Human Resources Specialist

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Department College Human Resources About the Department College Human Resources Job Summary Reporting to the Associate Director, the Human Resources Specialist is responsible for managing student hiring and payroll activities for the College. The Specialist coordinates with assigned departments and teams to support the student employment lifecycle and ensure compliance with College, University policies, and federal/state laws. The Specialist maintains employment data, prepares reports, and provides training on best practices related to student hiring. Responsibilities Manages student employment lifecycle, from request to off-boarding. Executes all related hiring and onboarding tasks for students, including in-person I-9 verification and Workday job updates. Maintains employment documentation, data tracking, and related College tools. Prepares templates and routine hiring documents; maintains accurate HR records. Partners with College and University units to resolve student employment situations. Serves as student payroll and timekeeping specialist; processes payroll transactions, resolves discrepancies, codes hours, and audits submissions and approvals. Ensures accurate and timely compensation, costing allocation, one-time payments, and period activity pay. Conducts quarterly hiring and payroll audits; analyzes data and generates reports. Assists with compliance regarding hiring practices and University collective bargaining agreements. Stays informed of College, University, state, and federal payroll and timekeeping laws, policies, and procedures. Provides training and develops tutorials for administrators and supervisors on payroll and timekeeping best practices. Prepares best practice documents and establishes standard operating procedures. Manages the College HR inbox, triages and resolves requests and inquiries, escalating as needed. Pursues professional development opportunities and implements new skills to improve service. Supports staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, 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. 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. 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: Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree. Experience : 2 or more years of experience in human resources management and student employment in higher education setting. Exposure to and experience with tracking payroll, timekeeping, and document verification. Technical Skills or Knowledge: Strong and broad computer skills (word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web), including a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Proficiency with Workday and business intelligence tools strongly preferred. Preferred Competencies Excellent organizational skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Strong analytical skills. Strong communication skills. Excellent decision-making, time management, priority-setting and learning agility capabilities. Work in a team environment and independently. Manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines with minimal supervision. Communicate effectively with a diverse population. Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and ensure utmost discretion and confidentiality to handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion. Identify, analyze and resolve problems. Working Conditions Office environment. Sit for long periods of time. Work at a computer for long periods of time. Travel to various on-campus locations. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required) References Contact Information (3)(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 ? FLSA Status Exempt ? Pay Range $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 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 . 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.

Keywords: University of Chicago, Chicago , Human Resources Specialist, Human Resources , Chicago, Illinois