HR Associate

Northeastern University; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University in Boston seeks an HR Associate to provide guidance on hiring, onboarding, and compliance. You will collaborate with HR partners, staff, and managers to resolve issues related to data accuracy, benefits, payroll, and time tracking.

This position emphasizes administrative support with a hybrid work arrangement. The role reports to the Manager of HR Administration and requires a customer‑focused, detail‑oriented professional with MS Office/SharePoint experience and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 3–5 years of HR experience with strong customer service.
• Knowledge of HR policies, employment laws, data accuracy, and benefits.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and accuracy.
• Experience with MS Office, SharePoint, and Workday preferred.

Responsibilities

• Onboard new hires, manage communications, and complete I-9 processes.
• Execute Workday transactions including offers, job changes, and terminations.
• Guide managers through position management and onboarding processes.
• Identify gaps and help deliver training and improve processes.
• Conduct regular data audits and correct data errors.
• Manage hiring of temporary non-student workers and maintain personnel files.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organization

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

SharePoint

Spreadsheet

Database

Presentation

Workday

Job description

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The HR Associate provides expertise and guidance to managers and staff on a wide range of human resources functions in support of their portfolio, including but not limited to, hiring, onboarding, offboarding, position management, training, performance development and compliance practices for full-time, part-time, temporary, and international employment. The Associate works closely with HR Business Partners, Staff, Managers and University HR colleagues to resolve issues related to hiring, data accuracy, benefits, payroll, compliance, time tracking, etc. The ideal candidate will bring a strong customer service orientation, a proactive mindset, and a passion for working collaboratively with different teams. This role is heavily focused on administrative and operational support, requiring strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities effectively. This position is based in Boston and qualifies for a hybrid work arrangement. The HR Associate will report to the Manager of HR Administration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and skills typically obtained through a related bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• At least 3-5 years of human resources experience.
• Knowledge of human resources policies/procedures, programs and related employment laws.
• Ability to think critically and quickly apply new concepts.
• Proven ability to effectively work with competing priorities and with an agile, flexible approach.
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to handle sensitive information, work effectively with all levels of the organization, and resolve issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Strong organization skills, attention to detail, and follow-through skills are essential.
• Proven ability in performing tasks with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced MS Office proficiency, including SharePoint, spreadsheet, database, presentation.
• Ability to learn new technology and systems quickly and apply them to daily tasks.
• Workday experience preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Act as the primary point of contact when onboarding new hires, including new hire communications and I9s.
• Execute Workday transactions including offers, job changes, compensation changes, and terminations.
• Serving as a knowledgeable resource for managers, guiding them through position management, hiring, onboarding, job changes, and other processes.
• Identify training and resource gaps, help devise and deliver training and other resources needed; identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Proactively and routinely conduct data audits and remedy data errors.
• Provide excellent customer service by responding to inquiries from staff and managers as appropriate, directing employees to the appropriate HR Business Partner as needed.
• Independently manage the hiring of temporary non-student workers.
• Maintaining personnel files and records.
• Providing event and logistical support with training and engagement activities.
• Retrieving, organizing, and compiling data as requested.
• Participate in a variety of special projects, initiatives and other assignments that improve the candidate experience, employee experience and/or the level of services delivered to the University.

POSITION TYPE

Human Resources

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees.

• medical
• vision
• dental
• paid time off
• tuition assistance
• wellness & life
• retirement- as well as commuting & transportation.

Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 108S Expected Hiring Range: $60,315.00 - $85,192.50 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—which includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.