HR Generalist / Senior HR Generalist - Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation

This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement dependent with unit operational needs.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Welcome to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation (OVCRI)! What do we do? The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation leads the university's research strategy; manages regulatory, administrative, compliance, and research support activities; and develops policies that guide the conduct of research. At OVCRI Human Resources, we’re seeking a dedicated and passionate HR professional to join our dynamic, collaborative team. If you thrive in a supportive environment, embrace flexibility, and value integrity, we want you! We’re looking for someone who isn’t afraid to speak up when needed and has a genuine desire to make a positive impact. If you're ready to contribute to a team that works hard, supports each other, and truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

Job Summary

Human Resources Generalist

• The HR Generalist manages a variety of human resource activities and assists with complex human resource issues, escalating as needed.

Senior Human Resources Generalist

• The Senior HR Generalist manages a variety of human resource activities, provides strategic guidance on a variety of human resource activities, and manages complex human resource issues.

Human Resources Generalist

Duties & Responsibilities

• Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
  • Responsible for independently coordinating search, hiring, and onboarding processes for student, hourly, and full-time hiring needs, including recruitment efforts.
  • Communicate and implement search procedures aligned with best practices and compliance needs, advising search committees and hiring managers.
  • Communicate with applicants and new hires, facilitating interview, hiring, and onboarding processes.
  • Develop job postings.
• HR Information Systems & Appointments Management
  • Responsible for employee appointments, troubleshooting transactions to ensure accurate results and escalating complex issues as needed.
  • Enters routine and non-routine data and pulls reports.
  • Ensures accuracy of input data and reports and/or resolves minor discrepancies.
  • May develop new reports.
  • Participate in appropriate systems testing and/or feedback.
• Labor & Employee Relations
  • Provides guidance to supervisors on performance management practices and issues.
  • Handles minor supervisor/employee conflicts requiring intervention or consultation with either party.
  • Facilitates accommodations and conflict resolution efforts.
  • Recommends interpretation of collective bargaining agreement language and corrective actions to performance issues under administrative supervision.
• HR Compliance & Policy
  • Ensures adherence to HR policies and legal requirements through tracking, training, and internal reviews.
  • Identifies areas of concern related to adherence to HR policies and legal requirements.
• Payroll, Time Reporting, and Leave Management
  • Process payroll and timesheets, including unique payments like summer salary.
  • Address complex timesheet/leave issues and return timesheets/leave requests as needed.
  • Process routine and non-routine pay adjustments.
  • Administer and track FMLA, PLFA, or other managed leave categories.
  • Counsel and resolve issues related to leave. Inform staff of all regulations/policies relating to leave usage and time reporting.
• Job Classification & Analysis
  • Conducts job classification and analysis processes.
  • Provides guidance on job descriptions, promotions, and titles.
  • Identify out-of-scope duties and recommend title changes based on overall responsibilities, as appropriate.
• Compensation and Benefits
  • Advises on salary decisions and develops justifications with general oversight.
  • Recommends compensation amounts for temporary/additional pay circumstances, escalating unique circumstances for additional input.
  • Informs employees of all available benefit offerings.
• Employee Learning and Professional Development
  • Leads or supports the delivery of informational or training sessions utilizing prescribed documentation.
  • Informs employees of targeted opportunities for professional development.
  • Work with supervisors to request promotions and/or plan for promotions and employee career pathing.
• Organizational Development
  • Supports organizational development initiatives.
  • Provides input on development strategies, programs, and retention efforts.
  • Ensures a positive work environment and addresses basic concerns as able.
  • May participate in organizational assessments, gather feedback, stay interviewing, etc.
• Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
  • Participates and supports diversity and inclusion training and programs.
  • Provides guidance on DEI policies, initiatives, and resolution of DEI-related compliance issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Administration, Management, Organizational Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a field closely related to the position.
• Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience performing professional-level human resources duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with human resources information systems (HRIS).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate skill in applying HR concepts, practices, policies, and procedures to manage complex tasks, resolve problems, address missing information, and improve processes.
• Ability to learn new concepts, systems, and procedures and apply them effectively to improve performance and outcomes.
• Ability to pivot quickly between tasks, systems, and conversations in a fast-paced office environment.
• Communicate clearly in written, verbal, and interpersonal interactions, ensuring understanding and effective collaboration.

Senior Human Resources Generalist

Duties & Responsibilities

In addition to the above duties and responsibilities for Human Resources Generalist:

• Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
  • Responsible for independently coordinating search, hiring, and onboarding processes for roles at all levels in all employment categories applicable to the unit, including recruitment efforts.
  • Contribute to overall hiring plans, providing guidance on search strategies aligned with talent needs (e.g., multi-level searches, search timing).
  • Oversee advertising and branding efforts/improvements.
• HR Information Systems & Appointments Management
  • Responsible for managing employee appointments and records, and the interaction between multiple types of appointments to result in appropriate pay and employee status information.
  • Enters routine and non-routine data, pulls routine and non-routine reports, developing new reports as needed.
  • Ensures accuracy of input data, resolves any discrepancies, considers long-term data retention and data integrity.
• Labor & Employee Relations
  • May infrequently participate in contract negotiations.
  • May serve as a resource to lower-level staff.
  • Resolves supervisor/employee conflicts requiring intervention or consultation with either party.
• HR Compliance & Policy
  • May develop and implement internal compliance strategies.
  • Provides expertise on HR policies and legal requirements.
• Payroll, Time Reporting, and Leave Management
  • Process all payroll and timesheets.
  • Process all required pay adjustments.
  • Acts as a resource for other HR professionals on applicable processes and policies.
  • Assist with the development of and implementing of related guidelines.
  • Responsible for overall unit management of FMLA, PLFA, or other managed leave categories.
  • Counsel and resolve complex or sensitive issues related to leave.
  • Informs and advises employees on complex regulations/policies relating to leave usage and time reporting.
• Job Classification & Analysis
  • Oversees job classification and analysis processes for designated groups.
  • Assists with the development of internal-to-unit classification strategies.
  • Provides expertise on job analysis and evaluation.
• Compensation and Benefits
  • Advises on salary decisions and develops justifications.
  • Reviews internal pay equity and recommends adjustments as needed.
  • Recommends compensation amounts for temporary/additional pay circumstances.
  • Informs employees of all available benefit offerings and uses expertise to direct employees to benefits of specific value to their individual circumstances.
  • Acts as a resource to lower-level staff members on compensation and benefits topics.
• Employee Learning and Professional Development
  • Leads or co-leads the delivery and development of informational or training sessions.
  • Advises employees on short- and long-term strategies for professional development and career growth.
  • Coordinates with supervisors to implement promotions, career/succession planning, and cross-training opportunities.
  • Acts as a resource for others regarding employee learning and professional development.
• Organizational Development
  • Develops and delivers organizational development, culture, team-building, retention, or change initiatives.
  • Provides expertise on organizational development and change management, incorporating best practices and current campus initiatives.
• Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
  • Leads internal-to-unit diversity and inclusion initiatives. Provides guidance on DEI policies and initiatives. Recommends enhancements for DEI-related improvements.
  • Identifies and proposes solutions for DEI-related compliance issues. Monitors metrics related to DEI, such as ensuring pay equity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Administration, Management, Organizational Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a field closely related to the position.
• Three (3) years (36 months) of work experience performing professional-level human resources duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience improving practices, processes, and procedures by identifying opportunities and implementing effective changes.
• Experience working with human resources information systems (HRIS).
• Experience in providing human resources support and/or coordination within a public university, healthcare, or other similar public sector setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Work independently to complete tasks with autonomy, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Demonstrate skill in applying HR concepts, practices, policies, and procedures to manage complex tasks, resolve problems, address missing information, and improve processes.
• Ability to learn new concepts, systems, and procedures and apply them effectively to improve performance and outcomes.
• Communicate clearly in written, verbal, and interpersonal interactions, and effectively deliver presentations and facilitate discussions to ensure understanding and collaboration.
• Ability to pivot quickly between tasks, systems, and conversations in a fast-paced office environment.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5020 - Human Resource Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $60,000 to $72,000 at the Human Resources Generalist level, and $68,000 to $80,000 at the Senior Human Resources Generalist level, for a 12-month service basis. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, October 17, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Lewin Reinhart at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID: 1032724
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu