Lead HR Specialist, University Life HR ServicesThe University Life (UL) division is currently seeking applications from qualified candidates for the Lead Human Resources Specialist position. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment. About the Department:University Life Human Resources Services (UL HR) is a unit of the University Life Operations and Planning area, which oversees a variety of support organizations including Technology Services, Finance, Assessment, Project and Process Management, and Communications and Marketing. The Shared Service model of UL Ops and Planning is designed to bring divisional strategy and leadership to these core functions, while addressing the unique needs of our individual units, and providing more robust and coordinated services across UL. The UL HR Services unit serves over 35 offices of University Life in a variety of HR functions, including full life cycle recruitment and HR consultation, in conjunction with Mason's central Human Resources and Payroll office. About the Position:The Lead HR Specialist serves in a team lead capacity, providing support for the Human Resources and Payroll functions within the University Life Human Resources (UL HR) Services team, under the direction of the UL HR Divisional Manager. Primary responsibilities involve responding to employee and/or unit requests concerning HR policies, procedures, and processes; appropriately routing requests and working cross-functionally with the other members of the UL HR Services team, campus stakeholders, and other support functions to resolve open cases in a timely fashion; supporting the hiring, onboarding, and offboarding of divisional staff; and serving as a Subject Matter Expert on divisional and institutional practices, processes, and policies. This position is also the direct backup and support to the UL HR Divisional Manager.Responsibilities:UL HR Services Team DutiesServe as a senior level team member for the UL HR Services team, providing HR consultation and performing transactional functions to the division's 35+ units.Serves as a Subject Matter Expert on institutional and state HR policies and procedures; actively support and comply with all University policies, divisional standards, and departmental vision and goals.Professionally, efficiently, and accurately assist units via various communication platforms in our division.Provides day-to-day oversight and management of the UL HR Services generic email account which includes:Appropriately responding to requests for assistance or rerouting/escalating issues of concern to higher level leadership.Problem-solve by researching, partnering, and following-up on issues while fostering customer/unit relationships, utilizing de- escalation tactics, and maintaining a high level of confidentiality.Processes required paperwork for employee transfers, changes in job classification, salary increases, and other related employment matters.Review and process cyclical applications for monetary bonuses related to certifications, degree completion, and other achievements.Provide support to unit leaders and employees on Benefits related questions.Liaison with the Benefits team on employee injury reports, worker's comp claims, and employee leave.Serve as a team lead for the UL HR team, providing front-line leadership and support for the team members in their daily functions.Assist other members of the UL HR team as necessary, including being cross trained/cross functional for essential HR processes to provide additional support/back-up as needed.Serve as the direct back up and support to the UL HR Divisional Manager, including covering during times of absence and appropriately assessing current workload and delegating tasks to other team members as needed.Recruitment and Onboarding In collaboration with unit hiring authorities, reviews and preps Job Descriptions for job postings within the Position Management System ensuring they are accurate, detailed, and within divisional and institutional guidelines.Manage hiring proposal and offer letter signature approvals, and prepare onboarding documents as needed, such as for HRL live-on staff.Provide support to the UL HR recruitment and hiring process for all UL units in varying levels of involvement, working closely with the HR Recruitment Coordinator.Oversees the student staff and non-student hourly staff hiring and offboarding in coordination with the HR Specialist Liaisons with Mason HR and Payroll to coordinate student and wage employee status changes.Guide and monitor International Students through the hiring process.Supports the annual hiring of 350+ student staff for Housing and Residence Life and other units as needed.Coordinate the employee offboarding process, providing guidance, processing forms, and direction for employees to work to UL HR Divisional Manager and/or HR Central for exit interviews.Departmental Duties Serve as a thought partner with the UL HR Divisional Manager to improve customer/unit experience, deliver quality interactions, and increase efficiencies on a day-to-day basis.Support the coordination and implementation of services, policies, and programs for our fast paced work.Assists in the creation and evaluation of reports, processes, and department metrics in relation to established goals.Make recommendations for new approaches, policies, and procedures for effective, continual improvements in efficiency of department and services performed.Maintaining HR data, analysis, and reporting.Maintaining employee data and personnel records.Conduct audits to ensure compliance.Actively participate on various UL Shared Service strategic planning sessions, groups, and committees.Assist with planning and implementation of staff trainings and employee engagement/recognition activities as needed.Other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications:Demonstrated professional work experience (typically obtained in 3 years) in Human Resources, Payroll, Business/Accounting or closely related field;Experience with industry standards of practice and methods in recruiting;Strong understanding of human resource policies and processes; comprehension of basic HR and payroll functions;Fluency with MS Office (Work, Excel, PowerPoint) suite of software; adept at spreadsheet compilation and use;Strong customer service skills, including the ability to provide appropriate guidance to other professional and support staff;Demonstrated ability to appropriately manage sensitive and confidential information;Strong organizational, time management, administrative and interpersonal skills;Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively;Ability to learn and succeed in a fast-paced, and dynamic interpersonal and business process environment; andEffective problem solving and decision making skills.Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field;Professional HR Association certification preferred, such as SHRM or HRCI;Ability to approach problems with a solution and growth oriented mindset;Knowledge of the Virginia Commonwealth's HR policies and procedures;Knowledge of the Virginia Commonwealth's Job Family structure;Demonstrated proficiency with time reporting software, applicant tracking systems, and employee self-service software modules;Demonstrated experience working in customer/guest service fields;Experience with HRIS platforms; knowledge of Ellucian Banner system;Experience with Diversity and Inclusion programs within HR processes;Experience working in diverse, higher-education settings; andFluency in Spanish.Please note: George Mason University is closed for Winter Break from 12/19-01/02, and applicant review will begin after Jan. 6th.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.