HR Generalist

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award. 

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond. 

Position Summary:

The HR Operations Generalist, reporting to the Director of HR Operations, plays a critical role in managing the daily operations of the Human Resources division. This position ensures compliance with policies and regulations, oversees HR processes in Workday, coordinates HR communications, and provides timely, high-quality service to employees across the university. The Generalist actively uses technology, data, and reporting tools to streamline processes, monitor compliance, and enhance the employee experience, including onboarding, separations, temporary employee management, and HR inquiries.

Major Duties and Responsibilities  

• Update and distribute standard HR communications (e.g., Essential Employees, four-day workweek, drug-free workplace, inclement weather, gender equity, winter closure), schedule messages using the HR Calendar, monitor acknowledgements, run audit reports, and follow up with employees or supervisors.
• Review and prepare the New Jersey New hire reporting and upload them to the state website biweekly.
• Review increment reports, resolve anomalies with Leave Management, update records, take actions in line with regulations, and provide division-specific reports to VPs.
• Liaison for the state ePAR system and Unclassified appraisal system. Launches reviews, troubleshoots, assists in trainings.
• Initiate and manage requisitions, reconcile invoices, track non-salary budgets, monitor accounts, and alert managers to potential deficits while ensuring compliance with purchasing policies.
• Facilitate new hire orientation sessions (in-person and virtual), campus tours, coordinate logistics, verify paperwork and I-9s, guide employees on HR policies and Workday tasks, and create reference guides to enhance onboarding.
• Monitor and respond promptly to One HR emails, phone calls, and Workday tickets, following up with employees and managers as needed.
• Research and prepare unemployment claim responses, compile data for quarterly and ad hoc reports, and represent the university at hearings.
• Manage all aspects of employee separations, including PMIS updates, clearance procedures, and timely closure of records.
• Respond to employment verification requests, prepare related documentation, and ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Manage the life cycle of temporary employees in Workday, including hires, extensions, and separations, ensuring compliance and accurate processing.
• Process all new hire I-9s in accordance with USCIS regulations and follow up with new hires to ensure timely completion.
• Develop and maintain Workday reference guides and quick-reference materials to support HR staff and employees.
• Other duties as appropriate for the position

Education and Experience

Five (5) years of professional experience or Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.

Competencies/Skills Required

• Must be customer focused, detail-oriented, agile, self-driven and demonstrate the interpersonal and communication skills necessary to thrive in a team environment. 
• Must possess strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service and analytical skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to be attentive to detail, perform required follow-up, effectively prioritize workload and work collaboratively with diverse customers.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Starting Salary - CWA Range 18: $56,