Senior HR Generalist

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Human Resources Manager (Matrixed Operations), the Senior Human Resources Generalist supports employees and managers across three geographical locations through the delivery of key strategies and activities relating to people management. This role counsels AURA leadership regarding workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, performance issues, employee development, talent assessment, employee relations, and performance management. The Senior HR Generalist implements Human Resource initiatives providing an employee-oriented culture. This position performs independently a variety of complex administrative duties requiring a comprehensive knowledge of Human Resources practices, laws, regulations, and AURA policies. It provides comprehensive HR support, directly or indirectly to a designated client group(s), understanding and supporting the accomplishment of business priorities. The role is involved in solving complex HR-related issues and requires working independently with minimal guidance. The Senior HR Generalist may act as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university.
Minimum five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Able to handle general administrative issues requiring interpretation and application of policies and procedures.
Able to oversee projects of general complexity.
Ability to read and interpret documents. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, ethics and cultural awareness.
Aptitude for problem-solving and thorough knowledge of HR procedures and policies.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Advanced knowledge and proficiency with HRMS/HRIS systems, Microsoft Office (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook)

Nice To Haves

PHR or SPHR certification preferred
UKG HRIS knowledge and experience
Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

Works closely with the Sr. HR Manager (Matrixed Operations) as needed on strategic HR initiatives that may include Performance Management, Work force Planning, Employee Learning and Development, Onboarding, Compliance, Turnover & Retention, etc.
Customizes and delivers specific HR initiatives such as coaching managers on performance management, employee development, succession management, leads HR projects for the business unit.
Oversees/assists in the day-to-day delivery of Human Resources projects, programs, and strategies (communication, on-boarding, assimilation, talent management).
Perform a variety of professional and administrative human resources functions.
Maintains knowledge of legal requirements and regulatory reporting regulations affecting human resources functions and ensures policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance.
Analyzes and adheres to human resource policies and procedures using independent judgement and discretion to resolve issues and problems.
Ensures strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
Collaborates with hiring managers to understand skills and competencies for job openings. Provide support to the recruitment process as required.
Ensures human resources information systems are up to date and accurate.
Coordinates the full employment life cycle for all HR-related activity including developing job descriptions, on-boarding, new hire orientation, performance management, retention strategies, and termination.
Perform advanced employee relations functions including support and counseling regarding personnel and job-related conflicts, problem solving and dispute resolution, managing employee performance issues, review and assessment of termination requests; conduct exit interviews.
Perform audit and compliance functions as requested; run, interpret, analyze reports.
Maintains personnel transactions such as hires, promotions, transfers, performance reviews, and terminations, and employee statistics for government reporting.
Manages functions and administration of employee leaves of absence process and coordinates pay and benefits continuation with benefits manager and payroll staff. Maintains communication with employees and managers throughout the leave process.
Contributes to the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures. Provides policy interpretation and general information pertaining to all areas of HR including benefits, payroll, and compensation.
Works to identify opportunities and support initiatives to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Provides input and guidance to organizational design, structure and communication of changes.
Works closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, increase productivity and retention. Develops and supports employee engagement and recognition events. Provides HR guidance and advice to employees, line managers, and senior management, as required.
Identifies potential retention risks and develop specific plans to mitigate or address the concerns.
Ensure that the delivery of human resources products and services meets the needs of the business.
All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.
Performs special assignments to include research, analysis, planning, and reports as requested.
Remains current in best practices and relevant employment laws, such as EEOC, ADAAA, FLSA, and DOL regulations to ensure fair and legally compliant practices.
Other duties as assigned.