Regional Human Resources Manager - Kingston, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

9d•$75,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) makes an incredible impact on the lives of so many residents of New York through education with evidence-based information and resources to help them make informed decisions putting research-based knowledge to work. The Hudson Valley Shared Business Network (HVSBN) Regional Human Resources Manager plays a critical role to support the Executive Directors, educators and staff to fulfill this mission. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Regional HR Manager is part of a customer focused team serving as a supportive, cooperative model for shared business services working closely with the HVSBN functional team members, Executive Directors, Statewide Regional HR Managers (HR Leads), and Cornell University Cooperative Extension Administration’s campus partners to ensure the human resource needs of the Association and staff are met in a timely and efficient manner. Using significant human resources expertise and knowledge, the Regional HR Manager utilizes discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance to provide leadership and management with guidance for HR Policy and Procedure, Employee Relations, Staffing and Recruitment, Training, Professional Development, and HRIS transactions and training. This position plays a critical link to Cornell University’s Extension Administration within the HR operations realm. The HVSBN Regional HR Manager is employed by CCE Ulster County, based in the Kingston, NY office and serves the CCE Ulster County Association and serves currently CCE Associations in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Westchester Counties. In office presence in Kingston and frequent travel to the other county Associations is expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or closely related field. (Associate’s degree in human resources, business, or closely related field and 2 years’ transferrable program/functional experience may substitute).
Two (2) years proven experience working in an advanced Human Resource management role delivering high-level support and services including employee relations, policy and procedure, performance management, employment law, recruitment, data/transaction oversight, and records management.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position. NYS driver's license, ability to drive, and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
Ability to provide Associations with guidance and options through ambiguous or unclear situations.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to work effectively, and maintain cultural sensitivity with various audiences, people of varying ages, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.
Diplomatic, tactful, and service-oriented
Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using traditional methods, as well as electronic technology such as MS Teams and Zoom.
Ability to organize, effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks and initiatives concurrently.
Ability to interact and communicate professionally throughout all levels of the organization.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with various stakeholders, including members of the HR team, employees, and Association leaders.
Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
Familiarity with federal, state, and local laws pertaining to human resources.
Ability to work well in a team setting and independently.
Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or closely related field.
Five (5) years of experience in an advanced HR role delivering high-level support, services, and system administration.
PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification.
Familiarity with the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) System.
Experience working with complex, non-profit, and/or subordinate governmental organization(s).
Demonstrated experience and ability to use HRIS software, specifically Workday.

Responsibilities

Assess and develop local/regional plans and strategies for human resources goals, best practices, and training based on direct work with Associations, guidance from Extension Administration, other SBN HR Leads, and/or based on local/state/federal laws and regulations.
With substantial initiative and discretion, strategically plan for overall HR functions of the region that adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and CCE guidelines.
Develop and establish HR best practice, policies, procedures, guidelines, and action plans for HR functions across the region, guided by the HVSBN Administrative Management Group (AMG), and actively contribute to discussions on development of state-wide HR best practices.
Utilize the SBN HR Lead Scope of Services to guide the HVSBN Regional HR Manager’s responsibilities along with direction from the HVSBN AMG.
Collaborate with Executive Directors, SBN HR Leads, and Extension Administration to recruit and support a vibrant and inclusive workforce, striving to reflect the communities we serve.
Develop and plan regional implementation strategies for HR information systems, such as Workday.
Collaborate with Extension Administration, third-party organizations, and other SBN HR Leads in the development of HR policy and procedures.
Collaborate with Associations to develop and/or modify local HR policy and procedures, as needed.
Provide input on human resource implications of financial strategies.
Develop relationships with Executive Directors, local HR representatives, Lead Executive Directors, SBN HR Leads, and Extension Administration HR staff to deliver efficient, effective, and accurate human resource support across the region and state.
Assist with guiding and leading HR functions across the HVSBN region providing consultation to Executive Directors on various topics including but not limited to policy interpretation, employee relations, compensation, classification, recruitment, conflict resolution, labor law and performance management activities, engaging Extension Administration HR, or other vendors (HR One, PW Wood), as appropriate.
Lead the implementation of HR regional strategy to address identified and/or emerging issues.
Provide leadership in the management of HR information system(s) to enable effective utilization, data integrity, compliance with payroll procedures as well as interpretation and support for the compensation/classification system, and consistent implementation of established HR policies, procedures, and best practices
Provide guidance, support, and training to HVSBN Association HR reps, Executive Directors, and regional Workday initiator(s), as necessary, to ensure transactions into the HRIS are accurate and timely.
Consult regularly with Association leadership to assist with understanding and integration of HR strategy and processes into their operations.
Manage communications to provide Association leaders, supervisors, and HR reps with information so they are aware of local, regional, or statewide HR expectations and compliance.
Support and facilitate development of position descriptions that adhere to the Extension Administration HR established classification standards and procedure. Assist Association in ensuring all employees have accurate and current position descriptions.
Support and provide consultation to Association related to local recruitment plans.
Assist and support Associations with development of effective performance management processes to effectively deal with performance issues in a timely manner and help ensure staff receive comprehensive performance reviews at least annually.
Coordinate and implement HR best practice, policies, procedures, guidelines, and action plans for HR functions across the region and actively contribute to discussions on development of state-wide HR best practices.
Review and analyze HR data to form observations, anticipate trends, ensure data integrity, adjust operations, and/or develop recommendations to shape ongoing improvements in support of local, regional, or state-wide HR strategy.
Review HRIS transactions and perform HR Partner approval role for the HVSBN. Assist with ensuring backup and authorization for transactions are properly retained, as necessary.
Prepare and post job requisitions within HRIS/ATS; track candidate applications and move candidates through the HRIS/ATS per established search/selection procedures.
Review Association HR communications and related HR documents (such as offer letters, resignation acceptance, FMLA/EML letters), as requested. Engage HR One, PW Wood, legal counsel and/or CCE Administration HR as needed to assist with compliance with legal standards.
Attend and actively participate in Association Board and/or committee meetings, as appropriate.
Effectively maintain existing relationships with Executive Directors, local HR representatives, Lead Executive Directors, other SBN functional leads and Extension Administration HR to deliver efficient, effective, and accurate human resource support across the region and state.
Coordinate the delivery of HR related trainings, updates, and best practice recommendations via various delivery methods (i.e., webinars, SharePoint site, recorded presentations) to Executive Directors, local staff, leadership staff, and employees, as appropriate, across the region that enhance the HR knowledge and expertise at the Association level.
Maintain proficient working knowledge and competent understanding of HR management principles and applicable laws and stay abreast of legislative changes.
Actively participate in SBN HR Lead conferences calls, meetings and/or Statewide SBN meetings and conferences.
Actively participate in HVSBN functional lead meetings, HVSBN AMG meetings, conferences, or events.
Prepare reports for HVSBN Associations, HVSBN AMG, and Extension Administration HR as needed.
Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality of all information and data collected, accessed, and/or maintained. Exercise a high level of confidentiality in performing all position responsibilities.
Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others as requested.
Travel within the region in personal and/Association vehicles for work related purposes as needed. Travel to conferences and meetings within or outside the region as required.
Transport self and/or work-related equipment, office supplies, materials, and/or resources.
In cooperation with the Supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and Association priorities.
Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required.
Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.
Carry out assignments and other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, collaborating with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
Maintain professional and respectful interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers, and the public.
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to various audiences.
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures, and Cornell Skills for Success.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
At all times act in a professional Customer Service manner including but not limited to business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive, and receptive manner.