Job of the Week: Human Resources Generalist

This week’s featured job is a Human Resources Generalist within the Human Resources Solutions Center (job posting 935213). MSU Human Resources works to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel, and support services for the MSU Community. 

HR Generalists in the MSU Human Resources Solutions Center are part of a cross-functional team that supports many of the day-to-day basic human resources needs of MSU units and their faculty and staff. In this position, you will perform moderately complex transactional tasks in the HR-Payroll system, applicant tracking system, and other HR systems by applying business rules, data rules, payroll processing rules, policies, and union contractual requirements. You should feel comfortable explaining and applying federal and state laws, union contracts, and university policies to provide information and resolve issues for MSU departments, employees, and retirees.

The future HR Generalist will also respond to and investigate inquiries concerning HR issues such as employment, benefits eligibility and enrollment, time, attendance, pay, retirement, employee relations, and internal and external audits. You will also provide information to employees and departments about each area of HR to advise them of options, opportunities, benefits, and rights. 

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in human resources, a related social science field, business or a related field. Six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in human resources is required. We are seeking an adaptable, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated professional with excellent customer service skills. 

To learn more, visit the MSU Human Resources website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by March 26

Job of the Week: Undergraduate Program Secretary

This week’s featured job is an Undergraduate Program Secretary for the College of Nursing (job posting 10033616). The College of Nursing advances the health of individuals, communities, and populations through inclusive and equitable nursing education, research, scholarship, and practice. 

In this position, you will provide secretarial support in the Office of Academic Affairs for the Undergraduate Program, its leadership team, and faculty with undergraduate teaching responsibilities. You will primarily support the Assistant Dean and Undergraduate Program Coordinator in the Office of Academic Affairs. 

In order to support faculty associated with the undergraduate program, you will draft syllabi, order textbooks and office supplies, process reimbursements, maintain files, make travel arrangements, maintain calendars, sort mail, post web documents, and interact with faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, you may have supervisory oversight over students employed in the College of Nursing. This position has the potential for remote work ability for up to 2 days a week. The Undergraduate Secretary is also expected to uphold the values of the College of Nursing including their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

The ideal candidate will have knowledge normally acquired through a high school education and three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience. Knowledge of the university policies and procedures, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently with little oversight is desired.
To learn more, visit the College of Nursing website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references on the MSU Careers website by March 12.

Job of the Week: Communications Manager I

This week’s job of the week is for a Communications Manager I position in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics within the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (job posting 932698). The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE), one of the leading applied economics departments in the U.S., is ranked #1 in the world in the global ranking of agricultural and applied economics departments. The Food Security Group within AFRE is a self-organized team established in the early 1980s that works with local partners in developing countries to carry out empirically based policy-oriented scholarly research, engagement, and capacity-building focused on problems of global food security.

This job includes but is not limited to cooperating closely with the co-directors and other faculty of AFRE’s Food Security Group (FSG) to write, edit, and create materials (including video) on the activities and outputs of grant-funded international projects suitable for a variety of audiences. There is a strong emphasis on digital communications using the web, content management systems, and social media platforms. There is also the opportunity to travel to project sites in developing countries and to engage with communications specialists in partner organizations in those countries.

The desired candidate will be a self-starter with an outgoing personality who feels comfortable positively representing a team. Ideally, this position is best suited for a team player who can also work independently in a fast-paced environment, make sound decisions, and prioritize tasks effectively. Attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills are desired.

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year degree in journalism, telecommunications, or public relations. One to three years of experience in public relations, marketing, graphic design, web design, publication production, and social media management is required. A background in social sciences and/or agriculture and natural resources is desired but not required to apply.

If you’re interested in applying, please learn more about the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics within the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and apply for this position by March 19.

Job of the Week: Support and Intake Coordinator

This week’s featured job is a Support and Intake Coordinator with the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance (OCR) (job posting 931121). The OCR supports the campus community in creating and maintaining a safe environment and a culture of respect through educating all campus community members regarding how to prevent, identify, appropriately respond to, and report discrimination.

Your primary responsibilities will include case management and the coordination of support and campus resource referrals for MSU community members. Using trauma-informed and inclusive communication, you will receive and respond to reports of harassment and discrimination (including sexual misconduct) by phone, in-person, and/or virtual or digital platforms. You will also assess reported information for applicable potential policy violations.

This position will offer campus and partner support by developing public-facing resource materials to support the process and provide transparency. You will also identify and collaborate with key campus partners to develop inter-office protocols for specific types of supportive measures. You will represent the office through service on university committees as well as develop internal protocols and processes to improve the efficiency and consistency of the process. This work includes the preparation of case reports and ongoing development related to Civil Rights and Higher Education. 

Desired qualifications for this position include knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing one to two years of college or an Associate’s degree program in business, psychology, social work, criminal justice or a related field. Three to five years of related working experience in coordinating needs and services, collecting information and maintaining data collection is also recommended. 

To learn more, visit the OCR website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to the MSU Careers website by March 12. 

Job of the Week: Solutions Center Aide

This week’s featured job is a temporary/on-call position for a Professional Aide in the MSU Human Resources (HR) Solutions Center (job posting 931311). The HR Solutions Center provides customer service and supports many of the day to day basic human resources needs of MSU units and their faculty, staff, and students. 

In this position, you will perform transactional tasks in various HR systems, such as the HR payroll system and/or applicant tracking system, by applying business rules, data rules, payroll processing rules, policies, and union contractual requirements. You will be expected to explain and apply federal and state laws, union contracts, and university policies and procedures to provide information and resolve issues for MSU units, departments, employees, and retirees. 

You will help maintain HR databases and other types of HR records, including employee records in the HR payroll system, job posting records in the applicant tracking system, criminal background check information in relevant systems, compliance information in Equifax and more. You will also perform research, special project support, and education functions in the area of compliance with employment eligibility policies and laws (CBC, I-9, etc.). 

Desired qualifications for this role include being adaptable, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated with at least six months work experience in an HR-specific role. Substantial knowledge or experience using some of the HR-related systems currently used by MSU Human Resources is desired but not required (SAP/EBS, PageUp, Equifax, HireRight, Image Now, I-Chat). Familiarity with MSU employment policies and contracts is also desired. 
To learn more, visit the MSU Human Resources website. To apply for this temporary/on-call position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the Careers at MSU website by February 27.

Job of the Week: Global Security Coordinator

This week’s featured job is a Global Safety Coordinator for International Studies and Programs (job posting 930036). International Studies and Programs (ISP) is the hub for international research, teaching, and outreach at Michigan State University. 

In this position, you will serve as a member of the Office for Global Health, Safety and Security and support operational management of international health and safety matters. In collaboration with both the Director and Senior Coordinator of Global Health, Safety and Security, you will oversee office management, analysis, travel preparedness and plan response strategies to promote and protect the well-being of MSU travelers. 

You will share 24/7 coverage for international emergencies and the main telephone number/email address for Global Safety. This includes monitoring international incidents or worldwide events that may affect MSU travelers abroad. You will develop plans and guidelines to provide clear safety protocols while supporting department communication efforts through website updates, email newsletters, and university-wide communications. 

Occasional domestic and international travel will be required for conferences/training or site assessments. This is a hybrid position with the expectation that you will work on campus three days a week and remote for two. 

Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be required by completing a four-year degree in a related field such as International Relations, Foreign Language, Communication, or similar is required. Three to five years of related experience in emergency coordination, international travel and security, or campus crisis/risk management is also required. You should have prior experience living, studying or working abroad.

To learn more, visit the International Studies and Programs website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by February 20. 

Spartans of Impact: Keeping Campus Safe This Winter

This article was written by Sean Keast, Communications Coordinator for the Offices of the EVPA & Senior VP, CFO and Treasurer.

With over 50,000 students, and over 10,000 staff and faculty, MSU is comparable to a small city. Since its footprint is so large, MSU is home to a large variety of experts required not only for important research and academia but for daily operations as well. Recently, this expertise was displayed during adverse weather conditions, such as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that MSU is all too familiar with. The winter weather can pose commuting hazards and delays, especially when driving on a blustery day. It’s no small feat to clear the over 200 miles of roads and sidewalks around the campus, MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Landscape Services department runs snow crews night and day to combat the elements.

“Our snow removal crew is exceptional, and they get the job done.” said Dan Bollman, Senior Vice President for Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, “On any given snow day, we deploy sixty-plus people across all of campus to ensure that students, faculty and staff can safely get to where they need to go.”

Christina Brogdon, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, said “The impact and significance of the Landscape Services team cannot be overstated. Dedicated and talented employees like them, are truly what makes MSU a special place to work – where every person, role, and contribution matters.”  

Outside of their regular campus maintenance duties throughout the year, snow and ice removal is handled primarily by the Landscape Services team. MSU’s “Snow Season” is between Nov. 1 and April 1, and during that period the staff at Landscape Services are on call in the event of snowfall. Year by year the demands change greatly, and rapid changes in weather conditions can cause shifts to be handed out with an hour’s notice or scheduled in eight-to-sixteen-hour blocks starting any time, day or night. During the winter months, Landscape Services staff start at five in the morning.

“We start that early so that we can beat the commute – people going to work, classes, etc. The crews take a lot of pride in it,” said Matthew Bailey, Service Manager for Landscape Services. “As a manager, taking care of the crews is just as important as the snow itself, and we work to keep the crews fed and comfortable during their odd hours. Whenever we have to call the crews in overnight, we give Brody Hall a call and let them know that we will have 60 or so people coming in for breakfast.” He laughed, “We’ve even run around with burgers or doughnuts before, making sure everyone gets fed.”

The commitment and pride demonstrated by the Landscape Services staff, under the leadership of individuals like Matthew Bailey, exemplifies a collective endeavor to navigate the unpredictable challenges the elements pose. Their dedication not only underscores the significance of teamwork but also mirrors the exceptional community spirit that defines Michigan State University.

Job of the Week: Core Procurement Buyer

This week’s featured job is a Core Procurement Buyer for University Procurement and Logistics (job posting 928832). University Procurement and Logistics competitively solicits, negotiates commercial contracts, and issues orders for goods and services in support of MSU’s mission.

In this position, you will be responsible for purchasing a variety of complex commodities, specifically for MSU Extension, research, and farm management, requiring extensive knowledge and expertise. Negotiating and executing complex, large-dollar purchases is required. You will collaborate with university stakeholders and subject matter experts to obtain the best value on complex commodities in support of MSU. You will participate in a team of procurement professionals to evaluate purchase requisitions for appropriateness, content, compliance, and clarity. 

The Core Procurement Buyer will also manage the procurement process by writing, issuing, and soliciting requests for information, proposals, and/or quotations (RFIs, RFPs, and/or RFQs). You will assemble stakeholder specifications for complex, unique, and large-scale purchases, determine suppliers to be solicited, evaluate proposals, and prepare bid analyses. You will also source suppliers by selecting the proper procurement methodology and demonstrate strong negotiation skills while partnering with MSU legal and risk management offices. 

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration with relevant coursework in marketing, business law, finance, public relations or computer science, along with five to eight years of related work experience. An advanced degree in supply chain, STEM, or law field and demonstrated knowledge in supply chain compliance is desired. 

To learn more, visit the University Procurement and Logistics website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by February 13, 2024. 

Job of the Week: Executive Assistant at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts

This week’s featured job is an Executive Assistant position at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts (job posting 925710). The Wharton Center offers the best in Broadway, performing arts, theatre, and live events in Michigan.

In this position, you will assist the Executive Director and senior management within the Wharton Center. A combination of organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication to ensure the smooth functioning of the executive’s office is required. This includes maintaining the Executive Director’s calendar/schedule, organizing and preparing for meetings (including gathering documents and logistics of meetings), and attending meetings and recording notes as needed. You will also support the Wharton Center Advisory Council and DEI Committee.

You will manage communication on behalf of the Executive Director and perform office management tasks, including maintaining records and ordering supplies. You will serve as organization contact for university travel and assist with travel reimbursements. The work location for this position is in East Lansing in the Wharton Center offices with the opportunity for a 20% remote schedule, based on scheduled events. 

You should have knowledge normally acquired through a high school education, however, a bachelor’s degree is desired. Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive university work experience in maintaining account ledgers, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software is required. This position requires excellent computer skills, including a high degree of proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. 

To learn more, visit the Wharton Center website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by February 6, 2024.

Job of the Week: HR Assistant Director of Benefits

This week’s featured job is for a Human Resources Assistant Director to join our Benefits Team in MSU Human Resources (job posting 923638). Here in MSU Human Resources (HR), we work to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel, support, and services for the MSU community. 

In this position, you will work under the direction of the Director of Benefits to administer multiple benefit programs from the point of vendor selection to implementation and address any service issues that may arise. You will also work with the Director to sustain, promote, and grow benefit programs in support of the strategic plan including data analysis, compliance-related analysis, and identifying the impact on systems.

You will manage multiple programs for HR Benefits. This will involve negotiating with vendors over service and benefits costs and assisting the Director of Benefits in the overall administration of the benefits function, including acting as a proxy for the Director as needed during absences. You will have a broad impact on HR and the university by investigating new benefits programs, improving existing programs, supervising benefits administration, and providing analytical and technical support in the delivery of the benefits programs to the MSU community.

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Human Resources or a related field. Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible work experience in employee benefits administration is required. Desired qualifications include experience with ERISA and COBRA plans, Medicare and Medicaid coordination, ACA reporting, supervision of a team of managers, and PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM- SCP, and CEBS certification.
To learn more, visit the MSU Human Resources website. To apply for the position, please submit your resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by February 6.