Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for HR Coordinator
💰 $45,000 - $65,000
🎯 Role Definition
The HR Coordinator is the foundational support and administrative engine of the Human Resources department. This role serves as a primary point of contact for employees, candidates, and internal stakeholders, ensuring the seamless execution of HR processes and programs. Acting as the central nervous system for the employee lifecycle, the HR Coordinator handles critical administrative tasks from recruitment and onboarding to employee relations and offboarding. This position is pivotal in creating a positive and efficient employee experience and maintaining the integrity and compliance of HR data and documentation. They are the go-to person for HR-related inquiries and the trusted partner who enables the broader HR team to focus on strategic initiatives.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- HR Assistant
- Administrative Assistant
- Recruiting Coordinator
Advancement To:
- HR Generalist
- Talent Acquisition Specialist / Recruiter
- Junior HR Business Partner
Lateral Moves:
- Benefits Administrator
- Payroll Coordinator
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Act as the first point of contact for employee inquiries regarding HR policies, procedures, and benefits, escalating complex issues to the appropriate HR team member.
- Coordinate and facilitate the entire new hire onboarding process, from sending offer letters and initiating background checks to leading orientation sessions and ensuring a seamless day-one experience.
- Meticulously maintain and update employee data in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), ensuring the highest level of accuracy and data integrity for all records.
- Manage the I-9 verification process for all new hires, ensuring full compliance with federal regulations and conducting regular internal audits of documentation.
- Provide comprehensive administrative support for the recruitment process, including posting job openings on various platforms, scheduling interviews across multiple time zones, and communicating with candidates.
- Assist in the administration of employee benefits programs, including answering basic employee questions, supporting the open enrollment process, and processing qualifying life event changes.
- Prepare and process all employee change-of-status paperwork, including promotions, transfers, and compensation adjustments, and ensure all necessary system updates are completed.
- Coordinate the offboarding process for departing employees, including preparing separation agreements, scheduling exit interviews, and managing the return of company property.
- Maintain confidential and sensitive employee files and records, both physical and digital, ensuring they are organized, up-to-date, and compliant with all legal requirements.
- Generate and prepare standard and ad-hoc reports from the HRIS and other data sources on key HR metrics such as headcount, turnover, and recruitment activity.
- Support the annual performance review cycle by tracking completion, answering system-related questions, and compiling necessary documentation for managers.
- Assist in planning and executing HR-led company events, employee engagement initiatives, and wellness programs to foster a positive workplace culture.
- Process and track HR-related invoices, manage expense reports for the HR team, and assist with budget monitoring.
- Support compliance efforts by assisting with required reporting (e.g., EEO-1), policy updates, and internal audits.
- Manage employee leave of absence administration by tracking leave requests, providing necessary paperwork, and communicating with employees and managers about leave status.
Secondary Functions
- Assist in the development and updating of HR documentation, including employee handbooks, process guides, and internal communication materials.
- Participate in special HR projects and initiatives, such as system implementations, policy rollouts, or employee survey analysis.
- Monitor and respond to inquiries from the general HR inbox, triaging requests to the appropriate team member or resolving them directly.
- Support the learning and development function by coordinating training logistics, tracking attendance, and gathering feedback.
- Conduct research on HR best practices, new compliance regulations, or vendor options to support strategic decision-making.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- HRIS Proficiency: Hands-on experience with Human Resources Information Systems (e.g., Workday, ADP Workforce Now, BambooHR, SuccessFactors).
- ATS Experience: Familiarity with Applicant Tracking Systems (e.g., Greenhouse, Lever, iCIMS) for managing candidate pipelines.
- Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel (for reporting and data analysis), Word, and PowerPoint.
- Data Management: Strong ability to manage, enter, and maintain data with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.
- Compliance Knowledge: Foundational understanding of federal and state employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, EEO).
Soft Skills
- Exceptional Discretion: Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
- Superior Organizational Skills: A knack for managing multiple competing priorities, tasks, and deadlines with meticulous attention to detail.
- Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with a friendly, approachable, and customer-service-oriented mindset.
- Problem-Solving Acumen: Proactive in identifying issues, resourceful in finding solutions, and knowing when to escalate.
- Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and can pivot quickly as priorities change.
- Empathy & Emotional Intelligence: Capable of understanding and responding to employee concerns with patience and compassion.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent practical experience.
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and/or a professional HR certification.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Human Resources Management
- Business Administration
- Psychology or Sociology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 1-3 years of direct experience in an HR support or administrative role.
Preferred:
- Experience in a fast-paced, high-growth corporate environment is highly desirable.
- aPHR, PHR, or SHRM-CP certification is a strong plus.