Overview:
The Senior HR Operations and Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the integrity, compliance, and operational effectiveness of Human Resources programs, policies, and processes. This role serves as the primary owner of HR compliance activities, reporting, policy management, audit readiness, contract administration, and HR operational controls. The position partners closely with internal stakeholders and external organizations, including Princeton University and the Department of Energy (DOE), to monitor regulatory requirements, proactively manage change, and ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, local, contractual, and organizational requirements.
A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. Come join us!
Responsibilities:
The Senior HR Operations and Compliance Specialist leads HR reporting, coordinates internal and external audits, and maintains critical HR governance documentation and communication channels. The role continuously evaluates HR processes to identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen controls, mitigate risk, and enhance operational efficiency.
In addition, the position provides oversight and administration of employee leaves, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies while delivering effective support to employees and managers. While leave administration remains an important responsibility, the primary focus of the role is HR compliance, governance, risk management, audit preparedness, and operational excellence.
Given the highly sensitive nature of human resources information, this role serves as a trusted steward of confidential employee, organizational, and regulatory data. The position is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of discretion, integrity, and professional judgment, fostering trust across all levels of the organization while ensuring information is handled, communicated, and protected in accordance with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements. A strong commitment to confidentiality is essential to preserving employee confidence, mitigating risk, and upholding the credibility and integrity of the Human Resources function.
CORE Duties Include:
HR Compliance, Governance, Audit & Contract Management (80-85%)
Policy Management and Regulatory Compliance
- Own the development, review, implementation, and management of HR policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, contractual, and organizational requirements.
- Establish and maintain a policy review framework, including review schedules, version control, and change management processes.
- Monitor regulatory and contractual developments and proactively assess impacts to HR programs, policies, and practices.
- Partner with Princeton, DOE, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders to interpret requirements, implement changes, and mitigate compliance risks.
- Develop communication and training plans to ensure employee and management understanding of policy updates and compliance obligations.
Compliance Reporting and Contract Administration
- Serve as the primary owner of all HR compliance reporting requirements, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission of required reports, including Appendix A and other contractual deliverables.
- Develop and maintain reporting calendars and documentation to ensure ongoing compliance with contractual obligations.
- Identify compliance risks and develop corrective action plans to address gaps and strengthen organizational controls.
Audit and Risk Management
- Lead HR audit readiness efforts by establishing and maintaining documentation, records, controls, and processes necessary to support internal and external audits.
- Coordinate HR participation in audits, including payroll, benefits, compliance, compensation, and governmental reviews.
- Conduct periodic internal compliance reviews and process audits to assess adherence to policies, procedures, contractual requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Develop and implement corrective action plans to address audit findings and strengthen compliance controls.
- Track and report compliance metrics, audit outcomes, and risk mitigation activities to HR leadership.
HR Operations and Knowledge Management
- Manage and oversee HR operational communication channels, including the HR shared mailbox, ensuring timely and accurate responses and escalation of complex matters.
- Maintain HR intranet content to ensure information remains accurate, accessible, and compliant.
- Ensure all required labor law postings and notices are current, compliant, and properly displayed in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Develop standardized processes and documentation to improve consistency, transparency, and employee access to HR information.
Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence
- Evaluate HR processes, controls, and workflows to identify opportunities to improve compliance, efficiency, effectiveness, and employee experience.
- Lead process improvement initiatives, including workflow redesign, documentation, automation, and measurement of outcomes.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, and internal controls supporting HR operations and compliance.
Leave Administration (15-20%)
- Administer leave programs in compliance with policies and applicable federal, state, and organizational requirements. Includes communications, documentation, and reporting, while maintaining confidentiality and compliance.
- Coordinate leave processes with Occupational Medicine, Payroll, managers, employees, and third-party providers.
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of leave transactions and coordination with payroll to support proper pay administration.
- Partner with Princeton University Benefits to identify opportunities for enhanced coordination, process standardization, and shared service delivery.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
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A bachelor’s degree in business, Human Resources or other business-related field.
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Must have a minimum of 6 years demonstrated hands-on applicable HR compliance and operations work experience required.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
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This role requires a results-oriented professional who takes initiative in a complex matrix environment and can transition between strategy and hands-on attention to detail and execution
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Strong written and verbal communication and consultation skills and proven track record, including the ability to collaborate and work with all employees.
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High attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
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Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
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Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and proactive identification of opportunities to strengthen compliance, efficiency, and employee experience.
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Strong knowledge of HR compliance, governance, risk management, internal controls, audit readiness, and corrective action planning.
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Experience in preparing contractual compliance reports and managing compliance obligations associated with government-funded organizations.Extensive knowledge of the leave requirements and other legal protections afforded by the FMA, NJFLA, and other applicable laws.
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Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or Google Suite tools.
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Experience working in a DOE laboratory, federal contractor, or similarly regulated environment preferred.
Working Conditions:
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Typical indoor office setting.
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On-site presence is essential to foster strong professional relationships with PPPL and Princeton University stakeholders. We’re open to flexible arrangements, allowing for occasional remote work one day a week after trust has been established and an on-boarding period has been met.
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We are not supporting visa or relocation for this position
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00 Eligible for Overtime: No Benefits Eligible: Yes Probationary Period: 180 days Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail): No Physical Capacity Exam Required: No Valid Driver's License Required: No : #LI-CL1 Salary Range: $93,400 to $149,200
