Human Resources Assistant - Cato Institute : Job Details

The Cato Institute seeks a dynamic Human Resources Assistant to join our Human Resources team. The HR Assistant will report to the HR Director, supporting the HR Manager and the CFO as requested. This fast-paced role will support all aspects of the HR department, including recruitment, Student Programs, employee onboarding, HRIS, invoice processing, and maintaining accurate personnel records. This is a hybrid position located in Washington, DC. About Cato The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization - a think tank - dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues. Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato's Letters, a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution - individual liberty, limited government, and free markets - turn out to be even more powerful in today's world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people, it is the indispensable framework for the future. The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Key Responsibilities

• Act as the contact for employees and applicants with basic HR, payroll, employee benefits, or leave questions.
• Knowledge expert in all aspects of the Paylocity HCM System.
• Ensure compliance with all DC and federal employment laws and requirements, including DC wage forms.
• Support annual HR processes such as open enrollment and performance reviews.
• Coordinate with the payroll manager on tax forms and payroll processes, including time charging and training employees in the time and labor system.
• Support HR manager with job postings, scheduling interviews, and planning onboarding.
• Send offer letters, paperwork, and informational resources to new employees and serve as their primary point of contact before their first day.
• Onboard and offboard employees and interns in the HCM system (Paylocity) and coordinate logistics with internal operations teams for equipment and office space needs.
• Manage the commuter benefits programs and organization chart updates.
• Create, maintain, and audit electronic employment records and files through the HCM system (Paylocity).
• Prepare audit information and documentation for the CFO and Controller.
• Assist with HR and organizational projects as they arise

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field.
• 1 to 2 years of professional experience in Human Resources.
• Working knowledge of Paylocity, ADP, Work Day or similar HCM systems
• Composed and highly organized with keen attention to detail, quality, and accuracy.
• Discernment to maintain confidentiality with payroll, benefit, and employee information.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations for each HR business function.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Flexible team player who can prioritize and manage concurrent projects while supporting multiple managers.
• Motivated self-starter who can problem solve and is proactive in learning new processes and skills.
• Organized, efficient, committed, and able to work independently and collaboratively.
• A positive and professional mindset with strong customer service skills, and the ability to develop and sustain positive relationships.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and comfortable interacting with individuals at a high level.
• Active role in ensuring HR team communications, including approvals, eliminating redundancies, and seeking clarification through asking questions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Resourceful and willing to tackle new problems and take on new responsibilities.
• An understanding of libertarian principles and Cato's mission.

Benefits All Cato employees are provided with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Generous vacation and sick days
• Paid parental leave
• Employer-provided life and disability insurance
• 401(k) employer match
• Transit/ Parking benefits
• Pet discount plan

Salary Range $49,000 - $58,000 This range is a good faith estimate, and the final salary offered to a selected candidate depends on various factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, and other qualifications; internal and external market pay for comparable jobs; and the level of hire based on aforementioned qualifications.