Human Resources Associate

About Us The Cleveland Foundation, established in 1914 as the world’s first community foundation, continues to shape the future of place-based philanthropy more than a century later. With $3.9 billion in assets and a legacy of bold leadership, we are driven by a commitment to improve the lives of everyone who calls Greater Cleveland home, today and for generations to come.Joining our team means becoming part of a culture that blends history-making impact with forward-looking innovation. Our vision is a vibrant Northeast Ohio where no Clevelander is left behind. Every team member plays a key role in advancing this vision by tackling Cleveland’s most critical issues, championing opportunities for all, and helping unlock the full potential of our region.Our headquarters in the heart of MidTown places us at the center of a historic neighborhood and growing district, surrounded by partners, community leaders and residents who are reimagining what’s possible for our city. Here, you’ll work in a dynamic, collaborative environment designed to spark creativity, deepen relationships, and accelerate change.At the Cleveland Foundation, you can be part of building a stronger future for every Clevelander.About You You are proactive, highly organized, skilled at managing multiple stakeholders, and capable of coordinating department activities while supporting executive activities. You excel working in a role which requires exceptional judgment, professionalism, and the ability to operate as a seamless extension of your department executive. From day-to-day coordination to moments connecting directly with our people, your work helps to reinforce our values and the culture of our organization. You are comfortable accessing and managing information across multiple platforms. You thrive in a team culture that supports responsiveness, accountability, and execution.Job Summary This position provides advanced administrative support and coordination to the Vice President, Human Resources, ensuring HR priorities are executed effectively and departmental operations run smoothly. The role manages scheduling, communication, recruiting coordination, and project-related activities, in support of defined HR initiatives and day-to-day HR operations, with work prioritized and directed by the Vice President, Human Resources.Key Responsibilities Employee Relations - Provide first point of contact customer service to employees, managers, and the HR team in response to inquiries related to a broad range of HR-related topics, including but not limited to HR policy and procedures, staffing, benefits, and performance management - Identify and elevate more complex issues to the appropriate level of support to ensure effective follow-up and resolution. Executive Support - Provide high-level administrative support, including meeting coordination, correspondence, presentations, travel, expense reporting, and special projects - Partner closely with VP of HR to anticipate needs, manage priorities, and resolve issues proactively - Research, analyze, and organize information to support executive decision-making and key HR and Cleveland Foundation initiatives while coordinating and following through to ensure deadlines and deliverables are met - Prepare summaries, notes, and supporting materials for HR leadership to support decision-making and communication - Manage complex calendars, prioritize scheduling needs, and resolve conflicts to maximize efficiency - Ensure the VP of HR is informed of upcoming priorities, commitments, and required follow-up actions - Handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion - Assist in preparing annual surveys and census reports Meeting Leadership & Coordination - Coordinate meetings and events, including agenda creation, coordination with presenters, time management, documentation of key decisions, and post-meeting action tracking - Represent the VP of HR’s priorities and expectations in internal forums to drive alignment and accountability - Anticipate issues requiring executive attention and proactively escalate as appropriate - Ensure meeting preparation materials, briefings, and background documents are complete, accurate, and strategically aligned Employee Experience & Events - Maintain documentation and status tracking for HR programs, ensuring visibility into progress and outstanding actions - Support training and development programs and coordinate completion of online training in Cornerstone University - Plan and execute events as relevant to the function - Steward employee resource and engagement groups and programs HR Operations - Support the optimization and maintenance of human resource records, past and current including but not limited to: Personnel Files, I-9, EEOC, Worker's Compensation, Drug Screening, Incident Files, and Health Files - Coordinate administrative and operational support for HR leadership, including meetings, communications, presentations, travel, expenses, and special projects - Process background checks and additional pre-employment screening activities - Support annual HR projects as needed such as talent planning and auditing - Process transactions by collecting required information or backup documentation from the employee, manager, or HR - Perform quality assurance reviews on electronic and manual transactions - Report on employee data including financial and labor data; may review/audit invoice reports Budget & Expense Tracking - Track departmental expenses and manage supply orders - Manage travel, expenses, invoices, contracts, and other administrative processes to ensure efficient flow of HR-related requests HRIS - Process employee life cycle transactions, maintain accurate records, enter system updates and generate HR reports in accordance with TCF policies and procedures Communication - Support HR department communication including drafting company announcements, updating to company policies, and online help requests related to navigating the HR Hub and other HR-related systems - Draft, refine, or review internal and external communications, ensuring clarity, tone consistency, and alignment with strategic priorities - Communicate information clearly and professionally across departments, maintain accurate documentation, and support effective execution of HR initiatives and daily operations General Competencies JudgmentCommunicationTeamwork & CollaborationAdaptabilityProblem-Solving Required Qualifications - 2–4 years of administrative, HR coordination, or HR support experience- Experience working with HRIS systems and maintaining confidential employee records- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines- Excellent verbal and written communication skills- Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism- Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking skills- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment Preferred Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or equivalent professional experience- Experience preparing reports, presentations, and meeting materials- Familiarity with Paylocity or similar HRIS/payroll systems Work Environment - The role is primarily office-based, involving frequent interaction with executives, staff, and external partners.- The position may require prolonged periods of sitting, as well as occasional lifting of light office supplies and materials.- Occasional extended hours to meet deadlines or support special events.- Occasional travel may be required for meetings, events, or conferences.