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. *Up to 2 days remote for a hybrid schedule. 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.