Human Resources & Academic Affairs Generalist

About the Role

The Human Resources & Academic Affairs Generalist supports the broad range of human resources and academic affairs functions for the ColumbiaDoctors Faculty Practice Organization and Primary Care. This position independently plans and prioritizes tasks according to time constraints and deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of service excellence and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial point of contact for human resources and academic affairs-related inquiries for employees and managers, troubleshooting issues and escalating to the supervisor as appropriate.
• Coordinate departmental HRIS/payroll functions to ensure timely submission of paperwork for employment status and compensation changes/transactions, including new hire/appointment, reappointment, termination, salary support/add comp requests, benefits administration, and requests for leaves of absence, workers' compensation, unemployment, and other related transactions.
• Implement process controls to minimize payroll-related problems on payday.
• Facilitate and coordinate leave requests in alignment with CU leave management processes and internal protocols, serving as the initial point of contact for leave management needs and escalating complex issues to the supervisor.
• Assist in the academic officer (re)appointment/promotion/tenure processes, provider enrollment credentialing, and privileging (re)appointments.
• Coordinate trainings, events, and communication/engagement initiatives, such as newsletters and email listserv communications.
• Participate in relevant HR meetings and communicate new information as needed; ensure effective and ongoing communication with supervisor and internal/external customers.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of HR practices and changing policies.
• Handle recruitment, pre-employment processing, and onboarding for new hires, ensuring internal tracking mechanisms are up to date.
• Create job descriptions, post requisitions, and advertise positions, ensuring appropriate signature/authorization is obtained.
• Process and track applications/resumes, conduct HR screening interviews, prepare and send correspondence to candidates, complete applicant reference checks, and draft offer letters.
• Coordinate onboarding meetings and itineraries.
• Work with supervisor to coordinate immigration/visa paperwork and processes when needed.
• Process reclassifications and status changes.
• Assist in employee relations activities and provide policy guidance and information to managers, staff, and academic officers.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee information in Human Resources databases/tracking mechanisms (e.g., staff/faculty lists, performance evaluations, leave balances, vacancies, timekeeping reports, new hire/termination paperwork).
• Maintain departmental personnel/medical files.
• Schedule and coordinate required trainings, prepare certificates of completion, and maintain and audit compliance records for required trainings.
• Work collaboratively with Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) Payroll, Central HR, and the Office of Faculty Affairs to address and resolve employee changes and updates.
• Provide cross-coverage for team members as needed.
• Perform other administrative duties and tasks as assigned within the scope of practice, training, and education.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years’ work experience in Human Resources or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional customer service and employee relations skills, with the ability to handle difficult and emotionally charged situations professionally and with a results-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employment/labor law, including FMLA.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced office environment.
• Proven track record of initiative and ability to follow through on tasks.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and flexibility to handle multiple projects under strict deadlines.
• Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must successfully pass systems training requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• HR professional certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, HRCI, PHR, CHHR).
• Experience in a healthcare and/or academic environment.
• Proficiency in PeopleSoft.
• Previous Columbia University experience.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).