Berkeley University of California
People & Operations Specialist
Berkeley University of California, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
ABOUT ICSI
The International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) is an independent non-profit research institute in the heart of Berkeley, California. ICSI is a place where researchers solve hard problems and help change the world. We pioneer interdisciplinary research across all areas of computer science and data science to generate fundamental insights, address societal challenges, and catalyze entrepreneurial opportunity. We foster a uniquely flexible and collaborative intellectual environment. It’s about big ideas. ICSI is a place for taking on daunting challenges—not “playing it safe.” Our researchers pursue questions they feel are in the public interest and advance technologies that address important societal needs. This transformative work often spans disciplines, sectors, and borders. It’s about solving problems, not submitting papers. Unlike industry or academia, ICSI does not have strict expectations on research output. We may write traditional research papers, but we also release software, curate datasets, build research communities, and spin out startup companies. Our researchers leverage strong ties with UC Berkeley and the Silicon Valley ecosystem to bring great ideas to fruition in whatever way is best suited to the problem at hand. It’s about inclusion. Visitors come from all over the world to pursue research at ICSI. We’ve hosted scientists and more than 620 postdocs from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Holland, Israel, China, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Brazil, Canada, and more. We believe diverse perspectives create the best ideas. We are looking for equity-minded applicants who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at ICSI, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that requires broad collaboration among staff, students and community partners. ABOUT THE ROLE
The People & Operations Specialist is a key contributor to ICSI’s Administrative and People Operations team, with a role that blends
people operations coordination, office management, and event planning . You’ll help maintain a welcoming, well-functioning, and inclusive environment for employees, researchers, and visiting scholars. This is a highly collaborative and people-facing role that partners closely with the Senior Manager of People Operations to support the full employee lifecycle, implement culture and engagement initiatives, and ensure smooth administrative operations across the Berkeley office. You’ll gain broad exposure across HR processes, visa and scholar support, event coordination, and office logistics. You’ll also help identify ways to work smarter—through better tools, more efficient workflows, and thoughtful process design. Because of the collaborative nature of this role, it is primarily in-person. Hybrid flexibility (1–2 days/week) may be considered once onboarding is complete and key responsibilities are running smoothly. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
People Operations & HR Support
Support employee lifecycle processes, including hiring, changes, and terminations. Maintain up-to-date personnel records and HRIS data. Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes, including documentation, compliance (e.g., E-Verify), and workspace setup. Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefits questions. Coordinate benefit enrollments and changes with third-party administrators. Track eligibility and assist with PTO management in coordination with payroll. Prepare memos and presentations to inform leadership decisions on technology priorities Office & Administrative Operations
Oversee daily office operations, including vendor coordination, facilities maintenance, supply procurement, and space planning. Serve as the primary contact for office-related needs, liaising with IT, building management, and service providers. Provide occasional administrative support to leadership, including light project coordination. Identify opportunities to improve office workflows, implement automations, and optimize operational efficiency. Events, Engagement & Community Support
Collaborate with the Sr. Manager of People Operations to support team engagement, wellness, and initiatives that promote a sense of belonging, psychological safety, and shared values across the organization. Help plan and execute internal events, such as PI lunches, colloquia, researcher visits, workshops, and social gatherings. Assist with international visitor support, including coordinating visa processes with immigration counsel and supporting postdocs with housing, local services, and cultural onboarding. Foster a community-oriented workplace through inclusive and thoughtful programming. REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
Understanding of HR operations and employment compliance. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills. Strong attention to detail and discretion with sensitive data. Organized and adaptable; able to juggle priorities across HR and general ops. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and HRIS platforms. Comfortable coordinating logistics and managing vendor relationships. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
BA/BS degree or equivalent coursework/experience in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field is a plus. 3+ years of experience in HR, People Operations, or employee services. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in a non-profit, academic, or research environment. Familiarity with California labor laws. HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar). We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational need. BENEFITS
ICSI offers a complete package of benefits and programs to support you and your family. Our benefits programs can help you cover health care expenses, build capital for the future, and make life a little easier. Below is a description of our benefits for employees in the United States. Comprehensive medical and prescription coverage, including HSA-compatible plan options Dental and vision insurance to keep you smiling and seeing clearly Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage for peace of mind Short- and long-term disability insurance for added protection Spending & Savings Accounts Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for medical and dependent care expenses Commuter spending accounts to help with transit costs Retirement Savings 401(k) plan with a 3% automatic employer contribution—plus up to a 7% additional match on what you contribute Flexible contribution options: traditional pre-tax, Roth, or after-tax, so you can save in the way that works best for you Time Off & Balance Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave, to recharge and spend time on what matters most LOCATION Downtown Berkeley, CA, right next to the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. Mostly in-office, with some flexibility for hybrid work schedule. Please Note: ICSI requires employees working on-site to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including recommended boosters. Reasonable accommodations may be considered for medical or legally protected reasons. Our safety protocols include enhanced ventilation, masking during periods of elevated risk, and adherence to public health guidance. ICSI is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. The Institute is committed to having the best available persons in every job. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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The International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) is an independent non-profit research institute in the heart of Berkeley, California. ICSI is a place where researchers solve hard problems and help change the world. We pioneer interdisciplinary research across all areas of computer science and data science to generate fundamental insights, address societal challenges, and catalyze entrepreneurial opportunity. We foster a uniquely flexible and collaborative intellectual environment. It’s about big ideas. ICSI is a place for taking on daunting challenges—not “playing it safe.” Our researchers pursue questions they feel are in the public interest and advance technologies that address important societal needs. This transformative work often spans disciplines, sectors, and borders. It’s about solving problems, not submitting papers. Unlike industry or academia, ICSI does not have strict expectations on research output. We may write traditional research papers, but we also release software, curate datasets, build research communities, and spin out startup companies. Our researchers leverage strong ties with UC Berkeley and the Silicon Valley ecosystem to bring great ideas to fruition in whatever way is best suited to the problem at hand. It’s about inclusion. Visitors come from all over the world to pursue research at ICSI. We’ve hosted scientists and more than 620 postdocs from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Holland, Israel, China, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Brazil, Canada, and more. We believe diverse perspectives create the best ideas. We are looking for equity-minded applicants who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at ICSI, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that requires broad collaboration among staff, students and community partners. ABOUT THE ROLE
The People & Operations Specialist is a key contributor to ICSI’s Administrative and People Operations team, with a role that blends
people operations coordination, office management, and event planning . You’ll help maintain a welcoming, well-functioning, and inclusive environment for employees, researchers, and visiting scholars. This is a highly collaborative and people-facing role that partners closely with the Senior Manager of People Operations to support the full employee lifecycle, implement culture and engagement initiatives, and ensure smooth administrative operations across the Berkeley office. You’ll gain broad exposure across HR processes, visa and scholar support, event coordination, and office logistics. You’ll also help identify ways to work smarter—through better tools, more efficient workflows, and thoughtful process design. Because of the collaborative nature of this role, it is primarily in-person. Hybrid flexibility (1–2 days/week) may be considered once onboarding is complete and key responsibilities are running smoothly. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
People Operations & HR Support
Support employee lifecycle processes, including hiring, changes, and terminations. Maintain up-to-date personnel records and HRIS data. Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes, including documentation, compliance (e.g., E-Verify), and workspace setup. Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefits questions. Coordinate benefit enrollments and changes with third-party administrators. Track eligibility and assist with PTO management in coordination with payroll. Prepare memos and presentations to inform leadership decisions on technology priorities Office & Administrative Operations
Oversee daily office operations, including vendor coordination, facilities maintenance, supply procurement, and space planning. Serve as the primary contact for office-related needs, liaising with IT, building management, and service providers. Provide occasional administrative support to leadership, including light project coordination. Identify opportunities to improve office workflows, implement automations, and optimize operational efficiency. Events, Engagement & Community Support
Collaborate with the Sr. Manager of People Operations to support team engagement, wellness, and initiatives that promote a sense of belonging, psychological safety, and shared values across the organization. Help plan and execute internal events, such as PI lunches, colloquia, researcher visits, workshops, and social gatherings. Assist with international visitor support, including coordinating visa processes with immigration counsel and supporting postdocs with housing, local services, and cultural onboarding. Foster a community-oriented workplace through inclusive and thoughtful programming. REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
Understanding of HR operations and employment compliance. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills. Strong attention to detail and discretion with sensitive data. Organized and adaptable; able to juggle priorities across HR and general ops. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and HRIS platforms. Comfortable coordinating logistics and managing vendor relationships. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
BA/BS degree or equivalent coursework/experience in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field is a plus. 3+ years of experience in HR, People Operations, or employee services. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in a non-profit, academic, or research environment. Familiarity with California labor laws. HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar). We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational need. BENEFITS
ICSI offers a complete package of benefits and programs to support you and your family. Our benefits programs can help you cover health care expenses, build capital for the future, and make life a little easier. Below is a description of our benefits for employees in the United States. Comprehensive medical and prescription coverage, including HSA-compatible plan options Dental and vision insurance to keep you smiling and seeing clearly Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage for peace of mind Short- and long-term disability insurance for added protection Spending & Savings Accounts Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for medical and dependent care expenses Commuter spending accounts to help with transit costs Retirement Savings 401(k) plan with a 3% automatic employer contribution—plus up to a 7% additional match on what you contribute Flexible contribution options: traditional pre-tax, Roth, or after-tax, so you can save in the way that works best for you Time Off & Balance Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave, to recharge and spend time on what matters most LOCATION Downtown Berkeley, CA, right next to the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. Mostly in-office, with some flexibility for hybrid work schedule. Please Note: ICSI requires employees working on-site to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including recommended boosters. Reasonable accommodations may be considered for medical or legally protected reasons. Our safety protocols include enhanced ventilation, masking during periods of elevated risk, and adherence to public health guidance. ICSI is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. The Institute is committed to having the best available persons in every job. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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