Human Resources Generalist

The Human Resources Generalist plays a central role in shaping how employees experience their work at Drew University, from their first interaction as a candidate through every stage of their career. The Human Resources Generalist is responsible for shaping and stewarding a consistent, high-quality employee experience, from recruitment and onboarding through development, engagement, performance, employee relations, and transitions. The Human Resources Generalist builds strong, trust-based relationships with supervisors and employees, proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen culture, capability, and connection, while also ensuring fair, consistent, and effective people practices.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment & Search Processes

• Coordinate and manage search processes from posting to hire, including drafting/reviewing job postings, facilitating advertising, supporting search committees, and ensuring equitable and compliant hiring practices.

• Serve as a resource to hiring managers on recruitment strategies, interview processes, and selection procedures.

• Meet with candidates to review benefits during the interview process and initiate a strong relationship between prospective hires and Human Resources.

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of hiring requests, background checks, and pre-employment steps.

• Prepare offer letters.

Orientation & Onboarding

• Serve as the lead in coordinating and conducting new hire orientation and on-boarding sessions, including institution-wide topics, HR policy overview, and employee resources across campus.

• Serve as a point of contact for new hires during their transition, ensuring a welcoming and supportive introduction to the institution.

• Conduct 30, 90, and 180 day check-ins with newly hired individuals to ensure they have what they need to be successful in their roles.

Position Management & Compensation

• Partner with supervisors to ensure position design and documentation align with evolving organizational needs.

• Maintain and update position descriptions, position records, and organizational charts for positions within the portfolio.

• Conduct Fair Labor & Standards Act (FLSA) analyses to properly designate positions as exempt or non-exempt and independent contractor or employee status.

• Process and track changes in position status, reporting structures, compensation adjustments, and reclassifications.

• Ensure position management practices align with institutional standards, budget guidelines, and internal controls.

• Complete annual compensation surveys and analyses and conduct research as needed regarding market compensation data.

Employee Relations, Performance Management, & Talent Development

• Serve as a trusted first point of contact for employee relations concerns, escalating matters to the Chief Human Resources Officer as appropriate.

• Provide guidance to supervisors on performance management, workplace expectations, and HR policies.

• Support conflict resolution efforts and help promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

• Conduct personnel investigations as assigned.

• Support and strengthen performance management and feedback practices.

• Coordinate the annual performance review process for staff members.

• Handle unemployment claims for departed employees.

• Conduct exit interviews for departing employees.

• Provide support and leadership for employee recognition events and initiatives.

• Serve as a lead in the coordination and organization of training and employee development programs.

Benefits Administration & Leave Administration

• In conjunction with the Benefits Manager, provide support to employees regarding benefit enrollment, eligibility, life event changes, and general benefits inquiries.

• In collaboration with the Benefits Manager, provide support to employees and supervisors through complex leave situations, including FMLA, New Jersey leave and wage replacement programs, ADA accommodations, workers’ compensation, and institution-specific leave plans.

General HR Support

• Maintain HRIS data accuracy and support periodic audits and reporting.

• Respond to employment verification requests.

• Monitor the Human Resources email inbox.

• Serve as the backup for other HR department functions as assigned.

• Serve as the lead for managing the institution’s HR webpages and online resources.

• Participate in HR initiatives, policy updates, and continuous process improvement efforts.

• Serve as an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.

• Provide exceptional customer service to all campus stakeholders and contribute to a collaborative HR team environment.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• 5+ years of relevant HR experience, preferably in a combination of recruitment and employee relations.

• Knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and HR processes.

• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism.

• Familiarity with HRIS platforms and applicant tracking systems.

Preferred

• Experience working in a higher education environment.

• Experience with Banner and/or BambooHR.

• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent).

Work Environment & Expectations

• Operates in a standard office environment with regular interaction across campus.

• Maintains strict confidentiality and exercises good judgment in handling sensitive information.

• Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all HR practices.