Description
The Cohen Group is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented People Team Associate to join our team. This role will work directly with the Chief People Officer and other firm leaders to provide support across a wide range of functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee satisfaction, benefits, compliance, and recordkeeping. As an integral member of our team, the People Team Associate will play an important role in promoting a positive work environment and driving initiatives that align with the firm’s values and goals. The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, and capable of handling confidential information with a high degree of discretion and professionalism.
Position Location
This position is based in Washington, DC. The role is in-person Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Optional telework on Monday and Friday.
Job Responsibilities
- Recruiting and Hiring
- Review resumes based upon understanding of current and anticipated staffing requirements and the firm’s culture and core values.
- Maintain accurate database of all applicants.
- Keep track of the interview process for candidates.
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- Correspond with candidates on scheduling.
- Conduct first-round screening interviews for junior staff candidates.
- Administer writing tests for junior level candidates.
- Recommend colleagues to join candidate interviews.
- Prepare scenario exercises for Team Lead candidates.
- Collect feedback from colleagues.
- Prepare welcome and onboarding materials for new colleagues, coordinate onboarding agenda, participate in onboarding meetings, and prepare relevant internal communications.
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- Manage office and desk assignments for new colleagues in coordination with the operations team.
- Develop and maintain a 12-month plan to attend career fairs, information sessions, and attend these events to represent the firm and broaden the pipeline and background of applicants.
- Develop and oversee offboarding procedures for departing colleagues and ensure proper retention of client work.
- Work with summer internship coordinators on recruitment and interview process
Employee Performance, Professional Development, and Workplace Engagement
- At the direction of the Chief People Officer, work with designated colleagues to schedule feedback meetings, initiate 360-degree performance reviews, and compile raw feedback for analysis using Lattice or a similar platform.
- Support internal professional development policies and procedures, including mentorship program, internal trainings, and other development initiatives.
- Track and recommend nominations for participation in professional development programs, including external fellowships, networking events, and other training and development opportunities.
- Help develop regular workplace and community engagement opportunities, including wellness and teambuilding activities and volunteering outings, managing relevant external relationships and internal firmwide communications.
- Demonstrate a high degree of discretion across all responsibilities.
Support to People Operations
- Assist Chief People Officer and other colleagues in formulating and executing compliance policies and other procedures, as well as relevant internal communications
- Receive and respond to employee questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner, using sound judgment to elevate issues to leadership as warranted.
- Maintain Employee Compliance Policy Manual, updating it regularly to reflect current policy and procedure.
- Maintain compliance and labor law postings and updates, to include requirements from federal, State & DC governments
- Assist Executive Administrator to negotiate benefits for the company including health insurance, dental, vision, and 401(k) plans, and coordinate relevant internal communications.
- Assist with employee documentation regarding employment verification, immigration procedures, and security clearance interviews for former employees.
- Track and approve employee personal time off (PTO) and telework requests.
- As needed, recommend improvements to current software tools
- Maintain and update employee directories and calendar of employee birthdays and milestones such as work anniversaries.
- Prepare reports related to headcount, turnover, and other metrics.
- At the direction of management, purchase firm’s IT equipment and internal catalogs.
- Maintain physical files for the firm's confidential financial records and/or Accounts Payable documents.
- Manage financial correspondence as it relates to firm’s subscriptions.
- Manage vendor relationships, to include the firm’s cellphone accounts with telecommunications providers, business relationship with the firm’s video conferencing provider, and other vendors.
Key Skills
- Commitment to excellence combined with humility and a passion for continuous learning
Strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment - Outstanding tact and discretion in handling confidential information
- Outstanding professionalism in addressing employee concerns
- Outstanding project management, prioritization, and organizational skills
- Excellent oral and written communications skills
- Excellent attention to detail
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration, or a related field is preferred
- 3-6 years of relevant experience preferred in Human Resources or People Operations, ideally in the international affairs field with prior successful roles in government, consulting, or think tanks.
- Familiarity with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite for Human Resources operations and reporting.
- Understanding of District of Columbia and federal labor laws.
High ethical standards and professionalism.
The Cohen Group offers a range of employer-provided benefits. Featured benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) (with capped employer match), paid parental leave, commuter subsidy, and more.
The Cohen Group is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, and benefits.
Requirements
