HR Business Partner
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
HR Business Partner (Hybrid)
Illinois International – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Vision 2030 Global Strategy is comprised of five key strategies that will support the university in realizing its vision to be the pre-eminent public research university with a global impact. Illinois International will directly support several activities and initiatives related to the global strategy in the coming years. Learn more about Vision 2030 Global Strategy.
Illinois International at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an opening for an HR Business Partner.
Illinois International refers to the Office of the Associate Chancellor and Vice Provost for Global Affairs and Strategies, its shared services functions, and its reporting units. We are dedicated to supporting campus internationalization through administrative, academic, and programmatic services and initiatives. This position will be part of the Finance and Administration function. Learn more about Illinois International.
Primary Position Function/Summary:
The HR Business Partner provides strategic guidance on a variety of human resource activities and manages complex human resource related issues for Illinois International.
Statement of Duties & Responsibilities:
Leadership
- Represent the HR function and operational needs to leadership audiences.
Management
- Supervise related lower-level staff as assigned.
- Delegate and assign operational work; manage employee performance, leave, and professional development.
- Serve as a resource and liaison for human resource team, escalating issues to leadership as needed.
Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
- Responsible for talent acquisition, search, and recruitment efforts for roles at all levels in all employment categories applicable to the unit.
- Applies historical knowledge and expertise of the unit's activities to develop and implement recruitment plans targeted to pertinent applicant populations.
- Responsible for all aspects of facilitating the search process and job postings for their portfolio.
- Manages or contributes to the overall talent acquisition strategy for the unit.
- Prioritizes the sequencing of overall search activity in consultation with senior leadership.
- Lead internal branding and advertising strategies for talent acquisition.
Labor and Employee Relations
- Applies HR subject-matter expertise and organizational history to LER issues, providing guidance to management on complex or novel issues.
- Interprets collective bargaining agreements and participates in contract negotiations.
- Develops and implements performance management strategies for the unit.
- Works with supervisors to recommend and enact disciplinary measures, ensuring consistency with best practice and policy.
Compensation and Benefits
- Recommends salary decisions and develops justifications.
- Performs pay equity analysis incorporating market research and consideration of internal comparability across job groups.
- Determines appropriate compensation amounts and mechanisms for temporary/additional pay including complex or novel circumstances.
- Contributes compensation information and expert guidance to unit budget and strategic planning.
- Advises leadership audiences of potential impacts of compensation decisions, both policy-based and employee perceptions.
HR Compliance and Policy
- Ensures adherence to HR policies and legal requirements through tracking, training, and internal reviews.
- Develops internal compliance strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Represents the unit as a subject-matter expert in committees and projects developing policies, revising policies, and implementing compliance mandates.
HR Information Systems and 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.
- Develops complex reports.
- Ensures accuracy of input data and resolves all discrepancies, implementing data retention best practices.
- Recommends and implements systems that improve overall efficiency, security, access, and tracking.
- Identifies and tracks relevant metrics for HR, informing leadership decision-making.
Payroll, Time Reporting, and Leave Management
- Responsible for overall payroll, time reporting, and leave management in the unit.
- Trains managers and other HR professionals on applicable processes and policies, developing and implementing guidelines.
- Audits payroll and leave records for compliance and corrections, especially for complex and conflicting records across multiple systems.
- Determines options for employees who have exhausted leave or have multiple leave types, paid or unpaid.
Job Classification and Analysis
- Leads strategic job classification and analysis initiatives.
- Develops comprehensive classification programs aligned with departmental goals.
- Ensures alignment with industry standards and best practices.
Employee Learning and Professional Development
- Creates and the training and development strategy for the unit.
- Develops and enacts unit-wide strategies for employee development and career pathing.
- Acts as a resource for others in creating development strategies.
Organizational Development
- Leads strategic organizational development initiatives in collaboration with senior leadership to drive organizational change.
- Develops and delivers comprehensive development programs aligned with organizational goals.
- Champions best practices related to organizational development, culture, team building, retention, and managing change.
- Coaches leaders to enhance their skills.
Required 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.
- Four (4) years (48 months) of work experience performing professional-level human resources duties.
Preferred: (Successful candidates will have):
- Demonstrated supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated experience with HR processes and procedures at the University of Illinois or other higher education institutions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Working knowledge of business and human resources policies and procedures.
- Extensive knowledge of principles and procedures used in human resources.
- Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and/or regulations affecting public human resources administration; ability to develop a broad knowledge of those of the employing institution.
- Skill in reviewing and formulating/revising human resources policies and procedures.
- Results-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, strong oral and written communication skills, the ability to interact with a broad array of internal and external constituents.
- Ability to concurrently manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to plan, supervise, and evaluate the work activities of others.
- Ability to tactfully handle situations involving employee performance/discipline with utmost discretion and professionalism.
- Must be able to clearly demonstrate traits that include concern and respect for individual, integrity, credibility, good judgment, dependability, accountability, and the ability to make good decisions.
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY:
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a comprehensive and major public land-grant university (Doctoral/Research University-Extensive) that is ranked among the best in the world. Chartered in 1867, it provides undergraduate and graduate education in more than 150 fields of study, conducts theoretical and applied research, and provides public service to the state and the nation. It employs about 3,000 faculty members who serve over 33,000 undergraduates and 17,000 graduate and professional students. More information about the campus is available at www.illinois.edu. The university is located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana (total population 226,000) in east-central Illinois, and is situated about 140 miles south of Chicago, 125 miles west of Indianapolis, and 170 northeast of St. Louis. The University and its surrounding communities offer a cultural and recreational environment ideally suited to the work of a major research institution. For more information about the community, visit: Living in Champaign-Urbana, Visit Champaign County, or Champaign County Chamber of Commerce.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION:
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Human Resource Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The salary for this position is competitive and based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity within Illinois International. The budgeted salary range is $75,000 to $80,000.
Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
Civil Service employees may earn up to 28 days of vacation leave per year, depending on length of service. The University offers 11 annual paid holidays, 12 cumulative sick leave days, plus an additional 13 non-cumulative sick leave days, if needed, each year. For more information about campus holidays, vacation leave, and sick leave.
Health insurance is available to employees (with the option to purchase coverage for spouse and dependents), required participation in State Universities Retirement System (SURS), with several options for participation in additional retirement plans. Learn more about employee benefits at the University of Illinois. Newly hired employees are covered by the Medicare portion of Social Security and are subject to this deduction.
The University of Illinois has is strong committed to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff: Work-Life Balance & Family-Friendly Programs and Other Work-Life Programs.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION:
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on 04/30/2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the bottom of this posting. Please include application, cover letter, resume, academic credentials, including required bachelor’s degree (unofficial transcripts or diploma may be acceptable), and (3) professional references, including name, email, and phone number. Academic credentials will be verified before hire. Applicants are encouraged to specifically relate their background and experience to the requirements of the position as outlined above. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Illinois International Human Resources at iip-hr@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact Illinois Human Resources at 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1035636
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu