Human Resources Generalist (Hybrid Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

 

About Research & Engagement

The UMass Amherst community engages more than 31,000 students, 1,400 faculty, and 5,000 staff in 11 schools and colleges with a wide variety of degree programs, research, and public service. More than 800 faculty lead sponsored research projects in many areas from basic to applied that are sponsored by federal, state, and private sources with expenditures of more than $240 million in 2023.

 

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) Finance & Operations Director, the Human Resources (HR) Generalist supports the HR function for IALS, including the centralized Core Facilities. This position provides procedural guidance and coordination for human resource management, personnel policies, recruitment, and all other personnel actions.

 

Essential Functions

• Facilitates recruitment by assisting in all aspects of the search process:
• Works with hiring managers to develop clear, accurate, and results-oriented job descriptions.
• Consults on search committee selection and appropriate advertisement venues.
• Initiates requisitions and posts open positions via electronic applicant tracking system.
• Communicates regularly with search committees and monitors progress.
• Prepares search summaries and offer letter for approvals.
• Initiates, manages and tracks personnel processes and actions. Ensures personnel actions comply with and are completed according to established University and departmental timelines, policies, and procedures.
• Interprets HR policies and procedures and relays information to IALS staff.  Identifies compliance issues and contacts managers to discuss and determine an appropriate resolution. Troubleshoots most HR questions and problems independently, escalating unique situations or more serious matters to supervisor as required.
• Provides direction for managers on how to properly complete the performance review process. Ensures that managers complete relevant probationary period and annual performance reviews for all staff.
• Develops and implements on- and off-boarding processes. Ensures completion of any required paperwork. Answers questions from newly hired or departing staff and their managers. 
• Provides consultation on leave policies to staff and managers according to University policies, bargaining agreements, and state/federal regulations, including the usage of sick leave bank, FMLA, and PFML.  Conducts reviews of supporting documents and prepares approval letters and documentation.
• Reports work injuries and analyzes incidents if necessary, keeping appropriate documentation.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and organized personnel files for all IALS, including faculty co-hired documentation from departments.
• Stays up-to-date on state and federal regulations and ensures adherence to labor relations and conditions of employment.
• Responsible for on-going HR / personnel process improvements.
• Serves as primary departmental Time and Labor coordinator. Acts as point of contact for staff and manager time reporting or payroll questions and concerns.

 

Other Functions

• Assists with undergraduate and graduate personnel action processing as needed.
• Performs other departmental duties as needed and assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Associate's degree and four (4) years of direct experience in human resources. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of human resources practices, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an effective team with a highly cooperative and collaborative work style. Must have the ability to work productively with a minimum amount of supervision or guidance.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact ef