Human Resources Generalist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) was established in 1980 by a small group of research universities to bid on the construction of a national Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF). SURA was subsequently selected by a joint Department of Energy-National Science Foundation committee to design, build, and operate what the Washington Post described in 1983 as “the most advanced experimental nuclear physics facility in the world.”

Today, SURA consists of over 60 member universities and CEBAF is now known as the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). SURA continues to operate the Jefferson Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy through Jefferson Science Associates, LLC. SURA also operates the SURA Residence Facility, guest house to accommodate national and international researchers who come to use Jefferson Lab’s unique facilities. SURA’s intramural research activities are collaborations with its member institutions, government agencies, and other researchers working to advance and exploit the transformative nature of information technology on the regional, national, and international fronts, and facilitating a better understanding of coastal, ocean and environmental phenomena that plays a prominent role in our lives.

Position Overview:

 The Human Resources Generalist will support the HR Director in managing the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department. This role involves a wide range of HR functions including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws. The ideal candidate will have prior experience as an HR Generalist, with a thorough understanding of HR policy and procedures. We are eager to find an HR Generalist who easily connects with people and has a detail-oriented mindset to handle the changing nature of the workforce. This is a hybrid in office role. It reports to our downtown Washington, DC office Tuesdays through Thursdays and is remote Mondays and Fridays.

To apply, please email your résumé and a brief cover letter to hr@sura.org.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reviews, tracks, and documents compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, professional licensure, and aptitude exams and certifications.
• Recruits, interviews, and facilitates the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
• Conducts or acquires background checks and employee eligibility verifications.
• Implements new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
• Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
• Handles employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
• Attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• At least one year of human resource management experience preferred.  

SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.