Human Resources Generalist

• Provides human resources support for all unit employees including recruitment and hiring, orientation/on-boarding and training, terminations, FMLA requests/formal accommodations, payroll related inquiries, professional development, visa processing, employee relations, and employee engagement.
• Manages 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.
• Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of straightforward problems using standard procedures.
• Develops tutorials and provides training to the Institute on timekeeping processes and best practices.
• Coordinates employee training and development programs to enhance organizational capability and staff retention.
• Supports the HR Manager with performance management processes, including tracking and reporting on key performance metrics.
• Assists with the development, implementation, and improvement of HR policies and procedures.
• Prepares and submits reports related to HR and academic staffing as required.
• Ensures 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.
• Partners with cross-functional teams to develop and support initiatives that cultivate team culture and increase employee engagement.
• Acts as a thought leader and resource within the HR team, providing innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Acts as a backup to the HR Manager, providing coverage and support as needed.
• Supports end-to-end academic hiring processes, including recruitment, appointment, and reappointment of instructional professors, research associates, and postdoctoral scholars.
• Collaborates with department chairs, search committees, and hiring managers to ensure compliance with academic hiring guidelines and timelines.
• Drafts offer letters and manages documentation required for appointments with the Social Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Division and the Harris School.
• In the absence of the HR Manager, serves as a resource for academic staff, addressing questions related to appointments, promotions, and policies.
• Stays current with trends and regulations impacting academic hiring in higher education.
• Assists in audits and assessments of HR and academic operations to identify areas for improvement.
• Counsels employees on benefits and compensation. Coordinates with managers and senior colleagues to determine employee compensation. Analyzes data and prepares charts, graphs, and trend lines for management review with a moderate level of guidance.
• Provides professional support to a unit's employee/labor relations efforts, including handling grievances, disciplinary warnings, and employee complaints.
• Performs other related work as needed.

• Bachelor's degree in human resources business management, organizational development or a related field.

• Progressive experience in a human resources generalist role, with a strong emphasis on hiring processes in a higher education, corporate, or government setting.
• Background in academic hiring, including recruitment, visa sponsorship, and appointment processes.

• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and applicant tracking systems, with a strong preference for experience with Workday.
• Proficiency in organizational chart software or web-based systems.
• Strong knowledge of HR principles, employment law, and best practices.

• Maintain a professional and positive tone in all communications and foster a respectful, inclusive, and solution-oriented team environment.
• Excellent collaboration skills with a strong customer-focused approach.
• Work both independently and as part of a team, and think creatively to solve problems.
• Possess strong reading comprehension, analytical skills, detail-oriented and organized.
• Understand the necessity to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Capable of operating in a fast-paced environment and handle ambiguity.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in hiring, recruitment, retention, and professional development.

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

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information, as applicable, please provide one previous manager, one current manager, and one peer reference (required)

University of Chicago