Human Resources Coordinator

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is looking for a full-time (40 hours/week) Human Resources Coordinator to be a welcoming first point of contact for our employees, leaders and visitors, and to keep our HR team running smoothly. You’ll support the following areas of the HR team: Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement, Total Rewards and the Chief People Officer. Along the way, you’ll see how every part of a people function works together.

Why this role, why now

Our HR team is growing to serve an institution where research, graduate education, and K-12 science education share a single mission. We’re building a people-first team focused on how employees experience VAI, from their first day to the way their work is recognized. This role provides the organization and follow-through that make that work possible.

What you will do

Talent and Employee Engagement

• Keep hiring and onboarding running smoothly behind the scenes: interview scheduling, candidate travel, pre-employment screening records and New Hire Orientation logistics
• Support our employee-led Social Team events
• Help keep HR cycles on track, such as performance management, with reminders, tracking and logistics

Total Rewards

• Coordinate the employee programs that make VAI a great place to work, including lactation room reservations, employee sports teams and welcome gifts for new parents

Office of the Chief People Officer

• Provide administrative support to the Chief People Officer, including calendar coordination, meeting preparation and follow-up on action items
• Prepare materials and coordinate logistics for HR team meetings and events

Across HR

• Welcome visitors, answer general HR questions and connect people with the right expert
• Maintain accurate and secure records, process employment verifications and keep required workplace postings current
• Help keep HR’s online resources clear and easy to navigate
• Suggest better ways of working and help put them into practice

How this role connects

You’ll report to the Director of Talent and Employee Engagement and work every day with colleagues across HR. Because you’ll support every part of the team, you’ll learn how hiring, onboarding, engagement, employee relations, total rewards and people development fit together. For many employees, you’ll be their first and most frequent point of contact with HR. Every quick answer and smooth first day lets our scientists and educators put more of their energy into work that improves lives.

What you will bring

• Two or more years of experience providing administrative support or coordinating events, programs or projects
• An associate’s degree or equivalent experience
• A foundational understanding of HR practices, employee records and confidentiality
• Sound judgment with sensitive information, and a sense of when to refer a question to a specialist
• Strong organization: accurate records, well-managed schedules and competing deadlines kept on track
• Clear written and verbal communication, with a welcoming, responsive approach
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn HR systems such as Workday and SharePoint

What we offer

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• A 401(k) with a dollar-for-dollar match on your contributions, up to 5% of eligible pay
• 11 paid holidays, 72 hours of paid time off each year, and 10 days of vacation from your first day
• Tuition reimbursement and a lifestyle spending account
• An onsite fitness facility and free, covered parking

Location and work model

This full-time role is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. VAI offers a flexible work model, but this role is mainly onsite, because much of the work is in-person support for employees and visitors. Candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to the greater Grand Rapids area.

Ready to join us?

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter telling us why this role and VAI's mission resonate with you. We read every application and want to understand not just your experience, but what draws you to this work.

ABOUT VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE
Van Andel Institute (VAI) is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations through cutting-edge biomedical research and innovative educational offerings. Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to more than 650 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with a growing number of national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology. Learn more at vai.org.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Equal Opportunity employer. 

As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process.  This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines. 

About Grand Rapids, MI  

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile.  A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.  

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.