HR Generalist

The HR Generalist is a critical member of the Human Resources team, responsible for coordinating and processing faculty teaching contracts, staff labor contracts, student employment agreements, and managing monthly reconciliation of the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. This role requires a strong understanding of federal and state regulations related to employment, labor, and student aid. The HR Generalist supports institutional compliance, maintains accurate employment records, and ensures timely communication with employees and supervisors. This position also collaborates with the HR Office Manager to maintain and update employee handbooks and policy documentation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Employment & Contract Administration

• Manage and process all adjunct appointment contracts, ensuring accurate pay rates, appointment terms, and documentation.
• Manage and process all staff labor agreements, ensuring reasonable pay rates, appointment terms, and documentation.
• Coordinate the creation and tracking of student employment contracts for both institutional and FWS positions.
• Maintain contract templates, checklists, and audit trails for HR records and compliance.

Federal Work-Study Program Coordination

• Administer the FWS program in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
• Serve as HR liaison to the Student Financial Services Office for student eligibility and hours tracking.
• Complete and reconcile monthly FWS reports and submit required data for compliance and audit purposes.
• Monitor student worker hour limits and ensure adherence to employment regulations.

HR Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records in both electronic and physical formats.
• Ensure that all contracts and employment records comply with university policies and relevant labor laws.
• Assist in the collection and verification of I-9 documentation and employment eligibility for all new hires.
• Work closely with Payroll and Finance to confirm employee statuses, funding sources, and contract changes.
• Remain current on regulations pertaining to state and federal labor laws, including international student employment, such as visa status, limit on number of hours worked, enrollment status, etc.

Policy and Handbook Maintenance

• Collaborate with the HR Office Manager to keep employee handbooks and policy manuals current.
• Monitor changes in employment laws and notify leadership of required policy updates.

Customer Service & Employee Support

• Respond to employee and supervisor inquiries related to contracts, job classifications, and employment processes.
• Assist with onboarding processes related to contract distribution, background checks, and compliance forms.
• Provide HR front desk backup support as needed, including assisting student workers and walk-in visitors.
• Other office support duties may be assigned.

Confidentiality & Compliance

• Maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive personnel information with discretion and in accordance with university policy and applicable law.
• Follow all privacy, data protection, and records retention policies and procedures.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated knowledge of general HR principles and federal/state employment laws.
• Familiarity with Federal Work-Study regulations and student employment administration preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines with accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High degree of discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook); ability to learn HR systems and databases.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a higher education environment or public sector HR.
• Prior experience with student employment, payroll systems, or contract administration.
• Working knowledge of federal student aid programs and reporting practices.

Language Ability:

Ability to read, interpret, and apply university policies, procedures, employment laws, and federal/state HR regulations. Must demonstrate clear and professional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft internal office correspondence, HR process instructions, training materials, and procedural documentation. Must be able to communicate effectively and diplomatically with employees at all levels, visitors, and student workers, and to explain complex or sensitive information with tact and clarity.

Math Ability:

Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts including percentages, ratios, and averages to support HR reporting, benefits reconciliation, invoice verification, and leave tracking. Strong attention to numerical detail for data entry and records management. While advanced statistical analysis is not required, comfort working with data in spreadsheets is essential.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to understand and apply HR-related policies, legal guidelines, and operational procedures to ensure office efficiency and compliance. Must demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills in addressing employee inquiries, managing workflows, and handling confidential or sensitive issues. Ability to assess priorities, identify areas for improvement, and support a responsive and service-oriented HR office environment.

Computer Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams) in a Windows-based environment is required. Ability to quickly learn and navigate HR-related systems and tools such as Banner, Kronos, SilkRoad, and electronic document management systems like Etrieve. Must be comfortable using email, video conferencing, and digital filing platforms. Basic troubleshooting and technology setup for student workers or front-desk needs may also be required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

This is a fast-paced, highly interactive, front-facing office environment where confidentiality, professionalism, and efficiency are essential. The employee frequently interacts with faculty, staff, students, and external visitors. The noise level is typically moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

The employee is regularly required to sit, use hands for typing and filing, and speak and listen in person and on the phone. The role also requires standing, walking, reaching, and light lifting. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally, including boxes of files, supplies, or event materials. Vision requirements include the ability to use a computer, read printed materials, and adjust focus.

Other Demands:

·       Requires working knowledge of HR processes including onboarding, recordkeeping, and general compliance.

·       Ability to manage office functions with a high level of professionalism and integrity.

·       Must maintain confidentiality of employee and institutional information at all times.

·       Requires excellent time management, organization, and multitasking skills.

·       Must exhibit professionalism in handling sensitive matters and resolving customer service issues.

·       Occasional support may be required outside standard business hours for HR events or critical deadlines.

Wage Range: $19.24 - $22.00 per hour, plus generous benefits including but not limited to:

·       Comprehensive health coverage available

·       Tuition Assistance

·       10 Paid Holidays

·       FSA, Pet Insurance, Legal Services, Identify Theft Protection, and more!