Associate Business Partner, Human Resources

Third Sector New England, Inc. (TSNE) (tsne.org) is working to build a more just, equitable society. We do this by providing capacity building services, consulting and training services, and operational support for hundreds of nonprofits, foundations, community-based groups, and others working for social change. We are partners and colleagues working collaboratively to support areas critical for organizations, including  property management, leadership development and support, finance and accounting, human resources, and organizational development. We live by our values as an organization, and are committed to identifying, including, and valuing the unique skills, perspectives and knowledge of each member of our team.

About our Values:

• Justice - A just society is one in which all people have the dignity, resources, power, and self-determination to fully thrive. We seek to create a more just world in all of our work.
• Progress - We commit our resources, expertise, and energy to delivering high quality support and services that make movement toward a more just world possible.
• Impact - We work collaboratively with others to build the capacity and sustainability of organizations who work toward social good.

The Associate Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) provides direct HR support to a designated portfolio of fiscally sponsored organizations (FSOs) while also assisting the HR Business Partners with administrative responsibilities. This role involves handling routine and complex HR tasks, interpreting and orienting policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The Associate HRBP will work collaboratively with the HR team to ensure that all responsibilities are aligned with TSNE’s strategic goals, values, and team structure.

Essential Functions

Fiscal Sponsorship – 60%

• Provide HR guidance and support to a designated portfolio of FSOs with oversight from the Associate Human Resources Director (AHRD).
• Provide on-going consultation and guidance to FSO directors and liaisons on organizational structure and HR-related activities.
• Provide FSO employees with guidance on HR processes, policies, and related procedures, referring to the appropriate HR staff member as needed.
• Advise FSO employees on HR policies, procedures, and processes, escalating as needed.
• Collaborate with TSNE internal fiscal sponsorship team members to ensure consistent, high-quality HR service.
• Support hiring managers by advising on recruitment strategies, job postings, interview questions, and offer negotiations.
• Conduct quarterly check-ins with FSO directors to review HR-related goals, challenges, and progress.
• Assist managers in job description development and FLSA classification reviews to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure FSO managers comply with state and federal employment laws, escalating compliance concerns as appropriate.
• Advise FSO managers on employee relations issues and potential legal risks, providing guidance on resolution strategies.
• Ensure timely completion of annual performance evaluations and feedback processes.
• Recognize and facilitate appropriate referrals to other TSNE business lines when needed.

HRBP Administrative Support – 40%

• Lead FSO and volunteer support efforts for the Volunteer Management System (VMS) in collaboration with HR team members.
• Coordinate and conduct FSO-specific new hire orientations, ensuring a smooth onboarding process.
• Maintain and organize shared electronic HR files, FSO-specific documents, resources, and templates.
• Monitor and escalate overdue performance evaluations and compliance training reminders.
• Assist in developing HR training materials and workshops for FSOs in coordination with HR team members.
• Support HRBPs with job postings in the applicant tracking system (iCIMS), ensuring clear role delineation.
• Serve as backup for the HR Administrator on FSO-related matters as needed.
• Provide administrative support, including notetaking, document creation, and technical assistance using Excel and Adobe.
• Offer project support and coverage as needed within the HR team.

Complete other tasks and projects related to the position, as needed.

Many folks who are impacted by biased professionalism standards, such as women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and individuals with disabilities, tend to only submit an application if they meet every requirement listed. At TSNE, we are always looking for enthusiastic candidates who are the best fit for the role, both culturally and through experience. If you believe you’d be a good addition to our team, we look forward to your application!

• 4 or more years of human resources practitioner experience, preferably in a non-profit environment
• Ability to prioritize demands from external and internal stakeholders; Experience working with multiple, individual sites strongly preferred;
• Strong understanding of employment laws, regulations and employee relations;
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong computer skills (MS Office Suite; Salesforce, ADP, and some ATS experience a plus);
• Demonstrates excellent judgement, appropriately manages confidential and sensitive information, and acts with tact and discretion
• Must be proficient in MS Office Suite, ADP, and HR software.
• Ability to pay close and accurate attention to detail;
• Exemplary customer services skills and experience providing team-based services preferred; Ability to be flexible and understanding in high-stress situations;
• Ability to multi-task and juggle work between multiple people and groups and to meet multiple deadlines;
• Desire to work with people of diverse backgrounds, traditions, customs and personalities;
• Must be committed to the work of social and economic justice organizations.

You also believe in and embody our organizational values and the below core competencies:

• Communication – The ability to effectively exchange ideas, concepts, facts, and data with diverse audiences.
• High standard of integrity, ethics, and professionalism – The highest standards of integrity, ethical practices and professionalism are demonstrated in all aspects of work, including interactions with others, decision-making, and the development and delivery of work product. The ability to integrate core values, equity, integrity and accountability throughout all organizational practices.
• Relationship management – The ability to develop and nurture positive, productive relationships with others.
• Collaboration – The ability to collaborate vertically and horizontally throughout the organization and with others.
• Technologically and organizationally functional – Computer skills and demonstrates willingness to learn additional, specific platforms. Also understands and follows the policies and procedures applicable to all staff.

And a strong combination of the following qualifications:

• Soft Skills including exceptional discretion and judgment. Effective verbal and written communication skills with a wide audience. Ability to build productive and successful range of relationships and effectively serve in roles ranging from trusted advisor, teammate, subject matter expert and to coach.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and some understanding of fostering an inclusive, culturally sensitive, environment. Willing to ask questions, learn, and constructively share and accept feedback. Must be adaptable to a range of audiences and dynamics.
• Just do good work by providing high quality work in fast-paced environment. Strong analytical skills are necessary. Must be flexible and able to manage multiple changing priorities and projects, and be organized and detail oriented. Provide excellent customer service by being on-time and accurate.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described for this position are that of a typical office environment. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time in front of a computer screen is an essential aspect of the position. There may be a need to lift and/or move materials or equipment.

Location: Work will be performed between our office located at the NonProfit Center at 89 South Street, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02111 and your home office. This position will require you to be on-site for in-person client engagements and some meetings with TSNE staff, funders, and program participants, which may take place outside of the TSNE office and may require to be on-site more regularly with advanced notice.

Schedule: This position is full-time at 37.5 hours per week and hours are flexible within reason.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation: The salary for this position is $85,000 annually, paid bi-weekly at $3,269.24.

Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package including:

• Generous Paid-Time-Off (PTO): twelve paid holidays, three weeks of vacation, one week of personal holiday, and ability to accrue up to 487.5 hours of health leave time for benefited staff.
• 80% Employer-paid, offering some $0 deductible Health Insurance through Harvard Pilgrim along with several low-deductible plans;
• Low-cost Guardian Dental and Vision.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and Dependent Care.
• Employer-paid Life, Long- and Short-Term Disability Insurance.
• Employer-paid Pension and Employee-paid 403b plan through TIAA.
• Up to $1,080.00 in annual commuter subsidy
• $10  monthly cell phone stipend.
• No meetings after noon on Fridays.
• ...and more!

TSNE strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE's EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.