Associate Director - International Human Resources

Department

Global - Finance & Operations

About the Department

UChicago Global advances the University of Chicago’s scholarly research, educational initiatives, and partnerships around the world. Part of the Office of the President, UChicago Global provides an integrated, enterprise-level view of the University’s international activities across academic units and regions. We develop strategic partnerships, provide seed funding for collaborative research, ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements, and help build a broad understanding of UChicago as a leading global university. With staff based in Chicago, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Delhi, UChicago Global applies deep expertise in the international landscape to support the University’s engagement around the world.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director, Operations, Finance and Compliance, the Assistant Director, International Human Resources, is responsible for supporting HR functions for UChicago Global as well as international HR operations for the Center in Beijing, Center in Delhi and Campus in Hong Kong’s operational staff. This role supports compliance with international labor regulations, manages cross-border employee matters, and collaborates with global teams to implement HR policies and processes. This position works independently to design, implement and monitor a variety of human resource programs. Anticipates and plans for long-term human resource needs and trends in partnership with business management.

Responsibilities

• Provides HR support and guidance across multiple international regions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and offboarding.
• Ensures compliance with local employment laws and University HR policies.
• Develops, updates and implements HR policies internationally.
• Collaborates with payroll and benefits providers to ensure accurate administration for international employees. Supports local benefit program implementation and reporting as well as coordinating efforts by staff and service providers to resolve issues.
• Drafts templates and routine hiring documents and makes updates as required to meet organizational and local compliance needs. Maintains appropriate HR data and records.
• Provides guidance on employee and labor relations matters at international sites, including grievance handling investigations, performance improvement plans,  and conflict resolution.
• Assists in recruiting candidates and onboarding new hires, including background checks, visa applications/renewals, relocation, and work permit processes, partnering with University teams and local service providers as needed.
• Works with Office of Legal Counsel to review new roles for compliance with existing legal structures and requirements.
• Supports performance evaluation processes and assists international teams with goal setting, feedback, and developmental planning.
• Coordinates global training initiatives to promote skills development, cultural awareness, and compliance.
• Serves as key resource for Global staff in all HR related matters ensuring HR services are provided in a timely and professional manner.
• Gains and understands knowledge of University Human Resource policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local employment and labor laws, staying abreast of changes and implementing the changes into day-to-day workflow.
• Supports Workday Performance Management for the Global team to ensure compliance with the University’s policies and procedures.
• Guides staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Develops templates and drafts routine offer letters. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of problems using best practices.
• 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 minimal level of guidance.
• Has a deep understanding of unit’s employee/labor relations efforts, including handling of grievances, disciplinary warnings, and employee complaints.
• Develops and administers the HR budget for the department, monitors for variances, and manages employment expenses within established guidelines.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree strongly preferred; MBA, Human Resources.

Experience:

• Familiarity with higher education environment.
• International HR experience. Background working in Hong Kong/China, India or with Indian organizations strongly preferred.
• Working and/or supporting staff in a matrixed organization.
• Navigating large and decentralized organizations.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with Workday.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of international employment laws and HR best practices.
• Conversational fluency in Mandarin a plus.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong intercultural communication competence.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Strong customer service skills to interact with and serve a diverse population with tact, courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy.
• Work independently and as a part of a team; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes.
• Maintain objectivity and focus responses around validated information and local requirements.
• Prioritize workload to address areas of concerns and meet strict deadlines while managing responsiveness across the portfolio.  
• Strong interpersonal skills; remain calm, professional, and productive while managing complex issues, competing priorities, and tight deadlines.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, expressing interest in this position (required)
• 3-5 Professional References Contact Information (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Human Resources

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$89,250.00 - $115,500.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.