Human Resources Generalist - Virginia Commonwealth University

Summary

The VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs invites applications for a Human Resources Generalist.  Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and Operations, this position will have general knowledge of applicable policies, procedures and legal compliance, and support multiple HR functional areas including recruitment, onboarding, retention, separation, timekeeping, leave submission; affiliate renewal, professional development and training, performance management, policy document and handbook development, and general guidance on policies, procedures, and regulations. The position will exercise independent judgment for routine to moderately-complex issues while referring unprecedented issues to a higher level for resolution.

The Wilder School's mission is to:

●  Engage, teach and inspire students and leaders to understand and solve challenges in our world.
●  Advance research that informs public policy and decision-making to improve our communities.
●  Collaborate with communities through innovative partnerships to enhance the quality of life.

The Wilder School's vision is to be the premier resource for public policy expertise and social equity in public safety, governance, and economic and community development. The 2024 U.S. News and World Report rankings confirm the Wilder School among the top 15% of graduate schools of public affairs at No. 39 and tied for No.1 in Virginia. The School is also ranked No. 19 in Social Policy, No. 28 in Urban Policy, and No. 33 in Public Management and Leadership. The Wilder School has over 1,500 students and more than 11,000 alumni, with an established environment where diverse perspectives thrive and where a common interest in public service and the betterment of society unites these perspectives together. Our academic excellence attracts the highest quality faculty, staff, and students, and our graduates are leaders in their professions.

Our location in Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, combined with our proximity to Washington, DC, provides numerous opportunities for engaged scholarship, teaching and community engagement activities. A creative, interdisciplinary School with both academic programs and training/research centers in the social sciences and professional arenas, we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, providing students and faculty with the knowledge, skills, opportunities, and experience necessary for success.

For additional information about the Wilder School, please visit our website at https://wilder.vcu.edu/.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform HR functions across multiple areas of HR, such as: recruitment and staffing, timekeeping, leave, payroll, compliance, compensation, benefits, performance management, employee records, training, and employee recognition, etc.
• Utilizing HR systems, process accurate and timely employee actions, as well as confidential forms and records pertaining to applications, employment, enrollment, pay changes, and other sensitive HR materials. 
• Serve as Timekeeper, processingtimekeeping, 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 (paperwork, id cards, parking, welcome kits, etc..) and offboardingfunctions and communications.
• Provide support and guidance on general leave policies and procedures
• Manage onboarding and new hire process including; processing new employee documentation, verifying employment eligibility, completing PAFs, etc.
• Assist as needed with annual faculty and Executive and Senior Leader contract issuance process and multiple adjunct and affiliate contract issuance cycles.
• Key School affiliates and provide affiliate support (paperwork, id cards, parking, etc...).
• 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.

Minimum Hiring Standards/Typical Education & Experience

• 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: benefits, compensation, employee relations, recruitment, succession, HRIS, with the ability to perform these functions.
• 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 benefits, 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.

Preferred Hiring Standards

• 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.

Typical Physical and Cognitive Requirements

Physical Demands and Activities (Essential):

Light lifting (<20 lbs.)                                                                                                   

Pushing/pulling

Standing

Sitting

Emotional Demands (Essential):

Fast pace/Average pace

Multiple stimuli                                                                                                                 

Frequent change

Intense customer interaction

Mental/Sensory Demands (Essential):

Memory

Reading                                                                                                                                               

Reasoning                                                                                                                                              

Hearing                                                                                                                                             

Logic                                                                                                                                

Analyzing

Verbal communication

Written Communication

University Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here.

Application Submission/Other Information

All applications should include a cover letter and a detailed resume with the names and contact information of three professional references. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, with priority review beginning June 19, 2024.

“Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability”. 

Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000

Position Details:

Department: L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt

University Job Title: HR Generalist 1 (23221)

University Job Family: Human Resources

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Matt Smith (search chair)

Contact Email: msmith43@vcu.edu

Contact Phone: 804-828-1691