Aquinas College - Grand Rapids
Human Resources Generalist
Aquinas College is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to support the operational and compliance functions of the Human Resources team. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this role focuses on HR compliance, process improvement, standard operating procedure (SOP) development, and administration and ongoing maintenance of the Employee Handbook and all employee documents.
This role requires a keen attention to detail, strong organizational and communication skills, and a heart of service to provide our AQ Saints with an excellent employee experience.
Key Responsibilities Compliance & HR Administration
Administer day‑to‑day compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and institutional policies (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO).
Maintain audit‑ready personnel records, compliance calendars, postings, and documentation.
Support internal audits, accreditation reviews, and regulatory reporting.
Ensure confidentiality and integrity of HR data.
Process Improvement & SOP Development
Develop, document, update, and maintain SOPs for HR processes across the employment lifecycle.
Translate policies into clear, repeatable workflows and tools.
Identify process gaps, inefficiencies, or compliance risks and recommend improvements to the HR Director.
Ensuring Clear, Consistent and Compliant Policy and Procedure Communication and Compliance
Maintain and update the Employee Handbook to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with institutional practices.
Draft revisions and coordinate review and approval with the HR Director and legal counsel as required.
Manage version control, distribution, and employee acknowledgement tracking.
Recruitment & Onboarding Support
Support recruitment activities as needed, including job postings, applicant tracking, interview coordination, background checks, and hiring documentation.
Ensure recruiting and onboarding processes follow established policies and SOPs.
Assist with onboarding logistics and orientation processes.
Employee Relations & Performance Process Support
Serve as a point of contact for employee and supervisor inquiries regarding HR policies, employment verifications, standard operating procedures, and day‑to‑day requests.
Administer performance review cycles, track completion, and maintain records.
Assist with employee relations documentation and investigations if needed, under the direction of the HR Director.
Benefits, Payroll & Accounting Partnership
Administer day‑to‑day benefits and leave processes in compliance with applicable regulations and College policies.
Partner with Payroll Specialist and Accounting to support benefits reconciliations, billing review, and resolution of discrepancies.
Serve as a backup to payroll processing, ensuring continuity, accuracy, and compliance during absences or peak periods.
Assist with benefits audits, renewals, and reporting as assigned.
HR Systems, Data & Reporting
Maintain HRIS data integrity and generate standard operational and compliance reports.
Support HR systems enhancements, testing, and process automation initiatives.
Training & Communication Support
Coordinate and track required compliance and statutory training.
Assist with employee‑facing communications related to HR policies, handbook updates, and process changes.
Qualifications Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of three years of human resources experience with an emphasis on compliance, documentation, and HR operations.
Working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
Demonstrated experience developing SOPs and maintaining policy documentation (including handbooks).
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage confidential information.
Proficient using Zoom and Google applications (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education or a mission‑driven organization.
ADP HRIS experience (Workforce Now or similar) preferred.
Professional HR certification (PHR, SHRM‑CP).
Experience supporting benefits reconciliations, compliant training schedules, payroll processes, audits, and regulatory reporting.
Working Environment
Primarily office‑based with regular use of a computer and standard office equipment.
Some flexibility for hybrid work, contingent upon business needs.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak periods (e.g., open enrollment, beginning and end of semester).
Standard office hours are Monday–Friday 8 AM to 5 PM.
Equal Employment Opportunity Aquinas College is committed to creating and maintaining a community that values diversity, inclusion, equality, and mutual respect. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Industries Higher Education
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This role requires a keen attention to detail, strong organizational and communication skills, and a heart of service to provide our AQ Saints with an excellent employee experience.
Key Responsibilities Compliance & HR Administration
Administer day‑to‑day compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and institutional policies (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO).
Maintain audit‑ready personnel records, compliance calendars, postings, and documentation.
Support internal audits, accreditation reviews, and regulatory reporting.
Ensure confidentiality and integrity of HR data.
Process Improvement & SOP Development
Develop, document, update, and maintain SOPs for HR processes across the employment lifecycle.
Translate policies into clear, repeatable workflows and tools.
Identify process gaps, inefficiencies, or compliance risks and recommend improvements to the HR Director.
Ensuring Clear, Consistent and Compliant Policy and Procedure Communication and Compliance
Maintain and update the Employee Handbook to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with institutional practices.
Draft revisions and coordinate review and approval with the HR Director and legal counsel as required.
Manage version control, distribution, and employee acknowledgement tracking.
Recruitment & Onboarding Support
Support recruitment activities as needed, including job postings, applicant tracking, interview coordination, background checks, and hiring documentation.
Ensure recruiting and onboarding processes follow established policies and SOPs.
Assist with onboarding logistics and orientation processes.
Employee Relations & Performance Process Support
Serve as a point of contact for employee and supervisor inquiries regarding HR policies, employment verifications, standard operating procedures, and day‑to‑day requests.
Administer performance review cycles, track completion, and maintain records.
Assist with employee relations documentation and investigations if needed, under the direction of the HR Director.
Benefits, Payroll & Accounting Partnership
Administer day‑to‑day benefits and leave processes in compliance with applicable regulations and College policies.
Partner with Payroll Specialist and Accounting to support benefits reconciliations, billing review, and resolution of discrepancies.
Serve as a backup to payroll processing, ensuring continuity, accuracy, and compliance during absences or peak periods.
Assist with benefits audits, renewals, and reporting as assigned.
HR Systems, Data & Reporting
Maintain HRIS data integrity and generate standard operational and compliance reports.
Support HR systems enhancements, testing, and process automation initiatives.
Training & Communication Support
Coordinate and track required compliance and statutory training.
Assist with employee‑facing communications related to HR policies, handbook updates, and process changes.
Qualifications Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of three years of human resources experience with an emphasis on compliance, documentation, and HR operations.
Working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
Demonstrated experience developing SOPs and maintaining policy documentation (including handbooks).
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage confidential information.
Proficient using Zoom and Google applications (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education or a mission‑driven organization.
ADP HRIS experience (Workforce Now or similar) preferred.
Professional HR certification (PHR, SHRM‑CP).
Experience supporting benefits reconciliations, compliant training schedules, payroll processes, audits, and regulatory reporting.
Working Environment
Primarily office‑based with regular use of a computer and standard office equipment.
Some flexibility for hybrid work, contingent upon business needs.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak periods (e.g., open enrollment, beginning and end of semester).
Standard office hours are Monday–Friday 8 AM to 5 PM.
Equal Employment Opportunity Aquinas College is committed to creating and maintaining a community that values diversity, inclusion, equality, and mutual respect. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Industries Higher Education
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