University of Chicago is hiring: Human Resources Generalist in Chicago

Human Resources Generalist

The Human Resources Generalist will serve as a key contributor to the Human Resources team, providing comprehensive support in both HR operations and academic hiring processes. This individual will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and leadership to ensure effective HR and academic hiring practices while maintaining compliance with University policies and procedures. This role requires a creative and innovative thinker with a solid understanding of HR principles and the ability to learn and navigate the complexities of academic appointments in a highly collaborative environment. This role will have a diverse HR portfolio consisting of students, staff, and academic hires.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing human resources support for all unit employees including recruitment and hiring, orientation/onboarding and training, terminations, FMLA requests/formal accommodations, payroll related inquiries, professional development, visa processing, employee relations, and employee engagement.
• Managing end-to-end recruitment processes, including developing job posting, candidate screening, interview logistics, reference checking and handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Drafts templates and routine offer letters.
• Maintaining appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of straightforward problems using standard procedures.
• Developing tutorials and providing training to the Institute on timekeeping processes and best practices.
• Coordinating employee training and development programs to enhance organizational capability and staff retention.
• Supporting the HR Manager with performance management processes, including tracking and reporting on key performance metrics.
• Assisting with the development, implementation, and improvement of HR policies and procedures.
• Preparing and submitting reports related to HR and academic staffing as required.
• Ensuring adherence to federal, state, and university policies, including EEO compliance and affirmative action goals such as identifying gaps in the current workforce, encouraging proactive outreach and promoting equal opportunity.
• Partnering with cross-functional teams to develop and support initiatives that cultivate team culture and increase employee engagement.
• Acting as a thought leader and resource within the HR team, providing innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Acting as a backup to the HR Manager, providing coverage and support as needed.
• Supporting end-to-end academic hiring processes, including recruitment, appointment, and reappointment of instructional professors, research associates, and postdoctoral scholars.
• Collaborating with department chairs, search committees, and hiring managers to ensure compliance with academic hiring guidelines and timelines.
• Drafting offer letters and managing documentation required for appointments with the Social Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Division and the Harris School.
• In the absence of the HR Manager, serving as a resource for academic staff, addressing questions related to appointments, promotions, and policies.
• Staying current with trends and regulations impacting academic hiring in higher education.
• Assisting in audits and assessments of HR and academic operations to identify areas for improvement.
• Counseling employees on benefits and compensation. Coordinating with managers and senior colleagues to determine employee compensation. Analyzing data and preparing charts, graphs, and trend lines for management review with a moderate level of guidance.
• Providing professional support to a unit's employee/labor relations efforts, including handling grievances, disciplinary warnings, and employee complaints.
• Performing other related work as needed.

Minimum qualifications include a college or university degree in a related field and 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred qualifications include a bachelor's degree in human resources business management, organizational development or a related field, and progressive experience in a human resources generalist role, with a strong emphasis on hiring processes in a higher education, corporate, or government setting.

Standard office environment with occasional extended hours during peak hiring periods. Hybrid work schedule available after initial hire and required training.