Junior HR Business Partner (Remote)

Location: Chicago, IL, US

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

Location: Remote, U.S.

Why this role matters

We are seeking a proactive and collaborative Junior HR Business Partner to support our HR Business Partner team in delivering a high-quality employee and manager experience across AP. Reporting to the HR Director, News, this role will serve as a key partner to HR Business Partners and business leaders, providing HR support on talent, organizational, and workforce matters.

What you will do

Working closely with HRBPs, HR Operations, and other HR specialist teams, the Junior HR Business Partner will support a wide range of employee and manager needs across assigned client groups. This role will provide hands-on HRBP support on both routine activities and contribute to strategic initiatives led by HRBPs, while partnering directly with managers and employees to resolve issues, coordinate HR processes, and ensure effective delivery of HR services.

Key responsibilities

Serve as support to HRBPs on a variety of requests, providing guidance and support across a range of day-to-day HR topics and escalating more complex matters as appropriate.

Partner closely with HRBPs and HR Operations to support managers and employees and ensure smooth coordination and follow-through on requests and cases.

Support managers and HRBPs with employee and labor relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary processes, providing guidance within established policies and practices and escalating complex or higher risk matters as appropriate.

Help facilitate employee transfers, mobility-related processes, immigration, and other cross-functional HR activities as needed.

Partner with the Talent and HRIS teams to understand data as it relates to people and ensure HRBPs and HR specialist teams are connected on people data.

Contribute to HR projects, process improvements and operational initiatives that support team effectiveness and employee experience.

Help document and improve HR processes and ways of working in partnership with the HR Operations team.

Who you are

This role is ideal for someone currently in an HR Adviser or Generalist role, with an interest in developing as an HR Business Partner in a fast-paced global environment. The successful candidate will have HR generalist experience supporting employees and managers across the U.S and other countries.

The Junior HRBP will support across the employee lifecycle, including talent acquisition, employee and labor relations, manager coaching, employee mobility and organisational change, while helping ensure HR policies practices are aligned with local employment requirements and business needs.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, solutions-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable managing a variety of operational, tactical and strategic support activities simultaneously.

The successful candidate will be

Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

A strong critical thinker who is comfortable evaluating complex situations, navigating ambiguity and adapting to changing priorities.

A collaborative and proactive team player who enjoys solving problems and working across teams.

A confident communicator with the ability to build strong working relationships with employees, managers, and HR stakeholders, and is comfortable partnering with senior stakeholders and managing up effectively.

Comfortable handling sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Adaptable and eager to learn across both HRBP and HR Operations disciplines.

Required

Up to 3 years of HR experience in a fast-paced global environment.

Experience supporting managers and employees across day-to-day HR processes and inquiries.

Experience supporting employee relations processes, HR policies, and employee lifecycle.

Experience applying HR policies and employment practices across multiple jurisdictions, including recognizing when local requirements or specialist guidance apply.

Experience working with HR systems, maintaining and analyzing employee data with accuracy, and using data to inform decision making.

Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational and communication skills.

Ability to drive actions and initiatives through to completion and deliver agreed outcomes in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

Experience partnering across all HR functions and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

What will set you apart

Experience supporting employees and managers in a unionized environment, or an interest in developing experience in labor relations, preferred.

Knowledge of SAP and Success Factors preferred.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, is preferred.

Why Join Us?

A mission-driven, inclusive environment focused on both individual and collective success.

Opportunities for professional development to help you reach your career goals.

Access to tools, mentorship, and resources tailored to elevate your proficiency and contributions.

If you are passionate about people, thrive in a collaborative environment and are committed to driving business success, we encourage you to apply.

Salary & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000, based on a candidate’s skills, qualifications and location. The Associated Press offers comprehensive benefits, which include:

Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

Retirement benefits

Company paid life insurance

Paid vacation and sick days

Paid parental leave for any new parent

Mental well