Onboarding and Employee Engagement Specialist

James Madison University • Harrisonburg, VA

23h • Onsite

About The Position

James Madison University’s Human Resources Office is accepting applications for an Onboarding and Employee Engagement Specialist to support onboarding, new employee engagement initiatives, and recruitment outreach. This position manages onboarding operations, leads orientation and first year programming, and supports talent outreach and employment branding efforts.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Professional experience in human resources, particularly in recruitment, onboarding, or orientation programs
• Knowledge of federal regulations governing Form I-9 compliance
• Knowledge of onboarding compliance processes (e.g., I-9, background checks)
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage processes requiring accuracy and compliance
• Ability to balance operational responsibilities with program development
• Demonstrated ability to research issues and follow them through to resolution
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience creating professional materials
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong relationship building skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast paced environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Proficiency in a Windows based environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Nice To Haves

• Professional experience using LinkedIn for candidate sourcing or outreach
• Experience creating or managing social media or digital content in a professional setting
• Experience planning and facilitating onboarding or orientation programs

Responsibilities

• Serve as an onboarding specialist by managing the onboarding process from initial contact with new hires and hiring departments through the successful completion of all required hiring documentation, including Form I 9 and state and federal tax forms
• Schedule onboarding sessions, meet with new hires to assist with completion of required documentation, and notify hiring departments when employees are eligible to begin or resume work
• Ensure compliance with all federal requirements related to the accurate completion, verification, and retention of Form I 9 documentation, including participation in the E Verify program
• Co facilitate onboarding related training in collaboration with team members
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate comprehensive new employee orientation and engagement programs designed to foster connection, support onboarding success, and increase understanding of the university’s mission and culture
• Lead the planning and execution of large scale orientation events and monthly workshops for employees throughout their first year
• Coordinate all event logistics, including vendors, presenters, and catering, and design and facilitate meaningful networking opportunities for new employees
• Track attendance and evaluate program effectiveness using survey data and other metrics, recommending and implementing improvements based on feedback
• Oversee the development and delivery of ongoing communications and programming for new employees, including milestone events that recognize and celebrate employees during their first year
• Lead LinkedIn recruitment efforts by posting positions, sourcing candidates, building talent pipelines, and conducting outreach to potential applicants
• Leverage LinkedIn to enhance the visibility of employment opportunities and strengthen the University’s employment brand
• Collaborate with the Recruitment Graduate Assistant to develop and schedule social media content and create recruitment related marketing materials
• Maintain onboarding and employment related web content in partnership with team members

Benefits

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed