Human Resources Generalist

Bay Path University; Longmeadow (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA seeks a Human Resources Generalist to support HR operations across employee relations, benefits, leave management, compliance, HRIS, onboarding, offboarding, and engagement.

The role emphasizes exceptional customer service, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while ensuring adherence to university policies and federal/state laws.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field; master's preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive HR experience including employee relations and benefits.
• Experience with HRIS/payroll systems; Paycom preferred; familiarity with ERISA-regulated programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first HR contact and interpret policies.
• Assist managers with employee relations, policy interpretation, and performance management.
• Coordinate onboarding and new hire orientation; support offboarding and separations.
• Administer benefits programs and manage enrollments, leave, and COBRA.
• Ensure compliance with COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, OSHA; prepare required reporting.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Customer service

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Independent and collaborative work

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/related field

Master’s degree preferred

3+ years HR experience

Tools

Paycom

Jenzabar ERP

Job description

Human Resources Generalist / Supervisor: Human Resources Manager
Position Code: HRGEN
Status: Full-Time
Hours: M-F 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Job Location: Longmeadow Campus
Exempt (Yes/No): Yes

Job Summary

The Human Resources Generalist serves as a key member of the Human Resources team by supporting the University’s HR operations across employee relations, benefits administration, leave management, compliance, HRIS administration, onboarding, offboarding, and employee engagement initiatives. This position provides exceptional customer service to employees while ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws and University policies. The ideal candidate is collaborative, customer-focused, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgment.

Essential Job Functions

Employee Relations & HR Operations (30%)

• Serve as a first point of contact for employee HR questions and provide guidance regarding HR policies and procedures.
• Assist managers with employee relations matters, policy interpretation, and performance management.
• Support onboarding activities, including new hire orientation.
• Coordinate offboarding activities and separation processes.
• Coordinate ADA reasonable accommodation requests and support interactive process documentation.
• Assist with workplace investigations and maintain appropriate documentation.
• Prepare employment-related correspondence and maintain personnel files.
• Administer HRIS processes, including employee changes, workflow management, and system audits.
• Support HR communications and employee engagement initiatives.

Benefits & Leave Administration (30%)

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, HSA, FSA, HRA, COBRA, Educational Assistance Program, voluntary benefits, and paid time off programs.
• Coordinate new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, and benefit terminations.
• Administer FMLA, PFML, ADA, Workers' Compensation, and other leave programs.
• Serve as the primary liaison with insurance carriers, brokers, retirement vendors, and third‑party administrators.
• Coordinate annual Open Enrollment activities.
• Conduct benefits orientations for new employees.
• Support employee wellness initiatives and educational programs.
• Ensure timely communication of benefit changes to Payroll and vendors.

Compliance & Reporting (25%)

• Ensure compliance with COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, OSHA, federal and state leave laws, and other applicable employment regulations.
• Prepare and maintain documentation for ACA reporting, Forms 1094-C and 1095-C, PCORI, HIRD, OSHA reporting, and state leave renewals.
• Coordinate annual compliance notices, Summary Annual Reports, and retirement plan communications.
• Compile data and respond to requests for financial statement audits, retirement plan audits, Workers' Compensation audits, and other regulatory reviews.
• Track retirement eligibility requirements and maintain benefit records.
• Review monthly benefit invoices and reconcile enrollment with payroll and vendors.
• Prepare HR and benefits metrics and reports regularly.

HR Projects & Process Improvement (10%)

• Participate in HR technology initiatives and process improvement projects.
• Research employment law updates and HR best practices.
• Assist with the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Support special projects as assigned.

Administrative Responsibilities (5%)

• Prepare departmental correspondence and reports.
• Answer departmental phones and assist employees and visitors.
• Attend meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in University committees, meetings, and conferences as assigned.
• Support departmental and institutional initiatives.
• Operate University or personal vehicles in accordance with University policies when required for business purposes.
• Report any change in driver license status in accordance with University policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of Bay Path University.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible Human Resources experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Minimum of three (3) years of progressive Human Resources experience, including employee relations, benefits administration, leave management, HRIS administration, and compliance.
• Experience administering employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plans, HSA, HRA, FSA, COBRA, and voluntary benefits.
• Experience administering FMLA, PFML, ADA accommodations, Workers' Compensation, and other leave programs.
• Experience working with insurance brokers, carriers, retirement vendors, and third‑party administrators.
• Experience supporting Open Enrollment, new hire onboarding, and employee orientation.
• Experience with ACA reporting, retirement plan administration, and federal and state employment law compliance preferred.
• Experience with HRIS/payroll systems required; Paycom experience preferred. Knowledge of Jenzabar ERP is a plus.

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, OSHA, and applicable leave laws.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts employment law, including Wage and Hour regulations, preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Workspace.
• Ability to interpret and apply employment laws, University policies, and HR procedures.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to build positive working relationships with employees, managers, faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make well‑reasoned decisions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems, technologies, and HR processes.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends as business needs require.
• Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct.
• General knowledge of the University’s mission, values, and strategic goals, and the role of Human Resources in supporting institutional success.