Senior HR Generalist

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 and counsels AURA leadership regarding workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, performances issues, employee development, talent assessment, employee relations and performance management. 

The Senior HR Generalist implements Human Resource initiatives providing an employee-oriented culture.

Performs independently a variety of complex administrative duties requiring a comprehensive knowledge of Human Resources practices, laws, regulations and AURA policies.  Provides comprehensive HR support, directly or indirectly to a designated client group(s) Understand and support the accomplishment of business priorities. Involved in solving complex HR-related issues.

Work independently with minimal guidance. May act as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Essential Functions:

• 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. For detailed information on proper custodial care of government property, refer to the AURA Employee Handbook at http://hr.aura-astronomy.org/?q=handbook.
• 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, https://cas.aura-astronomy.org/Awards.

Other Functions:

• 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.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• 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.
• Note: Substitution of additional relevant education or experience for stated qualifications will be considered
• 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)

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

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

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eyeglasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately

Apply by June 15 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. 

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.

Salary : $84,000 - $95,000