HR Business Partner, Performance & Culture - Wharton Human Resources & People Operations

HR Business Partner, Performance & Culture- Wharton Human Resources & People Operations

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

HR Business Partner, Performance & Culture- Wharton Human Resources & People Operations

Job Profile Title

Associate Director C, Human Resources, School/ Center

Job Description Summary

Wharton School Overview

Founded in 1881 as the world's first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 900 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education's individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a dynamic population of staff, representing a rich array of backgrounds and expertise. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

Job Description

At Wharton Human Resources & People Operations, we believe that people are the foundation of organizational success. We are seeking a dedicated HR Business Partner to play a pivotal role in fostering a thriving workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered to succeed.

This dynamic role offers the opportunity to manage a variety of complex, high-impact responsibilities in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Duties:

• Serve as a trusted advisor, managing complex and varied employee relations cases with fairness and integrity.
• Partner with leaders to enhance performance management practices and deliver meaningful development opportunities & feedback.
• Contribute to the design and execution of employee experience programs that build community, strengthen engagement, and promote equal opportunity, as well as other professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to ongoing efforts to innovate and modernize HR operations. Leveraging data analytics to inform strategic decision-making and drive operational excellence.
• Provide expert guidance on HR policy, compliance, and workplace challenges while contributing to a positive and people-centered culture.

What We're Looking For: We are seeking a highly organized, collaborative professional with strong HR generalist experience who thrives in a dynamic, matrixed environment. The ideal candidate brings a combination of strategic thinking and hands-on HR expertise, with a passion for fostering engaging and energized workforces. Success in this role requires adaptability, teamwork, and a commitment to supporting both individual stakeholder groups and the broader Wharton HR team.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of progressive HR experience are required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required experience includes:

• HR Generalist Expertise: Demonstrated experience managing employee relations, talent acquisition, and compensation reviews, with the ability to provide strategic support on workforce planning, recruitment, and retention initiatives.
• Compliance & Policy Knowledge: Solid understanding of HR policy compliance, legal requirements, and navigating employer policies, with the ability to apply this knowledge effectively to workplace challenges.
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders and provide practical, empathetic HR coaching and support.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, resolve employee issues, and proactively manage sensitive workplace situations.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Experience working within a matrixed environment and willingness to support Wharton HR colleagues when additional support is needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• HR Certification: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Project Management Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage HR-related projects, including wellness initiatives, employee engagement programs, or organizational development efforts.
• Technology Skills: Experience using HR systems and technology platforms such as Workday, Qualtrics, and AI-driven tools to enhance HR operations and employee experience.
• Advanced Compensation Knowledge: Strong understanding of job classifications, salary reviews, and adjustments, particularly within a higher education setting.
• Survey Design & Analytics: Experience with survey design and analysis to gather insights on employee engagement and workplace culture.

Key Attributes for Success:

• Empathetic and highly emotionally intelligent, with a genuine passion for supporting people through challenges and opportunities.
• Strong sense of accountability and integrity, ensuring fairness and consistency in all HR practices.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to see both the big picture and the operational details.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$76,000.00 - $95,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits [list of benefits summarized or included as in text]

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay