HR Generalist I - Office of Human Resources
Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh, PA
- On site
- Full-time
- $55,000 / year
- Pittsburgh, PA
Job highlights
- Support university faculty and staff careers.
- Manage HR transactions and programs.
- Assist with workforce planning and recruitment.
- Interpret HR policies and provide guidance.
- Collaborate with HR Business Partners.
About the role
About the Office of Human Resources
The Office of Human Resources at Carnegie Mellon University is dedicated to supporting the success of our faculty and staff throughout their entire careers with the university. We advance the Carnegie Mellon 2025 strategic plan by implementing efficient, effective, and agile business practices tailored to the needs of a growing university community. Our goal is to recruit and retain exceptional talent at every level while fostering a culture of professional excellence and personal growth.Human Resources Generalist Role
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) is currently hiring a Human Resources Generalist to join their team. This role will be responsible for performing HR-related duties on a professional level and working closely with the HR Business Partner in supporting designated college and administrative units. You will collaborate on a broad range of HR activities, allowing for seamless employee experience.Core Responsibilities
- Entering staff transactions into Workday on a regular basis, approving Workday transactions and serving as a subject matter expert in Workday.
- Coordinating HR programs and activities for assigned college/division.
- Working closely with the assigned HR Business Partner and other HR and campus partners to assist with:
- Workforce Planning: assisting HR Business Partner in gathering information and data, ensuring systems accurately reflect open position data, supervisory organization data, etc.
- Performance Management: monitoring completion of provisional period and annual performance reviews, providing general guidance and assisting with routine questions on performance review processes/tools, running reports and assisting with tracking progress, may also assist with training and communications.
- Off-boarding: assisting with the separation and exit interview process.
- Recruitment: may assist with submitting position/job requisition requests, preparing offer letters, and helping Hiring Managers during the onboarding process.
- Employee Relations: interpreting and providing guidance on policies and procedures, making recommendations for appropriate application of policies/exceptions, preparing basic disciplinary letters for the HR Business Partner.
- Acting as a liaison with other units and working closely with HR colleagues in support of assigned client areas.
- Researching and gathering background information, preparing reports, conducting audits, analyzing and providing sound recommendations to departments and HR Business Partners.
- Actively engaging in the implementation of the OHR’s strategic plan and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.Demonstrated Skills and Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of HR practices and related laws and regulations.
- Exceptional service orientation to support clients and deal with sensitive issues.
- Track record of success in developing and maintaining constructive and cooperative working relationships with diverse stakeholders and colleagues.
- Critical thinking skills to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Effective oral and written communication as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Active listening skills to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made.
- High attention to detail, an ability to multi-task, and capability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
- Advanced computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to effectively prioritize and manage a high volume of transactions and activities within a fast-paced environment.
- Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative.
- Ability to manage small to medium projects and/or be an engaged project team member.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or related field required.
- 1-3 years of Human Resources and customer service experience required.
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
- PHR or SHRM-CP highly desired.
- Experience in a complex, matrixed organization with varied business units and decentralized processes highly desired.
- Experience with Workday or related HRIS systems highly desired.
- Experience handling confidential information.
- Experience with processing multi-state and/or international HR related transactions.
- Prior higher education experience a plus.
Requirements
- Successful background check.
Additional Information
- This is a full-time (37.5 hours), non-exempt, position based in Pittsburgh, PA.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid work schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence of 3 days a week, 2 days remotely (Pittsburgh, PA based).
- Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit; only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
Benefits and Perks
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits. Benefits-eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!Our Values
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations. Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!Key skills/competency
- HR Generalist
- Human Resources
- Workday
- HRIS
- Performance Management
- Employee Relations
- Recruitment
- Policy Interpretation
- Confidentiality
- Customer Service
Skills & topics
- HR Generalist
- Human Resources
- Workday
- HRIS
- Performance Management
- Employee Relations
- Recruitment
- Policy Interpretation
- Confidentiality
- Customer Service
- Higher Education
- Pittsburgh
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 1-3 years of HR and customer service experience, Workday proficiency, and any higher education background.
- Showcase your skills: Emphasize your strong HR knowledge, exceptional service orientation, critical thinking, and communication abilities.
- Address qualifications: Clearly state your Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and any preferred certifications like PHR or SHRM-CP.
- Highlight experience: Detail your experience in complex organizations and handling confidential information.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your problem-solving skills and how you manage high-volume tasks with attention to detail.
Technical preparation
Master Workday HRIS functionality.,Practice HR policy interpretation scenarios.,Familiarize with performance review processes.,Strengthen Microsoft Office Suite skills.
Behavioral questions
Describe handling sensitive employee data.,How do you prioritize multiple HR tasks?,Give an example of a difficult HR problem.,How do you build relationships with diverse staff?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the work arrangement for the HR Generalist position at Carnegie Mellon University?
- The HR Generalist position at Carnegie Mellon University operates on a hybrid work schedule. This involves an on-campus/in-office presence of 3 days per week, with 2 days of remote work. The role is based in Pittsburgh, PA.
- What are the primary HR systems used in this HR Generalist role?
- The primary HR system mentioned for this HR Generalist role is Workday. Experience with Workday or similar HRIS systems is highly desired, as you will be entering and approving transactions and serving as a subject matter expert.
- What level of experience is required for the HR Generalist position at Carnegie Mellon?
- The HR Generalist position requires 1-3 years of Human Resources and customer service experience. A Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field is also required, though a combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Does Carnegie Mellon University offer visa sponsorship for the HR Generalist role?
- No, Carnegie Mellon University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this HR Generalist opportunity. Applicants must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU is not a qualifying employer for STEM OPT.
- What are the key responsibilities of the HR Generalist at Carnegie Mellon University?
- Key responsibilities for the HR Generalist include entering and approving staff transactions in Workday, coordinating HR programs, assisting with workforce planning, performance management, off-boarding, and recruitment. You will also interpret HR policies, provide guidance on employee relations, and act as a liaison with other units.
- What benefits are offered to employees at Carnegie Mellon University?
- Carnegie Mellon University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings program, tuition benefits, ample paid time off, life and disability insurance, a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, and access to their Family Concierge Team and fitness center.
- Is the HR Generalist position full-time or part-time?
- The HR Generalist position is a full-time role, working 37.5 hours per week. It is classified as a non-exempt, regular staff position.