HR Business Partner bei Southern Methodist University

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) plays a critical role in aligning talent strategies with the goals of assigned business units. This position builds strong partnerships with University leadership, ensuring efficient communication and seamless delivery of HR services. The HRBP manages recruitment activities, promotes performance improvement, and supports the effective use of University HR resources, services, and programs. Responsibilities also include developing and implementing talent management strategies, analyzing and reporting relevant data, and mentoring HR Representatives. The HRBP actively contributes to cross-functional teams and serves as a trusted advisor in advancing organizational and employee success.
 

Essential Functions:

• Strategic Partner

  • Consult with leadership on organizational structures and business unit changes.

  • Develop and deploy staffing plans aligned with strategic priorities.

  • Analyze vacant positions, assess the need for new positions, and advise on the effective use of temporary staff.

  • Maintain knowledge of business unit strategic plans to ensure HR alignment.
     

• Recruitment

  • Lead recruitment efforts for assigned business units in alignment with University hiring practices and strategic goals.

  • Develop and update job descriptions; collaborate with Compensation on classification, title, and salary recommendations.

  • Create and implement recruitment strategies in partnership with hiring managers.

  • Guide the search and selection process, review background checks, and oversee compliance with recordkeeping requirements.

  • Advise managers on hiring policies, procedures, and relevant state/federal regulations.
     

• Performance Management

  • Foster consistent and effective performance feedback within assigned units.

  • Advocate for recognition strategies and the creation of professional development plans to support succession planning and continuity.

  • Partner with managers on orientation processes and probationary feedback delivery.

  • Provide consultation on employee relations issues, interpreting policies, procedures, and employment laws.

  • Recommend HR programs and services to enhance organizational performance.
     

• HR Team & University-Wide Support

  • Collaborate with HR colleagues on projects, events, and departmental operations.

  • Serve on cross-functional teams to design, implement, or improve HR policies and processes.

  • Represent HR on University committees, initiatives, and projects as needed.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree and a a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience is required for this position.  Previous experience as an HR Manager, HR Business Partner, HR Generalist or Specialist is preferred.  Previous experience consulting leadership on HR services desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.  

Position requires a high level of discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.  PHR/SPHR preferred.

Software skills:  MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) required; PeopleSoft, Taleo, Sitecore, JDExpert preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

This position requires the ability to sit for long periods of time and handle objects with dexterity.

Deadline to Apply:

September 28, 2025.  

Priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply by September 21, 2025.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.