What are the responsibilities and job description for the HR Generalist position at Davidson College?
About the Role
Are you a proactive, detail-oriented HR professional who thrives on building connections and supporting employee success?
As our HR Generalist, you will serve as the primary point of contact for College employees, managing day-to-day operations across the entire employee lifecycle. From welcoming new hires during onboarding to advising on workplace standards and maintaining compliance, you will play a pivotal role in fostering a positive, value-driven campus community.
The ideal candidate has an initiative-taking mindset, works well independently, and is passionate about providing exceptional service.
Key Responsibilities
1. Recruitment, Onboarding & Offboarding
- Manage End-to-End Recruitment: Post job openings, screen resumes, conduct initial interviews, and coordinate communication between candidates and hiring managers.
- Streamline Onboarding: Prepare offer letters, facilitate new employee orientations, conduct background checks, and ensure all onboarding documentation is completed smoothly.
- Facilitate Offboarding: Manage the departure process, conduct Exit Interviews, proactively collaborate with managers regarding backfill plans, and ensure HRIS systems are finalized 30 days post-departure.
2. Employee Relations & Engagement
- Primary Point of Contact: Serve as an accessible, neutral party for employees and managers regarding HR policies, benefits, and workplace standards.
- Conflict Resolution & Coaching: Support supervisors in handling performance issues, assist in resolving workplace concerns, and help cultivate a positive environment.
- Training & Development: Assist in coordinating employee training programs and growth initiatives.
3. Benefits & Compliance
- Benefits Orientation: Deliver New Employee Benefits Orientation for incoming staff.
- First-Line Support: Act as the initial contact for benefits inquiries; escalate complex cases to the Assistant Director of HR (Benefits) or the Director of Total Rewards & Compensation.
- Records & Payroll Support: Maintain employee records in compliance with labor laws and College policies. Partner with the Controller's Office to facilitate and approve payroll.
4. Strategic Collaboration & Process Improvement
- Enhance Workflows: Partner with the Director of Employee Experience to identify and implement HR process improvements that increase efficiency.
- Culture & Engagement: Work closely with the broader HR team to design and implement programs, systems, and initiatives that boost employee engagement and retention.
- Administrative Support: Handle day-to-day administrative tasks, including generating reports, scheduling meetings, and maintaining HRIS systems.
Qualifications
Experience & Education
- Degree: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years of direct HR experience (ideally in Higher Education or a structured office environment) OR
- 18 months of direct HR experience combined with 5 years of general professional experience.
Technical & Professional Skills
- Compliance Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of HR policies, as well as federal, state, and local labor laws.
- HRIS Proficiency: Experience navigating HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, Oracle, Power BI, Kuali Build).
- Analytical Skills: Experience and interest in HR data gathering, reporting, and analysis.
- Soft Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, communication, organizational, and critical-thinking skills.
- Discretion: Absolute commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification: SHRM-CP or PHR certification (or actively working toward certification) is highly preferred.
Why Join Us?
At Davidson, we believe our employees are our greatest asset. We offer a collaborative, mission-driven work environment where your contributions directly impact on our community. Additionally, we believe we have a competitive benefits package including an annual 9.5% contribution into your retirement savings plan after 12 months of employment (403B vs. 401K, but very similar); the ability to earn 4 weeks of vacation starting on day one; paid sick leave; after 6 months of employment, a work from home day if you want it; day Fridays in the summer; 13 paid holidays including paid time off the week between Christmas and New Years, etc.
Information about how to submit an application can be found at https://employment.davidson.edu
Davidson is strongly committed to achieving excellence and cultural diversity, and welcomes applications from women, members of minority groups, and others who would bring additional dimensions to the college's mission.