Human Resources Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Date : July 23, 2026
Title : Human Resources Associate

Description :  The Human Resources Associate serves as an HR generalist and performs a wide variety of employment related administrative duties, ensuring the smooth execution of daily activities in the Office of Human Resources. The HR Associate’s primary role is supporting the entire employee life cycle, with special emphasis on employment and onboarding processes, and human resources operations.  This role requires an individual who is detail orientated, highly organized, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.  

Responsibilities :
Employee Life Cycle

• Initiate the employment onboarding process for new and returning faculty and staff, which includes crafting employee appointment letters and conducting employee outreach; creating digital employment files; and monitoring all stages of the onboarding process, including the Federal Form I-9 and review of identification. Work with other departments to assure a smooth recruitment process and onboarding transition for new employees.
• Create and maintain information within the employee database systems, Paycom and Colleague.
• Coordinate group orientation sessions for new employees.
• Respond to employee questions pertaining to fringe benefits, and assist employees with enrollment, cancellations and change requests.  Participate in benefit plan review and assessment discussions with HRC team.
• Advise employees on policy interpretation and procedures, and recruitment strategies and guidelines as needed.
• Prepare employment transition paperwork for departing employees, process COBRA notifications, and monitor cancellations for various fringe benefits. Conduct exit interviews for departing staff and report findings on trends to HR leadership as necessary.

Systems and Software Proficiency

• Payroll/HR system and software (Paycom). Monitor functionality, and make updates and changes, when necessary, in consultation with human resources and payroll colleagues.  Assist employees on their use of the Paycom software, such as accessing their self-service or client profiles, making fringe benefits changes, updating time cards, and submitting leave time requests.
• Applicant Tracking software (JazzHR). Develop and or update job description and prepare job postings in accordance with FLSA, and the College’s hiring guidelines. Establish software access for supervisors and provide training on the use of the JazzHR software, such as reviewing applicant materials, updating applicant statuses, building assessments and evaluations, and sending communications to candidates.

Human Resources and Compliance

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and implement strategies to improve workflow.
• Monitor policies and procedures for compliance with federal and state employment law; make recommendations to the Vice President for Human Resources and Compliance (VPHRC) for changes as necessary.
• Maintain HR’s web and D2L presence, which includes policies and procedures, fringe benefits, employee handbook, and various resources for College employees.
• Draft correspondence, summaries, reports and presentations for the VPHRC as needed.
• Participate in divisional budget discussions.
• Assists with classifications, benchmarking and other compensation matters as needed.
• Participate in developing HR department goals, objectives, systems, and assessments.
• Comply with all applicable College, Federal, State, local and associational laws, rules and regulations.
• Maintain good customer service standards.
• Create and maintain positive relationships with all internal and external constituents.
• Participate in significant campus activities, including Welcome Weekend, True Blue Weekend, and Commencement Weekend
• As a representative of the College, comport oneself in a professional manner at all times, both on and off campus.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications :  Minimum requirements for this position are a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with relevant human resources experience.  Experience in higher education is strongly desired.  Professional certification in Human Resources is preferred.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, collaborative, analytical and possess the ability to problem solve (individually and as part of a small team) on matters which are sensitive and/or high stakes issues.  Must be able to thrive in an environment where priorities shift at a moment’s notice and deliver high quality work.

• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple and complex administrative operations
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast paced and demanding environment
• Ability to present information in a clear and concise manner
• Adept in the use of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point)
• Ability to perform mathematical computations with high degree of accuracy
• Experience with HRIS software and systems management
• High level of communication skills across multiple disciplines
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
• Ability to be flexible and anticipate needs of the department

Starting Salary Range : $58,000 - $62,500

Hartwick operates as a community of learners where there is a very real sense of belonging and connection. By joining Hartwick, you become part of a group of people who work together, share in our successes, and celebrate our accomplishments. All positions at Hartwick contribute to the education and development of students with the opportunity to see the impact on future leaders—what you do at Hartwick really matters.

An independent, residential liberal arts college enrolling approximately 1,100 full-time undergraduates, The College features a general education curriculum designed to give every student a flexible, individualized learning experience that integrates coursework, co-curricular activities, and work experience to cultivate their distinctive strengths and prepare them for the future.  

Our beautiful 425-acre campus is located in the scenic Susquehanna River valley in Oneonta, New York—a charming town near the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Hartwick offers health benefits to domestic partners of employees, flexible scheduling, opportunities to engage in athletic and cultural events (concerts, exhibits, and lectures) and tuition benefits for eligible employees and their dependents.

Hartwick College prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation/preference and gender identity/expression and is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to broadening “the understanding, awareness, and appreciation of diversity among all members of the Hartwick community.” Women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. 

Hartwick College is committed to providing a safe and secure educational and employment environment. Employment at Hartwick College is therefore contingent upon a successful background check on every new employee. Candidates to whom an offer of employment is made will be required to sign a Release of Information Form authorizing the College to conduct a thorough background check.

Hartwick College is committed to a diverse candidate pool, values an inclusive workforce and workplace environment, and wishes to minimize or eliminate the impact of implicit bias during the search and hiring process. 

All applicants are asked to submit the following materials with their online applications:

• A cover letter;
• A resume; and
• The names and contact information for three references, with annotation regarding how the reference is related to you and your work (at least one of your references must be from a current and/or previous supervisor).

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

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