Human Resources Business Partner

Description

Fenway Health is looking for an experienced and people-centered Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) or Senior Human Resources Business Partner (Sr. HRBP) to join our collaborative and mission-driven HR team. In this role, you will work closely with employees, managers, and leaders across the organization to provide hands-on HR support, guidance, and expertise. Whether partnering with a department on complex employee relations issues, supporting our commitment to equity and inclusion, or helping improve performance and engagement, your work will help create a workplace where all employees can thrive.

As an HRBP, you will:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees on workplace issues, performance, policy, and development.
• Help resolve employee relations concerns and support internal investigations in partnership with senior HR leadership.
• Coach managers on handling feedback, team dynamics, and day-to-day people challenges.
• Promote fair, consistent application of HR policies and practices.
• Support our DEIB and anti-racism goals by fostering inclusion, equity, and psychological safety.
• Assist in performance management cycles and contribute to employee engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with other HR team members to enhance the employee experience.

As a Sr. HRBP, you will also:

• Lead complex investigations and guide resolution of sensitive employee and labor relations matters.
• Advise senior leadership on team design, succession planning, and change management.
• Own and improve major HR processes, such as performance management or recognition programs.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on HR compliance, employment law, and collective bargaining agreements.

 Function:  

Reporting to the VP, Human Resources, the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) provides essential HR support and guidance to Fenway Health’s employees and managers. This role focuses on employee relations, policy implementation, and day-to-day HR operations while promoting a workplace culture rooted in equity, inclusion, and belonging. The HRBP partners with HR leadership and department managers to ensure consistent, fair, and people-centered HR practices. This position plays a key role in supporting employee engagement, development, and compliance efforts across the organization. The incumbent has solid experience and working knowledge in many areas of Human Resources management with a focus on employee and labor relations, employment law, engagement, performance management, compensation, and workforce, and organizational development. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic HR Partnership

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with leaders across departments to understand their business needs, goals, and workforce strategy.
• Partner with department leaders to align HR strategies with organizational objectives.
• Lead talent reviews and succession planning processes for critical roles.
• Use HR metrics and data to inform decisions and support organizational initiatives.

Employee & Labor Relations

• Serve as a primary resource for addressing complex employee relations matters across all organizational levels.
• Coach and advise managers on performance, conflict resolution, early intervention, and issue prevention.
• Own the internal investigation process, including MCAD and Red Flag reports.
• Conduct sensitive investigations, ensure proper documentation, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Provide guidance on interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreement and participate in grievance procedures.
• Ensure equitable and consistent application of behavioral standards and corrective actions.

Policy Development & Compliance

•  Partner with the VP and legal counsel to develop, revise, implement, and interpret HR policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements aligned with Fenway’s anti-racism and equity goals. 
• Offer expert advice on employment laws, HR compliance, and workplace standards.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Support the ADA interactive process and reasonable accommodation determinations.

Culture, Engagement & Inclusion

• Champion Fenway Health’s commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization.
• Advocate for employee voice and belonging, fostering a psychologically safe workplace.
• Lead or support initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).
• Audit and reimagine recognition programs to strengthen employee engagement and morale.

Performance & Talent Management

• Lead the performance management process and manage the associated platform.
• Facilitate coaching conversations to enhance team and individual effectiveness.
• Identify development opportunities and partner with leaders to address skills gaps.
• Deliver and support training initiatives related to leadership, policy, and communication.

Collaboration & Team Development

• Contribute to a high-functioning HR team rooted in accountability, mutual support, and shared learning.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to enhance recruitment and retention strategies.
• Support development and delivery of training for managers and staff.
• Participate in cross-functional projects to improve the employee experience and HR operations.

Other Responsibilities

• Utilize analytics to understand employee needs and assess effectiveness.
• Support other HR initiatives and perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive HR experience, including direct employee relations work.
• Knowledge of employment law, performance management, HR compliance, and workplace best practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and coaching skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple, complex and challenging priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain confidentiality with professionalism and integrity.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Additional requirements for Sr. HRBP:

• 10–12 years of HR experience, with at least 5 years in a generalist role and 3 years in a leadership or senior-level position.
• Proven track record of handling complex ER matters independently.
• Experience advising executives and influencing organizational culture.
• Experience working in unionized environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Paylocity or other HRIS platforms.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification.
• Experience in healthcare, nonprofit, or community-based settings.
• Training in mediation or conflict resolution.