Human Resources Generalist

The HR Generalist role at Princeton University supports employee relations, labor relations, and performance management by advising managers and employees on HR policies and employment-related matters. The position also helps ensure compliance, supports conflict resolution, and partners with internal teams to deliver training and workforce solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance and recommendations to managers and employees regarding HR policies, procedures, and employment-related matters.
• Conduct timely, thorough, and objective workplace investigations under general supervision, offering guidance and implementing recommendations as appropriate.
• Advise managers on performance management and progressive discipline processes in alignment with University policy and applicable bargaining agreements.
• Facilitate conflict and dispute resolution to support fair, consistent, and equitable employee treatment.
• Support client groups by helping ensure consistent, uniform, and fair application of University policies and procedures.
• Mitigate organizational risk through compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Monitor and stay current on labor and employment law developments, legal trends, and regulatory changes affecting HR practices.
• Partner with the University Learning and Development team to design and deliver training and development solutions for organizational and workforce needs.
• Collaborate with HR partners across accommodations, benefits, compensation, HRIS, and talent acquisition to deliver comprehensive employee solutions.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of HR policies, programs, processes, and tools related to performance management, employee engagement, communications, and relationship building.
• Process and administer HR transactions and employee lifecycle activities as needed.
• Participate in strategic HR initiatives, campus-wide projects, committees, and cross-functional working groups.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and facilitate discussions with small and large groups.
• Working knowledge of HR principles, employment laws, regulations, and best practices, with emphasis on employee relations.
• Familiarity with organizational development, talent management, and workforce effectiveness principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS systems, and data analysis tools.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and address complex employee relations matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to build credibility and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Strong collaboration, consultation, and influencing skills, with the ability to work independently and partner with stakeholders in a customer-focused environment.
• Excellent organization with strong attention to detail and a proactive approach.
• Proven success managing multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining high-quality outcomes and meeting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, CP, SCP, DDI) or equivalent.
• Experience in higher education and labor relations.
• Experience supporting unionized employee populations and interpreting collective bargaining agreements.

Tools and Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• HRIS systems
• Data analysis tools

Work Schedule and Employment Details

• Location: Princeton, NJ (onsite)
• Weekly hours: 36.25
• Overtime eligible: No
• Probationary period: 180 days
• Essential services personnel: No
• Physical capacity exam required: No
• Valid driver’s license required: No
• Experience level: Mid-Senior Level

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees