Human Resources Generalist

Department

Climate Institute Human Resources

About the Department

The University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (ICSG) is a groundbreaking effort uniting faculty from across the University to advance society’s understanding of our energy and climate future. The Institute combines faculty insights in energy markets and policy, climate systems engineering, and energy technology to produce world-changing ideas while also investing in the next generation of energy and climate thinkers, leaders, and innovators through novel educational programs.

Job Summary

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

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• 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.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• 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.

Preferred Competencies

• 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. 

Working Conditions

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

Application Documents

• 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)

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

$75,000.00 - $80,000.00

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.

In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for sign-on bonus

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.