"Human Resources Specialist"

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Human Resources, this role oversees daily operations related to hiring, retention, and employee separations, ensuring compliance with University policies and federal, state, and local regulations, including EEO.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract a diverse pool of candidates.
• Source, screen, and schedule interviews for candidates to assess their qualifications and cultural fit.
• Manage the entire recruitment process for all new hires, promotions, and transfers, from job posting to offer negotiations and onboarding including, but not limited to: Constructing and sending appointment letters, Background checks, Sending correspondence as needed to pre-hires to ensure positive employment process, Ensuring HRIS system (Paycom) is accurate with payroll and HR data as required as well as uploading documents such as transcripts into the system, Emailing hiring managers instructions for onboarding, I-9 Verification; greeting new hires.
• Process all Tuition Remission forms each semester and work with Financial Aid to ensure accounts are updated.
• Responsible for creating and distributing the HR monthly newsletter.
• Works closely with the Senior Director to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase employee productivity and retention throughout the organization.
• Works with Senior Director and HR Manager to develop, streamline, update and distribute hiring guidelines to faculty and staff.
• Partners with other members of the HR team to ensure that internal processes are efficient; communicates effectively on all issues and priorities to ensure an optimal work environment.
• Conducts exit interviews for employees leaving the University. Reviews results with Senior Director to develop strategies to improve employee retention.
• Maintains unemployment database with Department of Labor.
• Provides backup support during the Student Employment Director’s absence or during peak periods assisting with the student data entry process, onboarding and clearance process.
• Serves as backup for adjuncts as well as payroll and benefits support during HR Manager’s absence or during peak periods.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.

Other Functions:

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) as well as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills as well as effective problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Effective relationship management at all levels of the organization, influencing and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of HR best practices, particularly around recruitment and retention strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and adherence to HIPPA and other related federal, state, and University employment law guidelines.
• Must be able to multitask in a highly productive environment.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment and be a self-starter while also being collaborative and a strong team player.
• Ability to learn new computer systems and applications quickly and effectively.
• Demonstrates a commitment to fostering and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 1-2 years’ relevant work experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws
• Proven experience in recruiting for a wide array of functions. Demonstrated results in developing and implementing recruiting strategies.

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse, and dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules / work from home opportunities (after probationary period)