Junior M. Benjamin
Junior works on community engagement programs related to the Columbia community and the surrounding community, and on human resources strategies and the implementation of human resources best practices in talent acquisition, professional development, onboarding, and orientation. As the human resources administrator, he leverages employee analytics and HR expertise and experience to provide consultation and guidance regarding HR policies, best practices, and strategies for managing HR issues. Additionally, Junior manages the annual performance appraisal process; troubleshoots, researches, and reports on performance issues, and implement strategies for their resolution; and creates onboarding plans for new hires and educates them on HR policies, internal procedures, and regulations.
In his role as director of community outreach, he brings more than 15 years of experience to manage campus community outreach initiatives such as University-wide blood/bone marrow drives, skin cancer screening, volunteer lunchtime reading program, in conjunction with organizations that run these operations. Working closely with the vice president of operations, and the director of budget and administration, Junior coordinates accounts payable procedures, including review/approval of travel and business reports; manages the update/maintenance of suppliers in the accounts payable system; and GCA’s fiscal support for community-based organizations. He also serves as liaison between GCA and external consultants, relating to compliance management and procurement management, invoicing, and check remittance.
Junior holds an undergraduate degree in business administration from Baruch College (’01), and graduate degrees in HRM / public administration from John Jay College (’04) and organizational learning and leadership from Columbia University (’12). Junior holds a certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusion: DEI strategies for business impact from University of Cambridge Judge Business School; is a SHRM certified professional, with a specialty in inclusive workplace culture; a chartered professional in human resources – international (CPHR); and is a duly sworn and commissioned notary public officer of the State of New York. Additionally, he is a member of the auxiliary police department of the NYPD; an active volunteer with New York Cares in the area of adult literacy; and iMentor, an organization dedicated to fostering relationships with first-generation students so they graduate high school and succeed in college.