Human Resources Specialist

Job Description:

The Human Resources and Faculty Administration team of the School of Engineering at Brown University has a new and exciting opportunity to hire a Human Resources Specialist.

The Human Resources (HR) Specialist serves as the central HR liaison for the 10 academic and research groups, the 11 central administrative groups in the School of Engineering (SoE) and five plus Centers. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Human Resources and Faculty Administration in the SoE and collaborating closely with colleagues in University Human Resources.

The HR Specialist has a comprehensive understanding of all Human Resources-related processes and serves as an advisor to the Assistant Director of Human Resources and Faculty Administration and collaborates with the School of Engineering administration on various HR functions including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, policy and procedure administration, equity reviews, job audits and salary recommendations. The HR Specialist consults in conjunction with the Assistant Director and University Human Resources throughout the School on all employment related functions, and serves as a key point of contact for the School, resolving day-to-day issues and triaging employee relations issues to the Assistant Director as appropriate. They provide law and employment standards to supervisors and managers, provides HR policy guidance and interpretation, and is a key point of contact for employment inquiries. They serve as a Workday liaison for the School, providing expert guidance to managers and staff for all related Workday processes, including regular communications, resources and training.

The incumbent is the primary administrator of the School’s undergraduate student employment program, acting as the subject matter expert on Student Employment and liaison to solve Workday and Payroll issues.

The HR Specialist is responsible for conducting new hire orientation and coordination of the SoE’s annual performance review process.

The successful candidate, as a minimum, should have the following background: 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required with 3-5 years’ human resources or executive level support experience in higher education preferred; or equivalent combination of education/experience

Job Competencies

• Strong organizational, administrative and time management skills. Initiative and judgment to independently problem solve and prioritize workload in a multi-task environment while maintaining careful attention to detail.
• Cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations required
• Professional demeanor and business acumen to deal effectively with sensitive issues.
• Strong working knowledge of Workday functionality preferred.
• Knowledge of employment law as well as best practices in the area of employment, employee relations, and compensation.
• Ability to work independently and implement short and long-term goals independently, but also as a strong team member when the situation warrants.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills.
• Very high level of computer expertise and continued interest in maintaining skills: Computer proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, computerized accounting, database systems including Microsoft Word, Excel and the Internet.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service and highly effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and show discretion when dealing with information of a sensitive nature.
• Thorough knowledge of office systems (records maintenance, procedures, etc.).
• Detail orientated with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and exercise tact, discretion, judgment and ability to prioritize task completion.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to the University’s goals of cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment.

All offers are contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check and education verification.

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more.  To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the UHR web page here for further information.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-10-13

Job Posting Title:

Human Resources Specialist

Department:

School of Engineering

Grade:

Grade 9

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid

Submission Guidelines:

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.  

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.