Ahniya Roberts

As the linchpin servicing the Department of Administrative Services and Executive Offices within the Office of Human Resources, this role stands as a central pillar in providing both strategic direction and operational oversight across a spectrum of administrative functions. The focal point here is to ensure seamless service delivery while optimizing the efficiency of executive office operations. Furthermore, as the Human Resources Specialist within the Office of AO Human Resources (AOHR), I undertook a pivotal role in offering comprehensive support in staffing, recruitment, and personnel processing services. At the heart of this dual responsibility lay the provision of strategic guidance to managers and supervisors on recruitment and onboarding procedures. This encompassed a comprehensive array of tasks, from qualification requirements and applicant examination to pay setting, benefits, personnel actions, position management, and information systems programs.

Achievements/Projects:

(1) Orchestrated New Employee Orientation sessions for all new hires spanning the Department of Administrative Services/Executive Office, Department of Program Services, and Department of Technology Services, ensuring a comprehensive onboarding experience.

(2) Provided vital support to the Department of Program Services by facilitating qualification and applicant reviews, crafting announcement materials, and managing personnel action processing, contributing to streamlined operations and efficient staffing processes.

(3) Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the seamless posting of Job Opportunity Announcements via USJOBS and J-Net platforms, enhancing the efficiency and consistency of recruitment efforts.

(4) Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the effective posting of Job Opportunity Announcements via Third-Party Sites, optimizing the reach and visibility of recruitment initiatives.

• Spearheading strategic leadership and direction for both the Department of Administrative Services and Executive Offices and the Office of AO Human Resources (AOHR), ensuring seamless alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Exercising oversight over a wide spectrum of administrative services, from facility management and procurement to logistics, office operations, staffing, recruitment, and personnel processing services (PeopleSoft).
• Initiating the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and best practices aimed at streamlining administrative and HR processes, leading to notable increases in efficiency and productivity.
• Collaborating closely with executive stakeholders and HR professionals to conduct needs assessments, prioritize objectives, and devise tailored solutions. These efforts resulted in tangible improvements in talent acquisition and retention strategies.
• Effectively managing budgets, resources, and personnel within both departments to optimize performance and ensure judicious resource allocation, yielding substantial cost savings and enhanced resource utilization.
• Serving as a vital conduit between departments and other organizational units, fostering robust collaboration, streamlined communication, and cohesive alignment of efforts.
• Rigorously monitoring performance metrics and key performance indicators to conduct thorough evaluations of departmental effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach facilitated informed decision-making and the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Providing invaluable guidance and support to staff members across both departments, cultivating a culture of ongoing professional development, collaboration, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

40 Hours/Week

In this pivotal role, I assumed full responsibility as the primary liaison for recruitment efforts spanning the United States and Costa Rica. Spearheading our talent acquisition strategy, I engaged directly with hiring managers and HR Business partners, meticulously refining interview processes and crafting comprehensive position descriptions for approved vacancies. My leadership extended to consulting with hiring managers to ascertain role specifics, delineate responsibilities, and strategize candidate selection for both immediate needs and future talent pipelines. Furthermore, I fostered collaboration with key stakeholders including the Head of Talent, Total Rewards Director, and HR Business Partners across the UK, Costa Rica, and the US. Together, we orchestrated internal protocols for employee eligibility, streamlined job offers and contracts, conducted impactful salary negotiations, and meticulously extracted data to ensure our competitive edge in the market.

Projects/Achievements:

(1) Recognized with the prestigious HR Spotlight for December 2022, in acknowledgment of surpassing our hiring objectives and setting new standards of excellence within the first year of tenure.

(2) Orchestrated and chaired recruitment workshops spanning the AMER and EMEA regions, commanding the internal recruitment processes across all employee levels with finesse and proficiency.

(3) Pioneered the innovative "Popcorn Team Scenario" initiative, cultivating a dynamic monthly team chat format. This transformative approach empowered each team member to step into a leadership role, presenting and navigating scenarios, fostering active engagement, and honing invaluable problem-solving skills.

(4) Spearheaded a visionary Recruitment/Internal Opportunities project, revolutionizing our approach to talent acquisition. This multifaceted endeavor entailed the development of comprehensive internal and external recruitment pages, showcasing our team's expertise, annual metrics, and time-to-hire statistics. Moreover, it served as a dynamic platform for disseminating new job opportunities and spotlighting internal career mobility, thus enriching our organizational culture.

(5) Led a comprehensive overhaul of all job descriptions and templates, enhancing their relevance and appeal to contemporary audiences. Through meticulous revision and modernization efforts, I ensured our job descriptions remained competitive and resonated with top talent in the market.

(6) Took charge of delivering monthly Talent Acquisition reports for US and Costa Rica vacancies, presenting critical metrics including time-to-hire, current and filled vacancies, and the efficacy of sourcing tools, thereby providing invaluable insights for strategic decision-making.

(7) Collaborated closely with HR AMER to facilitate seamless integration of US and Costa Rica benefits for new hires, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience and reinforcing our commitment to employee welfare.

(8) Provided strategic guidance through regular bi-weekly consultations with the Director of Talent Acquisition, offering key insights and updates on recruitment initiatives while aligning with broader organizational objectives.

• Led full life-cycle recruitment efforts for critical roles across the United States and Costa Rica, strategically aligning staffing initiatives with the needs of diverse departments including IT, HR, Implementation, Marketing, Legal, Accounting & Finance, Cyber Security, and Engineering.
• Formulated and executed dynamic talent acquisition strategies aimed at attracting a broad spectrum of candidates, ensuring a rich pool of talent to meet organizational objectives. Leveraged SalesForce to craft compelling job announcements and disseminate vacancies effectively.
• Drove the screening process, meticulously crafting screening questions to gauge cultural fit and alignment between candidates and the company ethos. Fostered strong relationships with hiring managers, providing expert consultation on current hiring needs and goals, and serving as an invaluable in-house recruitment consultant.
• Championed improvements to the interview process, offering strategic guidance to hiring managers for a smoother candidate experience and establishing standardized protocols to ensure fairness and equity throughout the hiring process.
• Acted as a vital liaison between candidates and leadership, facilitating open dialogue and addressing any escalations with tact and professionalism.
• Delivered comprehensive recruiting activity reports to the Director of Talent Acquisition, leveraging SAGE/SalesForce data to provide actionable insights and drive informed decision-making.
• Provided essential support to Human Resources, overseeing resume flow, conducting salary negotiations, and facilitating discussions on benefits and compensation packages.
• Kept the CHRO and Director of Talent Acquisition abreast of recruitment and staffing developments through regular updates, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Designed and implemented targeted recruitment strategies to attract and retain top-tier talent, ensuring the seamless placement of qualified candidates.
• Played a pivotal role in the offer stage, negotiating and finalizing offers while facilitating a smooth transition through the onboarding process.
• Collaborated closely with the Total Rewards Director and HR Business Partners to align recruitment efforts with broader compensation and eligibility frameworks, ensuring consistency and fairness across the organization.

40 Hours/Week

As a Talent Acquisitions Specialist, I spearheaded the recruitment process by crafting compelling job postings aimed at attracting top-tier candidates. I meticulously matched candidates to suitable roles based on their qualifications and preferences, ensuring a seamless fit for both parties. Beyond the initial interview, I maintained ongoing communication with candidates, providing valuable feedback and guidance to enhance their prospects for success. I fostered collaborative partnerships with hiring managers across diverse companies, engaging in detailed discussions to ascertain hiring needs, job requirements, desired candidate profiles, and interview protocols. This collaborative approach allowed me to provide candidates with comprehensive insights into the expectations of prospective employers and to effectively prepare them for the interview process. In addition to sourcing and matching candidates, I took a proactive approach to candidate retention and preparation, equipping individuals for various employment arrangements, including temporary, temp-to-hire, and permanent positions. Through personalized support and guidance, I ensured that candidates were well-equipped to excel in their roles, contributing to both their personal growth and the success of the organizations they joined.

Achievement:

(1) Consistently exceeded monthly Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with over 1080 call connects, 112 interviews conducted, 67 leads generated, and more than 64 job postings facilitated.

• Specialized in sourcing and recruiting for Accounting and Finance roles at a High-Volume/Staffing Agency.
• Successfully placed candidates in Contract, Contract-to-Hire, and Direct Hire positions.
• Analyzed client hiring needs to determine the most effective recruiting methods.
• Crafted and deployed client-specific and role-specific recruiting strategies.
• Administered job postings on platforms including Bullhorn, SalesForce, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
• Conducted thorough candidate assessments to ensure qualification match and cultural fit.
• Established and maintained a robust network of industry contacts through professional associations and networking events.
• Provided support in deploying, coaching, developing, and redeploying temporary employees.

40 Hours/Week

During my tenure, I served as the primary HR point of contact, responsible for executing essential HR administrative functions. This included generating offer letters, conducting background checks, and completing I-9 verifications with precision and efficiency. Additionally, I spearheaded recruitment efforts by actively sourcing candidates in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area through platforms such as LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed, ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified talent.

Achievement:

(1) Successfully filled over 90 vacant positions within a span of 12 months.

• Streamlined and managed HR requests spanning recruitment, staffing, employee and labor relations, training, and adverse action, ensuring prompt and effective resolution.
• Aligned compensation, benefits, and rewards programs with prevailing labor market trends, ensuring competitive offerings.
• Cultivated robust relationships with both internal and external candidates, ensuring a positive and seamless hiring experience throughout the recruitment process.
• Provided comprehensive support to employees regarding benefits and related costs, offering materials, information, and assessments as needed.
• Led the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the recruitment process, driving efficiency and effectiveness.
• Expanded the recruiting network by leveraging industry contacts and utilizing internet mining resources such as CareerBuilder, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
• Offered regular hiring status updates to stakeholders, fostering comprehensive oversight and transparency.
• Negotiated candidate salaries and prepared employment contracts, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and market standards.
• Facilitated new hire onboarding by coordinating training initiatives, addressing concerns, and managing paperwork processing.
• Collaborated with senior leadership to develop comprehensive recruitment strategies for long-term organizational growth and success.

40 Hours/Week

During my tenure as an HR Associate in this role, I provided comprehensive assistance, guidance, and technical support to both managerial and non-managerial staff, overseeing all aspects of human resources activities. I adeptly addressed and resolved a variety of HR-related challenges and administrative issues, contributing to effective leadership within the organization. Initiating research into initiatives such as Benefits Leave, Retention Programs, and Buddy Systems, I played an instrumental role in enhancing employee satisfaction and fostering a positive work environment. Furthermore, I collaborated closely with the Human Resources Director and the Treasury Department, ensuring seamless alignment with organizational goals and priorities. My responsibilities included completing I-9 verifications, aligning budget plans, and delegating tasks to team leaders, thereby ensuring meticulous management of minutes and budgets for both the current and subsequent years.

Achievement: Developed an Employee Recognition Program and assisted with the creation of bereavement benefits. Administrated the upcoming 2021 budget and ensured that all stakeholders were informed of and in compliance with the 2020 and 2021 budgets.

• Led compensation, benefits, and rewards initiatives as a key contributor, spearheading the planning and execution of various total rewards programs and projects aimed at enhancing employee satisfaction and retention.
• Facilitated new hire orientation sessions and organized quarterly program area orientations for incoming staff, ensuring a seamless onboarding process.
• Played a pivotal role in advising and assisting in the development of reward methodologies, benefit programs, and rewards projects, leveraging insights to drive employee retention strategies.
• Initiated and managed the Buddy System to promote cross-departmental collaboration and ensure its effective utilization throughout the organization.
• Took charge of coordinating the performance appraisal process by liaising with supervisors and ensuring timely completion of necessary forms.
• Contributed significantly to the development and coordination of a comprehensive Professional Development program, fostering employee growth and skill enhancement across the organization.
• Provided valuable input for revising recruitment efforts to improve outcomes and streamline processes.
• Handled administrative tasks such as maintaining personnel files, processing new hire paperwork, and managing staff changes.
• Acted as the primary liaison for temporary staffing through temp agencies, ensuring smooth communication and coordination.
• Performed various general office duties including mail sorting, filing, copying, and supply ordering, contributing to overall office efficiency.
• Managed invoicing and vendor payments in a timely manner, ensuring financial accuracy and compliance.
• Maintained confidentiality of records and documents in accordance with organizational policies.
• Updated and maintained organizational charts and departmental structures to reflect current staff and positions.
• Provided backup support to the Benefits Associate as needed, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in fulfilling role requirements.

35 Hours/Week

As the Talent Solutions Consultant, I learned about the Recruitment and Human Resources functions in this position. I kept in touch with stakeholders to ensure that hiring goals were reached and exceeded. I offered service and leadership workshops to hiring managers in relation to hiring goals and university/business requirements.

• Learned and provided proactive recruitment consultation and assistance to campus to accomplish the strategic talent acquisition needs of the University that was customer focused and contributed to a high-level of organizational excellence.
• Assisted hiring officials with developing their job postings; consulted on job advertisement needs; identified job criteria concerning the job description.
• Optimized productivity by closely monitoring employee performance and ensuring completion of training processes.
• Maintained professional relationships with both internal and external clients, services, and resources to ensure current and future staffing goals are achieved.
• Reviewed interview questions and assisted managers in developing behavioral and competency-based questions when necessary.
• Provided counsel to internal and external applicants as regards the hiring process.
• Assisted applicants on navigating the application process, including troubleshooting account access issues in PeopleAdmin.
• Responsible for providing factual and procedural information, in regards to all matters on the recruitment and selection process of SHRA employees, to candidates and hiring managers.
• Prepared written communication to the University of North Carolina System office and/or Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) for salary exceptions, when required.
• Developed presentation material for live workshops and online training methods such as providing ATS workshops to Hiring Managers.