HR Operations Coordinator I (Non-Exempt)

Job Title: HR Operations Coordinator I (Non-Exempt)

Working Title: HR Operations Coordinator

Department: Human Resources

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Grade 9

Position Summary

The HR Operations Coordinator I serves as a front-line HR Shared Services professional providing

Tier I transactional support and customer service to faculty staff and temporary employees across

the University of Rhode Island. This role responds to routine HR inquiries processes employment

and data transactions and supports entry-level medical leave intake and referrals.

The Coordinator supports the execution of employee lifecycle processes including

pre-employment onboarding employment changes and offboarding in alignment with the Talent

Center of Excellence (COE). The position emphasizes accuracy service excellence and adherence

to established policies and procedures within a higher education environment.

Key Responsibilities

HR Shared Services & Customer Support

Serve as a first point of contact for HR inquiries via email phone and walk in channels (and

eventually a ticketing system).

Respond to routine questions related to:

Hiring and onboarding

Job changes and position data

Pay cycles and basic payroll questions

Benefits enrollment timelines and general coverage information

Time and attendance processes

Apply established scripts job aids and standard operating procedures to ensure consistent

service

Document and track employee inquiries within the HR service or ticketing system to ensure

timely response and resolution

Route inquiries requiring judgment policy interpretation or program guidance to appropriate

HR Operations or Talent COE partners

HR Transactions & Records

Process high-volume routine HR transactions with accuracy and timeliness across the

employee lifecycle including new hires rehires job changes and separations for faculty

staff and temporary employees.

Initiate and track onboarding workflows including distribution of required documentation and

monitoring completion of pre-employment requirements.

Maintain and update employee data within HRIS and related systems performing data entry

validation and basic audits to ensure accuracy and data integrity.

Ensure employee records are maintained in compliance with University policies collective

bargaining agreements and applicable regulations.

Entry Level Medical Leave Assistance

Serve as the initial intake support for medical leave inquiries including:

Providing basic information on medical leave types (e.g. FMLA medical leave paid

leave options)

Distributing forms and outlining submission steps

Logging leave requests and routing completed documentation to Tier II or leave

specialists

Provide basic information using established guidelines and route cases requiring

interpretation or coordination to Tier II or designated specialists

Process Support & Continuous Improvement

Identify recurring questions or issues and suggest updates to job aids FAQs or workflows

Participate in training to remain current on HR policies systems and higher education

practices

Identify recurring inquiries or process gaps and suggest improvements to enhance service

delivery and employee experience

Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

Minimum education of Associates degree or equivalent combination of education and

experience

1 2 years of administrative customer service or HR support experience

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standardized procedures

Clear professional written and verbal communication skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks in a high volume environment

Commitment to confidentiality and service excellence

Preferred

Bachelors degree

Experience in higher education public sector HR or shared services environments

Exposure to HRIS systems (e.g. PeopleSoft Workday Banner)

Experience supporting unionized environments

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Primarily office-based or remote work environment

Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer

May occasionally lift up to 15 pounds

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with

applicable federal and state laws.

Compensation & Benefits (Optional Section)

Hourly rate commensurate with experience

Eligibility for overtime pay

Benefits may include health insuranc