Human Resources Generalist

Sweet Briar is a liberal arts college for women with a long history of forging female leaders. After a near closure in 2015, the College was saved by its alumnae and underwent dramatic transformation. Today Sweet Briar College is repeatedly named by the US News and World Report as one of the most innovative liberal arts colleges in the nation. Sweet Briar College is financially stable and actively growing again, attracting students who are drawn to it for its excellent liberal arts program, coupled with distinctive programs in women leadership, engineering, sustainability, arts and its legendary equestrian program.

Located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 54 miles south of Charlottesville. Its campus is one of the nation’s most spectacular, replete with nature sanctuaries, lakes, forests, trails, and most recently, vineyards, apiary and greenhouses.

The College boasts a modern core curriculum focused on women's leadership in the 21st century and undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences and humanities, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. It is one of only two women’s colleges in the United States with an ABET-accredited engineering degree. The women’s leadership core curriculum is innovative and energizing. When students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead. The campus community is a family of faculty, staff, coaches, and alumnae who support and encourage students and each other. With an average class size of eight students, students lead research, ask questions and forge supportive relationships with faculty that can last for decades.

Job Title:  Human Resources Generalist (Recruitment)

Classification:  Non-Exempt

Reports To:  Director of Human Resources

Job Summary/Objective: The primary purpose of the Human Resources Generalist is to identify, recruit, and screen potential employees for specific positions for the College and perform a variety of day-to-day human resources tasks on a professional level working closely with constituents to support several functional areas.  

Position Type/Expected Work Hours: Full time

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None

Essential Responsibilities:

• Serve as a first point of contact for employee inquiries related to HR policies, procedures, and benefits.
• Assist with recruitment and onboarding processes, ensuring a smooth experience.
• Maintain HR records, including personnel files, benefits enrollment, and compliance documentation.
• Coordinate employee training and professional development initiatives in collaboration with academic and administrative departments.
• Support employee relations and performance improvement plans.
• Assist in the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Participate in the planning and execution of employee engagement initiatives and wellness programs that support a positive campus culture.
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends and employment legislation to ensure institutional compliance.
• Uphold and support the college’s mission of empowering women through education and leadership.
• Manages student employment and the work study programs.  
• Participate with the HR Director to maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Administer leave programs (FMLA, ADA, etc.) and ensure compliance with college policy and applicable laws.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Serve as lead for payroll processing and implementation with PayCom - the currently used payroll processing system. Act as the liaison to PayCom. Engage in problem resolution for employees as relates to payroll or leave administration including Payroll Data Record (PDR) processing.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with preference given to degrees in human resources/organizational development fields.
• At least two years of human resources or related experience. 
• Understanding or proven ability to learn employment related laws, regulations, and guidelines including of EEO, ADA.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong organizational skills and track record of sound judgement
• Focus on accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, act with urgency, make decisions, and elevate issues as appropriate
• Positive and approachable interpersonal style, able to win trust among co-workers
• Commitment to the long-term sustainability of the College

Preferred Qualifications:

• Higher education experience
• Prior knowledge of Banner HRIS is highly desirable
• Experience with student employment and work study programs
• Experience with Paycom
• SHRM or HRCI certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP)

Work Environment:  Office environment

Physical Demands: Bending, sitting, standing, lifting of 15 pounds; extensive periods of time working at a computer.

Travel: As needed for professional development

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.