Human Resources Administrative Manager

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Jerome L. Greene Science Center
• Salary Range: $78,000 - $85,000

Position Summary

Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute unites world-class scientists across diverse academic disciplines to conduct groundbreaking research that transforms our understanding of the brain and its influence on the mind and behavior.

As a leading neuroscience institute, our mission is to decipher the mind and brain to better understand behavior. Our researchers are committed to foundational science, uncovering the principles that shape how the brain develops, functions, and recovers.

With more than 50 labs, the Zuckerman Institute serves as a hub for collaboration, bringing together Columbia’s top scholars to drive research in bold new directions. Located in Manhattanville, our state-of-the-art Jerome L. Greene Science Center provides an inspiring home for discovery in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Under the general direction of the Director, HR Operations, the Human Resources Administrative Manager provides comprehensive administrative support for human resources operations at the Zuckerman Institute. The incumbent manages HR transactions related to academic appointments, reappointments, visiting student interns, and visa updates, while also supporting recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, and other HR administrative processes for faculty, researchers, staff, students, and visitors.

The Human Resources Administrative Manager serves as a key member of the HR team and provides high-quality, responsive customer service to a broad population of stakeholders. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that HR processes and transactions are completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with University policies and procedures. The role requires strong organizational, planning, prioritization, and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced academic and research environment.

Responsibilities

• Processes initiator-level transactions, including academic appointments, reappointments, and Template-Based Hires (TBHs), ensuring personnel information is accurate, complete, and processed in a timely manner and in accordance with University policies and procedures.
• Maintains HR tracking systems and manages administrative tasks associated with HR operational workstreams, utilizing systems and tools including PeopleSoft, Salesforce, Interfolio, TalentLink, Asana, and other University platforms.
• Prepares academic new hire nominations, template-based hire appointment and reappointment letters, and related documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Supports the administrative and support staff recruitment process by following TalentLink workflows, initiating background checks, preparing offer letters, and submitting finalists for required central HR approvals.
• Coordinates onboarding activities for academic, administrative, support, and other employee populations, as well as Visiting Student Interns, Short-Term Visitors, and other applicable categories.
• Supports new hire requirements, including UNI creation and activation, completion of new hire paperwork through DocuSign, JLG access, and I-9 completion.
• Supports visa-related HR administrative processes and updates in coordination with appropriate University offices.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date organizational charts and job descriptions and ensures documentation is appropriately maintained electronically.
• Supports the hiring and onboarding of student and non-student casual employees.
• Coordinates medical surveillance and visual compliance requirements for new hires, as applicable.
• Supports offboarding activities for academic, administrative, and NUSS employees, including distribution of exit documentation and completion of required Salesforce tasks.
• Supports year-end roster and eComp processing as directed.
• Provides administrative support for HR projects, initiatives, and other operational activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience required. 
• 2-4 years of relevant experience in Human Resources.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues at varying levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive personnel information appropriately.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while independently managing assigned responsibilities and priorities.
• Ability to interpret and follow University policies, procedures, and established processes and to navigate a complex academic or large organizational environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education, academic, research, or healthcare environment.
• Experience supporting Academic Affairs and Faculty Affairs.
• Familiarity with Columbia University systems and processes such as PeopleSoft, TalentLink, Interfolio, or similar HR and academic administration systems.
• Experience with Salesforce and Asana.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.