Human Resources Generalist - People & Culture

Job Summary

The Cleveland Institute of Music’s (CIM) Office of People & Culture creates programming and administers employment programs that set the tone for an inclusive, engaging, and motivating work environment at one of the nation’s leading music conservatories. Through thoughtful people practices, employee resources, professional development, and programs that support the employee experience, the Office of People & Culture works to foster a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and connected to CIM’s mission.

The Human Resources Generalist of People & Culture is responsible for the daily functions of the People & Culture department including recruiting, interviewing and hiring staff, supporting the faculty hiring process, administering worker’s compensation, benefits, leaves and ADA accommodations, employment and labor relations, and enforcing institute policies and practices.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews, tracks and documents compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training. This may include Title IX training, anti-harassment training, safety training, or training for a specific a job or department.
• Responsible for the full cycle hiring process; posts, recruits, interviews, and facilitates the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with hiring managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
• Processes and maintains documentation for employee status changes, including promotions, transfers, compensation changes, changes in employment status and separations.
• Supports the faculty hiring process by posting positions, coordinating interviews, and sending contracts and provides required training to search committee members.
• Conducts background checks and employee eligibility verifications.
• Maintains accurate employee data within the HRIS and other People & Culture systems; conducts periodic audits and prepares HR reports and workforce data as requested.
• Maintains all job descriptions and reviews them annually with manager.
• Conducts new hire orientation, training, employee recognition and wellness programs.
• Administers and supports People & Culture programs including, but not limited to, benefits and leave administration, employee relations and disciplinary matters, disputes and investigations; administration of performance management programs; employee recognition and morale, and training and development.
• Coordinates separation documentation, benefits notifications, system/HRIS changes, return of property, etc.
• Administers employee leaves of absence, including FMLA and other applicable federal, state and institutional leave programs, and coordinates the ADA interactive process in consultation with the Head of People & Culture as appropriate.
• Sets up and manages annual benefit open enrollment.
• Responds to employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees and managers, provides guidance within established policies and practices and refers complex, sensitive, or high-risk matters to the Head of People & Culture as appropriate.
• Supports administration of the Bargaining Unit Agreement and works closely with the Head of People & Culture, Faculty Relations Manager, Academic Leadership, and Legal Counsel on labor relations matters.
• Provides guidance, attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, grievances (union and non-union related), terminations, and investigations (not Title IX related); escalates complex, sensitive, or high-risk matters to the Head of People & Culture.
• Responds to Unemployment and EEOC requests.
• Monitors and supports compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations; stays current on regulatory changes and recommended HR practices and bring potential compliance concerns to the attention of the Head of People & Culture.
• Reviews staff positions and recommends the appropriate job classification and FLSA exemption status in consultation with the Head of People & Culture.
• Coordinates required benefits and employment compliance activities and reporting, including ACA reporting, Medicare Part D/creditable coverage notices and other required federal, state and local notices and filings.
• Administers workers’ compensation claims, coordinates with the appropriate carriers and third-party administrators, and maintains required records and documentation.

General Duties

• Serve as back-up to the Payroll & Retirement Plan Administrator to process payroll in their absence.
• Work closely with the Faculty Relations Manager to process annual faculty contracts and maintain record of signed contracts.
• Create and distribute annual Holiday Schedule.
• Maintain the People & Culture section of CIM Studio.
• Ensure all policies and documentation are updated on the CIM website as needed.
• Process and audit all human resources related invoices.
• Coordinate with Payroll & Retirement Plan Administrator on mail distribution for the People & Culture department.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources and/or equivalent work experience required.
• A minimum of 5 years of Human Resources Generalist experience. Experience in higher education is preferred.
• SHRM-CP or HRCI certification preferred.
• Experience with benefits administration, employee and labor relations, training and development, performance management, and recruiting and hiring required.
• Experience working with HRIS and Applicant Tracking systems required. Experience with ADP is a plus.
• Experience with payroll administration preferred.
• Experience working in a unionized environment and interpreting collective bargaining agreements preferred.
• Working knowledge of federal, state and local employment laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, and applicable wage-and-hour requirements required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams) required.
• Must be adept at problem-solving, including being able to identify issues and resolve in a timely manner.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with a variety of constituencies.
• Must be able to effectively read and interpret information and skillfully gather information.
• Must be organized, accurate, thorough and able to monitor quality of own work.
• Strong attention to detail required.
• Proven knowledge of human resource regulations.

Job Competencies

• Job Knowledge – Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keeps job knowledge current.

• Customer Service – Works well with customers, promotes a positive image of the institute, strives to solve issues raised by customers.

• Problem Solving - Strives to understand contributing factors, works to resolve complex situations.
• Organization Skills – Information organized and accessible, maintains efficient workspace, manages time well.
• Ethics – Honest, accountable, maintains confidentiality.

Personal Attributes

To be successful in this role, candidate must possess:

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Quick study with a bias towards action.
• Works efficiently and proactively and takes responsibility for own work.
• Thrives in a rapidly changing environment with shifting priorities.
• Ability to work well under pressure, driven by an internal sense of urgency and will to succeed.
• Drive for curiosity and willingness to explore new processes, procedures and responsibilities.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

90% of the day spent sitting, working in an office environment. Heavy PC and phone usage.

10% of the day spent walking and/or standing.

Direct reports

No direct reports