Human Resources Generalist

Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, VA

Full-time

Richmond, VA

Educational Services

About the position

The VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to join its team. This position is integral to supporting various HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, retention, separation, timekeeping, leave submission, affiliate renewal, professional development and training, performance management, and policy document development. The HR Generalist will report directly to the Director of Human Resources and Operations and will be expected to have a comprehensive understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and legal compliance. The role requires the exercise of independent judgment for routine to moderately complex issues, while more unprecedented issues will be referred to higher levels for resolution. The Wilder School is committed to engaging, teaching, and inspiring students and leaders to address challenges in our world. It aims to advance research that informs public policy and decision-making, thereby improving communities. The school is recognized for its academic excellence, ranking among the top 15% of graduate schools of public affairs in the U.S. News and World Report. With over 1,500 students and more than 11,000 alumni, the Wilder School fosters an environment where diverse perspectives thrive, united by a common interest in public service and societal betterment. The location in Richmond, Virginia, offers numerous opportunities for engaged scholarship and community engagement activities, reflecting the diversity of the communities served. In this role, the HR Generalist will perform a variety of HR functions across multiple areas, ensuring compliance with university standards and providing support to both employees and management. The position will also involve maintaining employee records, processing payroll, and assisting with training and employee recognition initiatives. The HR Generalist will be a key resource for HR-related inquiries and will participate in various HR activities, including audits and meetings, to ensure the smooth operation of the HR department.

Responsibilities

• Perform HR functions across multiple areas of HR, such as recruitment and staffing, timekeeping, leave, payroll, compliance, compensation, performance management, employee records, training, and employee recognition.
• Utilize HR systems to process accurate and timely employee actions and confidential forms and records.
• Serve as Timekeeper, processing timekeeping, reviewing and tracking time and leave submissions, and payroll processing utilizing Realtime software.
• Serve as recruitment coordinator, advising managers on employment and position recruitment.
• Provide guidance to hiring managers and search committees to ensure search process compliance with university standards.
• Coordinate/assist with new employee onboarding support and offboarding functions and communications.
• Provide support and guidance on general leave policies and procedures.
• Manage onboarding and new hire process including processing new employee documentation and verifying employment eligibility.
• Assist with annual faculty and Executive and Senior Leader contract issuance process and multiple adjunct and affiliate contract issuance cycles.
• Update and maintain position descriptions for university staff.
• Participate in quarterly ARMICS HR activity and transaction audits.
• Complete employee transcript uploads into Xitracs and credential verification using Student Clearinghouse resources.
• Respond to internal and external HR related inquiries/requests providing assistance as needed.
• Participate in HR Associate group meetings and trainings.
• Communicate as necessary with hourly employees and full-time faculty and staff and provide answers to general human resource questions and inquiries.
• Assist with records management and complete imaging for records retention as needed.
• Work with senior HR team members to identify HR issues and support strategic solutions.
• Keep abreast of changing regulations and trends related to HR.
• Serve as backup to other human resources team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years progressive HR experience or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures related to multiple areas of HR, such as compensation, employee relations, recruitment, succession, and HRIS.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive/confidential information appropriately and with discretion.
• Working knowledge of Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Apps, and DocuSign.
• Previous experience with HR information systems and an understanding of university systems such as Talent VCU, Banner, Realtime, Cherwell, etc.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate HR information and communicate at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving skills and an ability to exercise strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding customer service skills and a high degree of professionalism.
• General understanding of university, state, and federal HR policies and regulations.
• Ability to serve as a resource to others regarding HR processes and procedures.
• Ability to apply policies and procedures for recruitment, selection, training, compensation, and information systems.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities, meet deadlines, and effectively prioritize assignments.
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team, complete tasks without immediate supervision, and to lead and train others.
• Ability to solve problems independently and use available resources.
• Experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment, or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Human Resources from an accredited college or university with 3-5 years progressive HR experience, or equivalent training and/or expertise.
• Previous Human Resources experience working in a higher education environment.
• Outstanding working knowledge of State and University Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Human Resources certification or equivalent Human Resources certification training and/or expertise.
• Experience with university facility operations, and ability to support Wilder School building and facility and space management.
• SHRM-CP Human Resources certification or equivalent Human Resources certification is typically possessed.