Professional Services Specialist 4

State Title: Professional Services Specialist 4
Bargaining Unit: CWA
Employment Type: 35 hours per week/Full-time
Internal salary: Range 18/$56,253.34 - $81,896.99
External salary: Range 18/$56,253.34 - $63,946.43
***UNION POSITIONS:***
The internal salary range is used for applicants who are current NJ state employees with underlying classified status for promotional calculations who meet the requirements below. The external salary range is used for candidates who are not NJ state employees who meet the requirements below.

About TCNJ
Founded in 1855, TCNJ offers a highly personalized and collaborative liberal arts education with over 7,400 undergraduates and 700 graduate students. The college is consistently ranked among the top comprehensive colleges in the nation, offering small classes, a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and an immersive living-learning experience. With a 4-year graduation rate ranked #1 in New Jersey and #9 among U.S. public institutions, TCNJ is a model for public higher education.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Employee and Labor Relations Manager, the Human Resources Generalist independently supports and administers a broad range of human resources functions, with primary responsibility in employee and labor relations, and secondary support in recruitment, benefits, and HR operations.The role serves as a key liaison to campus partners, providing guidance on HR policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements, while ensuring compliance with New Jersey Civil Service regulations, applicable laws, and institutional policies. The Generalist exercises sound judgment in handling sensitive matters, supports investigations and disciplinary processes, and contributes to the effective delivery of HR services across the institution.

Responsibilities:

Employee & Labor Relations

• Administer and support employee and labor relations activities, including disciplinary actions, grievance processing, and investigatory support.
• Draft and coordinate disciplinary documentation, including Preliminary and Final Notices of Disciplinary Action (PNDA/FNDA), ensuring compliance with Civil Service regulations and union contracts.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, policies, and procedures in responding to employee and management inquiries.
• Coordinate and track labor relations cases, ensuring adherence to strict regulatory and contractual timelines.
• Schedule and support investigatory interviews and hearings; document proceedings and maintain official records.
• Serve as a point of contact for union representatives regarding procedural matters, access, and coordination.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Coordinate HR transactions including hires, separations, reclassifications, and compensation-related changes, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain confidential employee records and labor relations files in accordance with legal and institutional requirements.
• Monitor and audit HR data (e.g., attendance, leave usage, benefits enrollment) to ensure consistency and policy compliance.
• Support workforce planning and position control processes.

Recruitment, Onboarding & Benefits Support

• Support recruitment and onboarding processes, including pre-employment screenings, background checks, and system entries.
• Facilitate onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure compliance and a positive employee experience.
• Assist with benefits administration, including enrollment, pension coordination, and reconciliation of HRIS and State systems.

Advisory & Training Support

• Serve as a first point of contact for HR-related inquiries, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Support the development and delivery of supervisor and staff training on HR topics, including employee relations and compliance.
• Assist in the development of HR communications, documentation, and process improvements.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of professional experience in Human Resources, preferably in employee or labor relations.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in different aspects of administration and business practices; including design and implementation of policy and procedures, vendor service contracts and improving and updating management practices.
• Working knowledge of Human Resources principles, employment law, and labor relations practices.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with direction.

Preferred:

• Experience in a public sector or higher education environment.
• Familiarity with New Jersey Civil Service regulations and collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., Oracle Cloud, Taleo).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or similar data tools.

Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in order to perform the essential functions of the position. If the requested accommodation(s) cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for the position.

Employer Qualifications
Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of an applicable background check, reference checks, and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form I-9).

Residency Requirement: In accordance with the New Jersey First Act P.L. 2011 c.70, effective September 1, 2011, new public employees in certain positions (faculty exempt) are required to obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment. Applicants must meet the requirements listed.
Accommodation: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview should contact hr@tcnj.edu.
Employee Benefits
As a member of The College of New Jersey Community, you will be a part of an exciting and rewarding public college career. Eligible full-time employees will be able to take advantage of a generous benefits package that includes health, welfare, and retirement benefits, including:
Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program
Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee affinity groups
New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park tickets, etc.)
Access to extensive learning opportunities
To view a comprehensive list of benefits available to employees, visit our Health Benefits Plans and Programs page to learn more!

SAME Applicants
If you are applying under the New Jersey "SAME" program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references by the closing date listed above to: same@tcnj.edu. For more information on the SAME program visit their website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at: 833-691-0404.

How to Apply
Qualified candidates should apply online and submit a letter of interest, resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be considered until a viable finalist has been found.

The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all backgrounds. We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and talents of all members of our community and strive to create an environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities for success. As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and integrity.

Primary Location: Administrative Services Building - Human Resources
Work Locations:
Administrative Services Building - Human Resources (Administrative Services Building - Human Resources)
2000 Pennington Rd
Ewing Township, 08628

Job: Staff
Organization: The College of New Jersey
Job Posting: Apr 20, 2026, 9:16:01 AM