Position Overview:

The Human Resources Administrator provides HR services and support to two closely linked units at MIT – the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) and the Sociotechnical Systems Research Center (SSRC). She/he supports all facets of the Human Resources function and provides consulting, advising, and input into strategic planning for HR functions. Collaborate on the development, administration and implementation of MIT HR policies, procedures, and activities including recruitment, employee relations, onboarding, training and staff development, rewards and recognition, performance management, compensation administration and analysis, HR policy interpretation and guidance, and personnel record keeping. Additional responsibilities will include producing reports, coordinating events, documenting procedures and participating in special projects. 

The position collaborates with the SSRC and IDSS administrative directors (DAFs) to identify HR needs; design and implement HR strategies and plans; ensure that all HR Programs comply with local legislation and MIT policies; and deliver high quality programs and services that result in improved performance and retention.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions**):

Partner with hiring managers to attract and select the most qualified candidates to fill open positions. Oversee a competitive and transparent recruitment process including creating job descriptions, preparing search plans for open positions, advertising jobs, screening and forwarding resumes to managers, conducting phone and in-person interviews, performing reference checks, ensuring integrity of the selection process and collaborating with hiring managers on salary offers.  

Advise PIs and staff in areas such as employee relations, rewards and recognition, onboarding, diversity and inclusion, recruitment, performance management, compensation, and HR policies and procedures. Establish and maintain positive, supportive relationships with management, faculty and staff.  Coach and serve as a resource in all areas of employee relations to effectively resolve issues and answer questions related to performance management, conflict, HR best practices, legal compliance, university policies and procedures with the goal of building knowledge and capacity among staff to improve work relationships, build morale and enhance job performance and productivity.

Process paperwork and transactions for employees, visiting students, visiting scholars, special visitors, postdoctoral fellows, postdoctoral associates, and temporary employees (i.e. hires, extensions, terminations, promotions, shifts in level of effort).  

Advise faculty and communicate with foreign appointees regarding visa acquisition. Make recommendations regarding visa type and timelines. Coordinate related HR transactional work. 

Partner with central HR and local units to develop and manage activities related to the successful onboarding and orientation of new postdocs, visitors and employees.

Conduct exit interviews;  provide information on unemployment benefits when applicable.

Partner with SSRC and IDSS DAFs in the annual review process including improving and communicating the procedure, providing guidance and coaching to employees and supervisors, gathering recommendations for and determining increases, inputting new salary information and distributing salary letters.  

In collaboration with DAFs, identifies opportunities for employee training and organizes and manages quarterly professional development seminar series on related topics such as data security, performance management and overviews of MIT policies.  Plans and delivers training offerings with appropriate MIT experts in HR, International Scholars Office, outside experts, etc. 

Qualifications & Skills: 

REQUIRED 

·      Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

·      Minimum of 4 years of direct human resources experience with general knowledge of basic human resources function areas such as recruitment, employee relations, compensation, policies and procedures, onboarding, labor relations, performance management and training.

·       Must have knowledge of federal and state local employment laws. 

·      Influences others to reach agreement, typically within own group or function.

·      Demonstrated ability to maintain the utmost level of confidentiality and effectively handle highly sensitive and personal information with sound judgment and discretion.

·      Strong employee-relations skills; must be able to earn trust and credibility, and respond effectively to all levels and varying personalities. 

·      Ability to work collaboratively within a team-based environment; effectively keeps team members and employees informed on the status of assignments.

·      Proven track record of excellent follow-through on assignments; demonstrated commitment to getting tasks accomplished. 

·      Strong customer service; ability to establish self as a “go-to” HR resource for the team, faculty and employees.

·      High sense of ethics, integrity and responsibility for own actions.

·      Flexibility, resilience and ability to adapt to changing work conditions and assignments.

·      Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·      Ability to prioritize tasks, handle competing work assignments and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality.

·      Self-motivated, able to work independently and seek out answers and/or resources on own.

·      Excellent organizational, analytical, active listening, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

·      Ability to anticipate problems and identify solutions. 

·      Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Internet proficiency required. Knowledge of or ability to learn human resource management systems.