Position Title: HR Specialist,Sr

Employee Classification: HR Specialist,Sr

College/Division: Administration and Finance

Department: 510039-BENEFIT SERVICES

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $53,165.80

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  Join our team! We seek a detail-oriented, customer-focused professional with strong critical thinking and communication skills. Apply today—this posting may fill multiple positions.

Classification Summary:
Provides complex university level consultation and advisement in a specialized area of Human Resources Services. Provides professional guidance, coordination, and support in the specialized area. Administers and maintains various related data management systems, and coordinates and facilitates implementation of corporate-level programs and initiatives.

Classification Standard Duties:
Provides training and instruction to senior level administration and Human Resources liaisons as appropriate in the application of human resources programs, policies, and procedures. Researches and analyzes competitive practices in the market. Develops and writes documents. Maintains and updates databases and web sites as appropriate; consults with HR systems analysts regarding problems with programming and data integrity, and makes recommendations for system enhancements. Plans, coordinates, facilitates, administrates, and reports programs for regular faculty and staff employees. Acts as a primary point of contact and consultant for the senior management and University community, as appropriate. Develops, writes, edits, and modifies operating policies, guidelines, and procedures, as appropriate. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Five (5) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of federal, state, and university laws, guidelines, and procedures in specialized area.; SKILLS:Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Records maintenance skills. Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications. Conflict resolution and/or mediation skills. Interviewing and data collection skills. Skill in developing policy and procedure documentation.; ABILITIES:Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to write reports containing technical information. Ability to interpret, analyze, and advise on the application of laws and regulations to all employment and academic actions related to specialized area. Ability to document work in progress. Ability to lead and train staff and/or students. Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials. Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions. Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops. Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
This is a senior level position in the Benefit Services department under the university's central Human Resource Services unit. The HR Specialist Senior will serve as a team leader in ensuring consistency of processes; compliance with NMSU policies, federal, state, and local regulations; and serve as a team partner/consultant in advising; guiding; and processing actions related to benefits (administering leave programs, particularly Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), retirement programs, insurance plans) for all university staff and faculty. This position will support Benefit Services and HR Service Center personnel by consulting and advising on difficult and unusual circumstances. Assisting with researching, analyzing, and recommending solutions to meet the needs of the university. As a senior specialist, this position will be designated as the primary functional specialist for projects that require participation and are related to benefit programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Celeste Uzueta, cemartin@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.