HR Compliance Specialist

University of New England; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in higher education seeks a Compliance Specialist to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies. This pivotal role involves maintaining compliance throughout the employee lifecycle, collaborating with various teams, and acting as a liaison across departments. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and analytical skills, along with a keen attention to detail. Join a supportive community that empowers employees to make a positive impact while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package. If you're passionate about compliance and looking for a rewarding opportunity, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health and Dental Plans

Retirement Plan with 8% Match

Extensive Paid Leave

Educational Benefits

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in compliance, payroll, or HR required.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance-related records and ensure documentation is current.
• Collaborate with HR and Payroll teams on compliance communications.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources

Bachelor's Degree in Finance

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Compliance Specialist supports the Human Resources (HR) and Payroll teams by ensuring adherence to Federal and State regulatory requirements and internal policies. This role focuses on compliance programs throughout the employee lifecycle, ensuring that policies, practices, and processes are up to date and consistently applied. The Compliance Specialist collaborates with cross-functional teams and acts as a liaison between departments.

About the University of New England
UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.

UNE offers a generous comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The package includes varied health and dental plans; a retirement plan that includes up to an eight percent match; extensive paid leave including holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time; and educational benefits. Please visit the Human Resources Benefits site for additional information regarding UNE’s benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, track and organize compliance-related records, policies, and procedures for employees, such as employee handbooks, required trainings, Hepatitis B compliance, graduate tuition taxation benefit, occupational health and background checks.
• Ensure all documentation is current and accessible. Compile and track necessary documentation and reports for internal and external audits (e.g., background check records, tuition remission documentation). Work closely with all HR and payroll functions to ensure compliance across the employee lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Benefits and Payroll teams on communication and program delivery around ME PFML, Secure 2.0 and retirement regulations and other pertinent regulations.
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners and Learning & Development teams to coordinate training as needed (e.g., FLSA, Financial Benefits).
• Partner with the Assistant Director, Human Resources Compliance to interpret and communicate regulatory changes to relevant stakeholders to maintain compliance.
• Ensure the employee handbook and training materials reflect current compliance standards.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments (Legal, Finance & Administration, Colleges, etc.) to ensure compliance in all processes.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee inquiries related to compliance. Respond timely to faculty and professional staff employee concerns, partnering with other stakeholders as needed and recommending appropriate actions.
• Advise management on emerging compliance issues and the implementation or operation of compliance programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, finance, or a related field, with three to five years of experience in compliance, payroll, or human resources, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with regulations relevant to the employee lifecycle, including but not limited to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), background check programs, and retirement plans.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Professional certification (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP) is a plus.

EEO Statement Summary

Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.

Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity.

Posting Information

Posting Number: 2022PS0590P

Open Date: 01/13/2025

Close Date: Open Until Filled

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).