Career Center

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: commensurate with experience

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Human Resources and Finance, the Assistant Director of Human Resources serves as a critical member of the HR team in guiding administrative managers and employees at the Columbia University School of Internal and Public Affairs (SIPA) on a broad array of Human Resources policies and procedures. The incumbent serves as a subject matter resource for SIPA departments and affiliated Centers and Institutes on recruitment and onboarding of administrative personnel, compensation, training and development, employee and labor relations, leaves and other workplace accommodations, and performance management and corrective action. The Assistant Director also plays a central role in data management and analysis to inform leadership decision making and develops and implements DE&I initiatives and other goals as defined by the School???s mission. The incumbent ensures compliance with federal, state, local and University rules and regulations by staying abreast of HR regulations, policies and laws.

Responsibilities

Field HR inquiries from staff and managers and serve as a critical resource on a variety of topics, such as general HR, benefits and payroll policies and procedures, employee relations, training, welfare and career development. Provide guidance on the provisions of relevant CBAs. Act as a liaison on behalf of the staff with appropriate University offices. 

Advise hiring managers on the administrative recruitment process, including the use of Talent Link functionality in the selection, review and assessment of candidates. Assist with applicant reviews and screening. Facilitate collection and review of search data and preparation of affirmative action reports and hiring proposals. Work with the HR team on outreach to selectees on conditional and final offers and background check procedures, and track progress toward completion of the same.

Work closely with the Executive Director on the School's performance appraisal process. Troubleshoot, research and report on performance issues, and implement strategies for their resolution. Assist in conducting internal investigations. Liaise with the CU Labor Relations and Work Life Offices. Develop and implement employee recognition programs, 30- and 60-day outreach processes for new recruits to promote community building and inclusive practices, etc.

Working closely with the SIPAHR team, manage SIPA's on-boarding and orientation processes for administrative personnel. Develop Powerpoint presentations and other materials for new recruits. Advise new recruits on available training and access to Columbia University systems. Facilitate systems access requests for SIPA and Institute/Center administrators. 

Collaborate with the SIPAHR team to develop and enhance the School's Human Resources webpage. Review existing information/data on the site, consult best practices at peer institutions, and develop and upload new content and enhanced site mapping. Develop, review and improve training and systems access information on the School's website. 

Maintain the School's organization charts, employee fact sheets, staff directory and HR metrics. Analyze compensation, recruitment timelines and tools, staff turnover and retention rates and other data points. Recommend new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in the efficiency of the unit. Oversee accurate scanning and archiving of all personnel, performance and search files. Produce statistical reports for the Executive Director as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a minimum of three years of fulltime professional experience in human resources administration required.
• Prior supervisory experience required.
• Thorough familiarity with Microsoft Office essential, especially in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio.
• Must have significant prior experience with PeopleSoft or similar HRIS application.
• Ability to generate innovative ideas for process, departmental and organizational improvements highly critical.
• Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.
• Must have a deep commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, communication and writing skills as well as excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities required.
• Must be highly organized with extreme attention to detail and be able to effectively handle and prioritize multiple tasks often with conflicting deadlines.
• Must work well under pressure and have the ability to function independently and exercise discretion and judgment in sensitive and confidential matters

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field, such as higher education administration or human resources administration preferred.
• Prior experience in higher education, or a similar complex environment highly preferred.
• Prior experience working with collective bargaining agreements and unionized staff, and thorough familiarity with personal and medical leaves, FMLA, NYSL and PFL provisions and salary continuation policies highly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.