Human Resources Associate

at  Teachers College Columbia University

JOB SUMMARY/BASIC FUNCTION:

The Office of Human Resources at Teachers College, Columbia University, seeks a Human Resources Operations & Administration Associate to provide exceptional service to students, faculty, staff, vendors, and prospective employees.
The incumbent will support the Chief HR Officer (CHRO) and HR functions, contributing to core components of the employee life cycle — onboarding, employee events, and HR operations and administration. The HR Associate will also support operational and budget-related tasks under the supervision of the HR Manager, Employee Experience, and Strategic Operations.

EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE & HR PROCESS MANAGEMENT

• Manage the onboarding process, including auditing daily onboarding reports and collecting and e-verifying I-9 forms to ensure compliance with federal guidelines
• Monitor and track employment authorization and E-Verify processes, ensuring timely updates and resolutions of issues
• Manage employment verifications and reference requests, ensuring all requests are handled efficiently and accurately, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with College policies

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education, training, and experience
• At least one year of professional office experience, preferably in HR or a related field
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the I-9 Employment Verification process and the Federal E-Verify System
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, with the ability to learn HR-related software
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and diplomacy
• Experience providing high-quality service and support with a focus on enhancing the overall experience
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying issues, developing solutions, and implementing effective strategies
• Experience in managing projects from initiation to completion, with the ability to coordinate with cross-functional teams and adapt to changing project requirements
• Proven ability to embrace change and adapt to evolving organizational needs, demonstrating flexibility in responding to new challenges

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong understanding of HR principles, practices, and core accountabilities; committed to staying informed about industry trends and best practices; preferred HR certification (e.g., PHR or equivalent). Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Advanced skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and familiarity with Canva
• Aptitude and interest in HR technology i.e., Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).
• Experience in a higher education setting
• Knowledge of international visas and HR compliance best practices