Department

EPIC - Adminstration and Operations

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 and Academic Affairs 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 independent thinker with strong experience in an academic setting, a solid understanding of HR principles, and the ability to navigate the complexities of academic appointments. This role will have a HR portfolio consisting of student, staff and academic hires alike.

Responsibilities

Provides human resources activities for all unit employees including recruitment and hiring, orientation/on-boarding and training, employee building accesses, resignations, FMLA requests, payroll related forms, professional development, visa processing, employee relations, time-entry and approval. Manages end-to-end recruitment processes, including developing job posting, candidate screening, interviewing, 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 division community on payroll and 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.Partners with cross-functional teams to support initiatives that enhance organizational culture and employee engagement.Contributes to special projects and initiatives as assigned by the HR Manager, including diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.Acts as a thought leader and resource within the HR team, providing innovative solutions to complex challenges.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 visa sponsorships for academic hires.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:

Associates degree in human resources, business management, organizational development or related field.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 academic hiring processes in a higher education 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.Strong knowledge of HR principles, employment law, and best practices.

Preferred Competencies

Knowledge of current trends and best practices in hiring, recruitment, retention and professional development. Demonstrated ability to work independently and think creatively to solve problems.Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.Manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions

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

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required)

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

$66,300.00 - $85,800.00

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 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

 

Staff 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.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

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.