on the details of the situation. Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality and manage highly sensitive information with sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion. Advanced critical thinking skills to analyze complex situations and develop effective, strategic solutions.

Preferences:

Experience working in an academic setting at a Higher Education Institution is highly preferred. 7+ years of experience in a similar HR role (e.g., HR Business Partner, Employee Relations, HR Consulting) with a demonstrated ability to forge strategic partnerships with leadership and deliver successful, measurable outcomes. HR Certification(s) (SHRM or HRCI) is highly desired. 

Essential Functions:

Strategic Partnership:

Serve as a key advisor to both HR and the Provost’s division, offering expertise on faculty and Staff HR matters, academic policies and organizational structure Collaborates with academic unit leadership to assess workforce needs and develop strategies for staff recruitment, retention and professional development; this includes collecting of data and reviewing data with leadership to identify trends Works closely with leaders to ensure HR strategies are aligned with organizational and departmental objectives.

General HR Support and Employee Relations:

Acts as the first point of contact for certain human resources inquiries and serves as a resource on human resource policies, procedures, and practices.  Advises client areas on employee behavioral, performance, and conduct concerns.  Partners with Rice’s Employee Relations team to address employee behavioral, performance, and conduct concerns, as well as investigations and their resolutions.  Liaises with various HR and faculty-centric offices to support the successful employee lifecycle, including, but not limited to: workforce planning and assessment, role clarification, employee engagement, effective performance management, talent management, succession planning, recognition, and retention.  In partnership with Rice’s Talent Development office, identifies, communicates, and consults with client areas on training and impactful career development opportunities. Pulls and analyzes employee data to create reports and dashboards for senior leadership.

Compliance and Policy Development

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment lays as well as university policies related to faculty, staff and student employment Partner with the Provost’s office to review and update academic policies, procedures and guidelines

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.