Human Resources Manager - Bay Path University

JOB SUMMARY:

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing HR operations, managing day-to-day HR activities, and ensuring compliance with all relevant policies and regulations. A key member of the HR team, the HR Manager plays a pivotal role in implementing HR policies, supporting employee relations, and managing the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). This position will also provide backup support for recruitment, benefits administration, and offboarding while driving data-informed decision-making, operational efficiencies, and contributing to the University's overall HR strategy.

This position requires an individual who possesses exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, demonstrates professionalism and discretion, and thrives in a results-oriented environment. The HR Manager must excel at handling sensitive and confidential materials, adapt to changing priorities, and foster a collaborative, service-oriented atmosphere, and possess knowledge of HR departmental functions of the employee lifecycle.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

HR Operation, Compliance & Reporting

• Oversee daily HR operations, leveraging data to optimize workflows and improve service delivery.
• Identify opportunities for process automation and operational improvement, including rolling out self-service features in HRIS and support change management and communication plans.
• Support the AVP with team performance and coordinate professional development initiatives for the team fostering a collaborative and data-informed culture within the team.
• Support the AVP with updating the Operations Manual on an annual basis and manage the Annual Policy Acknowledgement and Conflict of Interest process tracking participation and compliance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws in over thirty-five states and University policies, including maintaining the HR compliance calendar, ensuring the HR portal is updated and supporting audits.
• Manages United Educators platform and ensure compliance with the annual employee training process.
• Manage the annual DVR check process to ensure compliance with insurance.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices, ensuring standard operating procedures for the department.
• Manage the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and ensure data integrity.
• Generate HR metrics, analytics, and reports to support decision-making and strategy. Create and manage dashboards and reports to provide insights into HR metrics, including recruitment, retention, compliance, and engagement trends.
• Manage data requests and provide timely and accurate reporting, including generating reports for the annual retirement, payroll and workers compensation audits/renewals.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Employee Relations

• Provide training to managers on employee relations and fostering engagement to reduce turnover and misconduct.
• Serve as the primary investigator for employee misconduct issues, ensuring fair and thorough resolutions in accordance with University policies and legal standards.
• Work closely with managers on disciplinary matters and separations related to misconduct, providing guidance and support throughout the process.
• Advise and coach management on employee misconduct issues to promote positive working relationships, improve morale, and reduce turnover.
• Serves as the Title IX representative in HR.
• Use data and trend analysis to proactively address employee relations issues, foster positive workplace dynamics, and support retention strategies.
• Partner with HR leadership to drive initiatives that improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Manage the University's unemployment request across all states, including the timely processing of fees and maintaining active or inactive accounts.
• Manage state unemployment insurance process.

Recruitment, Benefits Administration, and Offboarding Support

• Provide data-backed insights to enhance recruitment strategies, ensuring efficiency and alignment with institutional goals.
• Support benefits administration and offboarding, leveraging data to improve processes and monitor program effectiveness.
• Back up recruitment, onboarding, and benefits functions as needed during peak periods, vacation coverage or staffing transitions.

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, efficiency, and clarity in executing all assigned responsibilities and support knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Some travel required to Boston location.
• Manage or participate in special HR projects, as directed by the AVP for People and Culture.
• Participate in trainings and development activities to stay current on HR best practices and legal updates.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the University.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree in Human Resources or a related discipline preferred.
• At least 5 years of progressive HR experience, including HR operations, compliance, and employee relations.
• Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) strongly preferred.
• Experience in higher education or a non-profit environment preferred.
• Experience managing HR systems (HRIS) and utilizing data analytics to inform decision-making.
• Proven experience with multi-state compliance, including navigating employment laws and regulations across various states.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive investigations, employee relations cases, and resolution processes.
• Familiarity with Title IX regulations and their application in an employment context.
• Familiarity with recruitment processes, benefits administration, and offboarding procedures.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to generate, interpret, and present HR metrics, dashboards, and reports.
• Advanced proficiency in HR systems (e.g., ADP, Hirezon or other) and Google Workspace (Gmail, docs, slides, etc.) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting .
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with employees, managers, and leadership at all levels.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Knowledge of best practices in employee relations, compliance, and the employee lifecycle.
• Adept at identifying opportunities for operational efficiencies and process improvements.
• Results-oriented, with a strong focus on achieving operational goals and aligning them with institutional strategy.
• Proactive and adaptable, with the ability to navigate and lead through change.
• Collaborative and service-oriented, fostering positive relationships within the HR team and the broader University community.
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and staying updated on HR trends, practices, and legal updates.
• Ability to adhere to University policies and procedures.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and within FERPA and HIPAA guidelines.
• All new employees must complete the FERPA, Anti-Harassment, and any other required online trainings within 15 days of employment.
• Should be committed to a culture of diversity, equity, respect and inclusion; demonstrated ability to build working relationships with people having a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences different from ones' own.
• General knowledge of the University's mission, purpose and goals and the role this position plays in achieving those goals.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Bay Path University is a diverse community devoted to proactively nurturing a campus-wide culture that promotes and ensures equity, respect, inclusion and safety for all members regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, socio-economic background, or physical ability. We are one University that opens our hearts and minds to conversations, to learning and to creating a community that is welcoming of all. Regardless of position, it is expected that each employee will embrace this commitment and demonstrate an attitude of respect toward and acceptance of all members of our community.