The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is seeking a full-time, in-person assistant to join the HR and Talent Development team. This position offers a unique opportunity to oversee the day-to-day operations of a premier think tank’s internship program while assisting with talent acquisition and growth. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.
This assistant will join a team of human resources professionals who deliver seamless hire-to-retire services to AEI employees, including services related to general HR, employment, compensation, benefits, operations, administration, talent management, and employee relations.
AEI offers a stimulating work environment with excellent benefits. Applicants should submit an online application complete with a resume, a cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI’s mission and this role in particular, academic transcripts, and a writing sample.
Responsibilities
- 40 Percent: Intern Recruitment and Selection
- Assist intern mentors in developing internship descriptions, defining qualifications, and determining performance criteria; review and post descriptions for 40–50 or more internships each semester to online recruitment systems and university job boards.
- Lead the intern recruitment life cycle by screening resumes for basic qualifications, sending qualified applicants to intern mentors for screening, and declining intern candidates who were not selected for roles.
- Extend offers to intern candidates and await responses; plan and schedule onboarding dates to ensure an excellent experience for new interns.
- Act as the primary contact for programs and universities that partner with AEI’s internship program; facilitate internal placement processes as needed.
- Partner with internal AEI divisions, including the Academic Programs department and coalitions team, to reach and source interns.
- Advise intern mentors on hiring decisions as needed.
- 40 Percent: Intern Program Administration
- Lead the onboarding and off-boarding process for all interns by following defined procedures in ICIMS and Salesforce; coordinate with internal AEI building services and ensure the completion of all tasks.
- Review and approve all onboarding forms for interns, and ensure eligible interns receive applicable benefits and reimbursements in a timely manner.
- Research, select, and develop materials for the intern development program to reflect AEI’s mission and policy work, professional competencies, and skills for the next generation of public policy leaders; serve as the primary facilitator for programming each semester and coordinate with internal teams (including Events, Video, and facilities) as needed.
- Train and meet with intern mentors regularly to ensure positive oversight for all interns.
- Partner with managers and intern mentors to provide feedback, conduct investigations, and coach through intern relations issues.
- Facilitate exit surveys with interns to receive feedback that will be used to improve the intern experience in subsequent programs.
- Write and distribute the weekly program newsletter.
- Update and maintain the intern and mentor handbooks annually.
- Maintain the inventory of AEI swag and manage the distribution of items for interns.
- Verify employment for former interns as needed.
- Develop checklists and process documentation for other aspects of the intern program as needed.
- 20 Percent: Talent Acquisition and Other HR Support
- Assist the HR talent acquisition manager with routine aspects of AEI’s recruiting process for jobs.
- Post jobs on AEI’s ICIMS page, LinkedIn, and other external boards as needed.
- Screen resumes and conduct interviews as needed.
- Schedule subsequent interviews with hiring managers and colleagues.
- Send notices to candidates who were not selected.
- Prepare offer letters.
- Complete other professional skill–building duties in support of the HR and Talent Development team (including benefits, event planning, and operations).
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI
- The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
- The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
- The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
- Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree (required)
- 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience
- Previous experience in program administration or event planning (strongly preferred)
- Experience with customer relationship management, applicant tracking system, and human capital management software (a plus)
- A passion for AEI’s mission, values, and scholarly work
- Interest in the human resources profession and working with students
- Familiarity with recruiting methods and best practices related to applicable policies and federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (a plus)
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with colleagues at all levels across the organization
- The ability to responsibly handle sensitive information
- Strong attention to detail
- The ability to work independently and proactively seek to enhance efficiency across areas of responsibility
- The ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Benefits
AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and three personal days or floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 12 percent contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://www.aei.org/jobs/benefits/.
Compensation is based on a number of factors, including the position’s scope and responsibilities; a candidate’s full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; and internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000–$54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.
