Department: Human Resources

Location: Washington, DC 

Schedule: Flexible hybrid, minimum 2-3 days in-office per week

Job Status: Full-Time

Experience: 1-3 years

Salary: $65,000- $68,000

Reports to: Human Resources Director

About the Niskanen Center

Named “the most interesting think tank in American politics” by Time magazine in March 2023, the Niskanen Center is a public policy think tank and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening liberal democratic governance and promoting widespread prosperity and opportunity. Our vision of market liberalism is rooted in an effective public sector and a competitive private sector and is committed to upholding the principles of a pluralistic and open society that encourages engagement, cooperation, discussion, and learning.  

Realizing our mission requires building on the best of progressive and conservative thought. We unite scholars and policy analysts from across the political spectrum to address pressing policy issues, from climate change to child poverty. We address gaps in policy research and development, translate the best policy ideas across political divides, promote those ideas to policymakers, and build coalitions that cut across partisan boundaries to enact positive change.

Job Summary:

In this blended role, the HR Associate is responsible for providing administrative support for the HR and Operations Departments. They will be responsible for assisting the HR director with a variety of duties, including new hire onboarding, orientation, payroll and benefits administration, employee assistance and special assignments as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Administers health and welfare plans, including enrollments, changes and terminations.
• Processes required documents through payroll and insurance providers to ensure accurate record-keeping and proper deductions.
• Performs customer service functions by answering employee requests and questions.
• Completes Forms I-9, verifies I-9 documentation and maintains I-9 files. 
• Reconciles benefits statements.
• Assists with processing of terminations.
• Assists with the preparation of the performance review process.
• Assists with recruitment and interview process. Tracks status of candidates in HRIS and responds with follow-up letters at the end of the recruiting process.
• Schedules meetings and interviews as requested by the director of HR.
• Makes photocopies; mails, scans and emails documents; and performs other clerical functions.
• Files documents into appropriate employee files.
• Assists or prepares correspondence as requested.
• Prepares new-employee files.
• Processes mail.
• Assists in all aspects of the hiring process for full-time employees, interns, and fellowships.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Working understanding of human resource principles, practices and procedures.
• Able to work alone on a broad variety of projects.
• Able to exercise effective judgment, sensitivity, creativity to changing needs and situations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and related software.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field and/or equivalent experience.
• 1-3 years in a human resource focused job and/or internship.

Benefits and Diversity Commitment 

The Niskanen Center offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, federal holidays off, unlimited paid leave, a 403(b) plan, and commuter benefits for D.C. area employees.

The Niskanen Center is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, veteran status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs, and we strongly encourage you to apply.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm ET on Friday, October 6,  2023, and the position is open until filled. Please include a cover letter and resume combined into one pdf. Be prepared to present additional materials during the interview process. 

Use the button below to apply. No phone calls, please.