HR Associate
Job ID
375631
Location
Twin Cities
Job Family
Human Resources
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Job Code
8181GT
Employee Class
Civil Service
About the Job
The HR Associate provides professional HR operations, compliance, and systems support across the employee lifecycle. Working under general supervision, this position serves as a first-line resource for staff HR inquiries, independently leads day-one employee onboarding for Civil Service and Labor Represented staff, audits payroll and HR records, and provides key operational support to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and HR leadership. This role applies HR knowledge and established policies to resolve routine issues, support talent processes, and contribute to continuous process improvements and an exceptional employee experience.
Responsibilities
HR Operations & Administration (60%)
- Serve as the first point of contact for employee HR inquiries; evaluate incoming questions independently to interpret standard UMF and University policies, resolve routine matters directly, or escalate complex issues to HR Business Partners, UMF HR leadership, or central OHR.
- Process bi-weekly payroll and HRMS transactions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with University policies and employment regulations
- Audit payroll, personnel, and leave data, utilizing knowledge of HR policies to independently investigate and resolve discrepancies.
- Administer pre-employment activities, including reference and background checks, and partner with HR leadership to evaluate and address results as appropriate.
- Independently lead day-one onboarding and orientation activities for Civil Service and Labor Represented staff, including I-9 employment eligibility verification.
- Serve as the main face of UMF HR for new hires to guide them through policies, culture, and initial setup. Assist HR leadership as needed with periodic larger orientation sessions.
- Process student employment transactions, including hires, job changes, and separations, ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures.
- Maintain confidential employee records and HR documentation in accordance with legal requirements, University policies, and established records management practices.
- Manage electronic and physical HR records through Perceptive Content, including record retention, archiving, and disposition in accordance with the University of Minnesota's records retention schedule.
- Analyze routine HR operational processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies, proposing standard operating procedure enhancements to improve compliance and service delivery.
Executive & Departmental Support (30%)
- Provide professional administrative and operational support to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and HR leadership, including calendar management, coordinating complex schedules, presentation preparation, and drafting departmental communications.
- Coordinate day-to-day administrative operations to support the effective functioning of the Human Resources department.
- Support departmental priorities, schedules, and administrative activities to ensure timely execution of key initiatives.
- Serve as a primary operational contact for departmental inquiries providing responsive, customer-focused support, and applying judgment to direct workflow and coordinate logistics for meetings, training sessions, and HR projects.
- Monitor departmental operating and travel expenses, process expense reimbursements, and ensure compliance with University and Foundation financial policies.
Talent Management System Administration (10%)
- Partner with the Director of Organizational Development and Talent Management to support annual performance management cycles, serving as a primary point of contact to guide managers and employees through the goal setting and review process.
- Support administration of the Talent Management System (Talent Connects) by maintaining system data, coordinating vendor support, and partnering with IT on system enhancements.
- Coordinate annual talent management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, succession planning, and conflict of interest disclosures.
- Maintain learning content, system resources, and supporting documentation in collaboration with Organizational Development and Talent Management.
- Ensure records are securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree, or a combination of education and/or experience to equal at least four years.
- Ability to interpret standard policies, apply independent judgment to resolve problems, and handle confidential HR inquiries.
- Demonstrated advanced level experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) including spreadsheet and database applications, presentation creation, and word-processing and formatting.
- Demonstrated customer-service orientation with high energy and work style, which positively engages others.
- Problem solving and research skills and critical thinking ability.
- Ability to maintain and secure sensitive and private information with high data integrity and confidentiality.
- Effective organization, coordination and prioritization skills with strong attention to detail while ensuring timely completion of multiple assignments; ability to adjust effectively to unexpected changes.
- Written and verbal communication skills, including correct use of grammar, spelling, editing and punctuation.
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, administration or related field.
- 1-2 years of HR experience, with exposure to onboarding, policy interpretation, or talent management systems.
- Knowledge of a talent management system.
- Experience providing executive-level administrative support.
- Experience working in a non-profit/philanthropic environment.
About the Department
At the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), our mission is to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota by placing donors at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. UMF is a nonprofit organization responsible for raising and managing gifts to the University of Minnesota.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $58,000- 65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:
http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.