HR Associate

Handle sensitive and confidential matters and information with appropriate discretion and judgment; answers complex questions; may escalate very complex questions. Provide direct support and consultation to supervisors and employees as issues arise in a variety of staff/labor relations matters; may assist with employee relations issues and advise on contract language. Advise and assist with the recruitment process, providing comprehensive guidance to hiring managers with development of recruitment strategies to reach a well-qualified and diverse pool of candidates; suggest best practices and assist with implementation. Screen, interview, assess, and recommend applicants as needed for identified positions, including serving on search teams and advising members about appropriate search processes. Advise and assist managers and supervisors in composing and developing Staff Position Descriptions (SPD) for new positions, reclassifications, and reorganizations; research and provide classification recommendations. Provide information, advice, and guidance to ensure the consistent, effective, accurate and compliant interpretation and application of human resource programs, policies and procedures, collective bargaining contracts. Provide complex data reporting and analysis to support business decisions; analyze data and provide summary of observations for a wide variety of management and decision making uses, including identifying trends and/or gaps in the data; prepare complex reports, spreadsheets, graphs, presentations and recommendations. Initiate, troubleshoot, and review HR transactions; ensure that all actions are timely, complete, and accurate and that all required processes, procedures, policy, contractual and legal requirements are met; approve routine Workday transactions and act as main resource in answering any Workday related questions; responsible for the entering of academic transactions, may advise on policies and responsible for tracking academic leaves Handle DBL, FML, WC and leave cases; proactively coordinate staff leaves, including FML, parental leave, short- and long-term disability, and Worker’s Compensation, ensuring that the necessary paperwork is on file and that appropriate, timely advice and counsel is provided to staff, managers and supervisors. Meet with individuals prior to any leave, when appropriate, to review policies and procedures and provide them with options and all required documentation for the impending leave. Responsible for somewhat complex visa sponsorship. Responsible for Employee Recognition programs or coordinating trainings. Enter student employment and graduate appointment transactions into HR system and resolves complex issues. Give advice on Salary Improvement Program, salary ranges for staff, academic others and temp wages; ensure salaries are at federal, state, university minimums; ensure compliance with multiple jobs guidelines. Consult with managers and supervisors on layoff policies and procedures. Review exempt tracking and make necessary adjustments; review hourly accruals and usage based on FTE and years of service; may be back up approval for college; advise managers regarding policy. HR Associate The Opportunity As a member of the Facilities and Campus Services (FCS) Human Resources team, the HR Associate is responsible for independently providing customer support and human resource services on a wide-range of HR processes, policies, procedures and activities for staff in the Division of Facilities and Campus Services (FCS). FCS is comprised of approximately 1,100 employees, with non-union staff and union staff represented by six different unions. The HR Associate serves as the primary point of contact for assigned units to proactively partner with managers and staff on various aspects of human resources management including recruitment and selection, performance management, compensation, transaction processing, policy and union contract interpretation, data management/analysis and reporting, and leaves administration. Provide consistent administration of human resource activities, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as University policies and bargaining unit contracts. Must be able to effectively interact in a professional manner with a diverse population (directors, managers, staff, union representatives, etc.) who have a variety of needs. The HR Associate contributes to the development of a high functioning work group that fosters a positive, engaged work environment. This includes providing observations and recommendations to assist in decision- making, demonstrating sound judgment, creativity, maintaining confidentiality and managing multiple competing or changing priorities. You’ll work collaboratively with other FCS HR professionals to ensure high-level efficiencies and smooth workflow. Ours is a values–based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process. About Facilities and Campus Services (FCS) Facilities and Campus Services (FCS) is a values-based organization dedicated to the principals of Truth, Respect, Excellence, Teamwork, and Integrity. Facilities and Campus Services is committed to providing the highest quality service to faculty, students, staff, alumni, and visitors. With more than 260 major buildings enhancing the magnificent landscape of the Ithaca campus, the over 1,000 highly talented and dedicated staff of FCS serve as stewards of campus resources and operations. In carrying out our mission, FCS stewardship and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Oversight of planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining university buildings, grounds, utility infrastructure, and energy and sustainability efforts for the physical campus in Ithaca, New York. Oversight of commuter, fleet, parking services, and campus mail. Hours and Location The HR Associate performs this role in a hybrid format, Monday through Friday, daytime business hours, with 3 days per week on campus in Ithaca, New York. Success Factors You'll be considered competitive for this oportunity if you demonstrate: A customer-focused, relationship-oriented approach by building trust, communicating effectively, and providing exceptional service to managers, employees, and colleagues. Strong judgment, initiative, and anticipatory thinking by looking ahead, identifying potential impacts, proactively addressing issues, and bringing important matters forward before they become problems. Exceptional organization, attention to detail, and follow through while successfully managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment without letting important details fall through the cracks. The ability to adapt and solve problems by shifting priorities, navigating ambiguity, thinking critically, and continuously seeking effective solutions and process improvements. A collaborative, service-minded approach by working independently while partnering effectively with teammates and stakeholders to achieve shared goals and support a positive work environment. What We Need A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration. Associate degree and 4 to 6 years relevant experience or equivalent combination Proven ability to deliver high-quality customer service at all levels of the organization involving a proactive approach as well as anticipating the needs of the customer. Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with varied audiences at all levels of the organization. Ability to effectively manage multiple competing deadlines, assignments and projects in a proactive, solution-oriented manner while setting priorities appropriately and paying close attention to details and accuracy. Demonstrated ability to work independently, use sound judgment in decision making, and contribute to the development of a highly successful, team-oriented work environment. Ability to maintain ethical workplace practices and maintain confidentiality and to handle sensitive information with tact and discretion. Technical Experience: Demonstrated skills with understanding and navigating HR information systems. Experience with office productivity software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Ability to utilize software to perform analysis, including pivot tables, merging files, producing graphs from multiple data sources. Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing. Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it’s ok if you don’t. Experience in a unionized environment and experience with employee relations is desired. Experience in higher education. Experience with Workday. Rewards and Benefits This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 2 days per week and on-campus 3 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability. Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell . Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell . Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo. University Job Title: Human Resources Asst V Job Family: Human Resources Level: E Pay Rate Type: Hourly Pay Range: $29.45 - $33.17 Remote Option Availability: Hybrid Company: Contact Name: Carolyn Chow Contact Email: [email protected] Job Titles and Pay Ranges: Non-Union Positions Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria: Prior relevant work or industry experience Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position Unique applicable skills Academic Discipline To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator . Union Positions The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement . To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates . Current Employees: If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell. Online Submission Guidelines : Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. Employment Assistance: For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected] . If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected] . Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected] . Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant. EEO Statement: Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 2026-08-04