HR Generalist

About the Role

Are you a proactive, detail-oriented HR professional who thrives on building connections and supporting employee success?

As our HR Generalist, you will serve as the primary point of contact for College employees, managing day-to-day operations across the entire employee lifecycle. From welcoming new hires during onboarding to advising on workplace standards and maintaining compliance, you will play a pivotal role in fostering a positive, value-driven campus community.

The ideal candidate has an initiative-taking mindset, works well independently, and is passionate about providing exceptional service.

Key Responsibilities

1. Recruitment, Onboarding & Offboarding

• Manage End-to-End Recruitment: Post job openings, screen resumes, conduct initial interviews, and coordinate communication between candidates and hiring managers.
• Streamline Onboarding: Prepare offer letters, facilitate new employee orientations, conduct background checks, and ensure all onboarding documentation is completed smoothly.
• Facilitate Offboarding: Manage the departure process, conduct Exit Interviews, proactively collaborate with managers regarding backfill plans, and ensure HRIS systems are finalized 30 days post-departure.

2. Employee Relations & Engagement

• Primary Point of Contact: Serve as an accessible, neutral party for employees and managers regarding HR policies, benefits, and workplace standards.
• Conflict Resolution & Coaching: Support supervisors in handling performance issues, assist in resolving workplace concerns, and help cultivate a positive environment.
• Training & Development: Assist in coordinating employee training programs and growth initiatives.

3. Benefits & Compliance

• Benefits Orientation: Deliver New Employee Benefits Orientation for incoming staff.
• First-Line Support: Act as the initial contact for benefits inquiries; escalate complex cases to the Assistant Director of HR (Benefits) or the Director of Total Rewards & Compensation.
• Records & Payroll Support: Maintain employee records in compliance with labor laws and College policies. Partner with the Controller’s Office to facilitate and approve payroll.

4. Strategic Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Enhance Workflows: Partner with the Director of Employee Experience to identify and implement HR process improvements that increase efficiency.
• Culture & Engagement: Work closely with the broader HR team to design and implement programs, systems, and initiatives that boost employee engagement and retention.
• Administrative Support: Handle day-to-day administrative tasks, including generating reports, scheduling meetings, and maintaining HRIS systems.

Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 years of direct HR experience (ideally in Higher Education or a structured office environment) OR
  • 18 months of direct HR experience combined with 5 years of general professional experience.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Compliance Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of HR policies, as well as federal, state, and local labor laws.
• HRIS Proficiency: Experience navigating HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, Oracle, Power BI, Kuali Build).
• Analytical Skills: Experience and interest in HR data gathering, reporting, and analysis.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, communication, organizational, and critical-thinking skills.
• Discretion: Absolute commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification: SHRM-CP or PHR certification (or actively working toward certification) is highly preferred.

Why Join Us?

At Davidson, we believe our employees are our greatest asset. We offer a collaborative, mission-driven work environment where your contributions directly impact on our community. Additionally, we believe we have a competitive benefits package including an annual 9.5% contribution into your retirement savings plan after 12 months of employment (403B vs. 401K, but very similar); the ability to earn 4 weeks of vacation starting on day one; paid sick leave; after 6 months of employment, a work from home day if you want it; ½ day Fridays in the summer; 13 paid holidays including paid time off the week between Christmas and New Years, etc. 

Information about how to submit an application can be found at https://employment.davidson.edu