HR Specialist

George Mason University - Fairfax, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Fairfax, VA

Educational Services

About the position

The HR Specialist serves as a vital member of the University Life Human Resources (UL HR) Services team at George Mason University, providing essential support for HR and Payroll functions. This role is designed to enhance the operational efficiency of the HR Services unit, which caters to over 35 units within the University Life division. The HR Specialist will work under the guidance of the UL HR Business Partner, focusing on a designated portfolio of units while also offering cross-functional support to other areas within University Life. In this position, the HR Specialist will be responsible for addressing employee inquiries regarding HR policies, procedures, and processes. This includes effectively routing requests and collaborating with various stakeholders to resolve issues promptly. The role also involves supporting the hiring and onboarding processes for divisional staff, as well as managing personnel transaction requests. The HR Specialist will act as a subject matter expert on institutional and state HR policies, ensuring compliance with university standards and providing professional assistance to units through various communication channels. The HR Specialist will also play a key role in talent acquisition, assisting with recruitment activities, overseeing search functions, and ensuring adherence to standardized search policies. This includes managing the hiring and offboarding processes for student and non-student staff, coordinating interview logistics, and maintaining recruitment trackers to provide visibility across the team. Additionally, the HR Specialist will participate in strategic planning sessions and support various HR initiatives, including training and employee recognition activities, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism throughout all interactions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a cross-functional team member for the UL HR Services team, providing HR consultation and performing transactional functions for the division's 35+ units.
• Act as a subject matter expert on institutional and state HR policies and procedures.
• Support and comply with all University policies, divisional standards, and departmental vision and goals.
• Assist units via various designated process platforms and communication plans.
• Manage the UL HR Services generic email account, responding to requests for assistance or rerouting issues to higher-level leadership.
• Provide professional problem-solving through research and follow-up on issues while maintaining confidentiality.
• Process paperwork for employee transfers, job classification changes, salary increases, and other employment matters.
• Review and process applications for monetary bonuses related to certifications and achievements.
• Liaise with the Mason Benefits team on related questions under the direction of the UL HR Business Partner.
• Assist other members of the UL HR team as necessary, being cross-trained for essential HR processes.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated full-time work experience (typically obtained in 1+ years) in Human Resources, Payroll, Business/Accounting or closely related field.
• Experience with industry standards of practice and methods in recruiting.
• Experience working with sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrated experience providing effective customer service, including guidance to professional and support staff.
• Experience working professionally in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment and remaining organized while managing multiple projects.
• Experience working collaboratively in a team and independently to contribute to outcomes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of human resource policies and processes.
• Comprehension of basic HR and payroll functions.
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Highly developed skill with spreadsheet compilation and use.
• Skill in effective problem-solving and decision-making.
• Skill in effective and professional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Ability to report solutions concisely to internal and external contacts.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when communicating with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to demonstrate significant attention to detail and perform work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize daily activities.
• Ability to work effectively with others both in the department and with external colleagues.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience working in diverse, higher-education settings.
• Experience in customer/guest service fields.
• Experience with HRIS platforms; knowledge of Ellucian Banner system is preferred.
• Highly advanced experience with spreadsheet compilation and use.
• Experience with diversity and inclusion programs within HR processes.
• Knowledge of the Commonwealth's HR policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Commonwealth's Job Family structure.
• Demonstrated proficiency with time reporting software, applicant tracking systems, and employee self-service software modules.
• Fluency in the Spanish language.
• Ability to approach problems with a solution-and growth-oriented mindset.
• Certification from HR Professional Association such as SHRM or HRCI.
• Degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Vision insurance coverage
• 401k benefit for retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid volunteer time
• Flexible scheduling options
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discount programs