HR Specialist: Tickle College of Engineering - UTK

HR SpecialistThe Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) is seeking an HR Specialist to provide college-wide human resources operations support, processing and a point of contact subject matter expert to support direction for our processes, Oracle training and procedural guidance. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the HR Specialist serves an assigned portfolio of TCE departments and units, managing service requests through Team Dynamix (TDX) and completing end-to-end HR transactions from recruitment and hiring through onboarding, pay and reporting.This role is central to delivering consistent, compliant and timely HR service across a growing and innovative college. The HR Specialist supports work authorization support, manages student appointment processes, delivers DASH and time-entry training, and maintains the checklists and standard operating procedures that help departments get it right the first time.ResponsibilitiesHiring, Onboarding & Employment Eligibility Compliance (40%)Processes end-to-end hiring and pay transactions for faculty, staff, students, and graduate assistants; ensures timely onboarding and I-9/E-Verify compliance; coordinates visa workflows with ISSS and monitors work authorization expirations; and manages semester Graduate Assistantship assignments.Recruitment, Staffing & Search Administration (30%)Reviews college-wide research position descriptions and provides backup PD review in TDX; manages full-cycle recruitment for assigned TCE units, including requisitions, postings, applicant communication, and accurate candidate records.HR Transactions Affecting Pay, Funding & Employment Status (15%)Processes salary, additional pays, termination, and retirement transactions; advises departments on EEF/RIF requirements and timelines; and maintains workforce and pay tracking tools with finance and budget partners.HR Operations Support, Reporting & Process Improvement (15%)Manages HR intake via TDX and the shared inbox; serves as a time entry and payroll deadline expert, including training and biweekly reporting; reviews and provides routine and ad hoc HR compliance reports; assists with maintaining SOPs and DASH training materials; and coordinates tuition waivers.QualificationsRequired QualificationsEducation: High school diploma or GEDExperience: At least four years of experience in a human resources role, or a combination of work experience in full-cycle hiring, office management, advising on policies and procedures, data entry and/or office support in a setting that requires discretion.Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Excellent organizational and time-management skillsAbility to multitask and prioritize based on the needs of others and time-sensitive deadlines, with follow-through to completionAbility to work autonomously and as part of a teamSound interpersonal and communication skillsWorking knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Teams, OneDrive and WordStrong attention to detailsKnowledge of personnel management applications such as OracleKnowledge of personnel processes, including hiring and I-9/E-VerifyAbility to maintain a high level of confidentialityAbility and willingness to learn new systems and processes as the college grows and changesApplicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.Preferred QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree in human resources, business or a related field; SHRM-CP, PHR or related HR certificationExperience: Bachelor's degree with 1-2 years of human resources experience related to full-cycle hiring, or a combination of work in full-cycle hiring, office management, advising on procedures, data entry and/or office support.Human resources experience in recruiting, hiring, or employee relations at UTExperience in an academic environmentExperience hiring foreign nationals and communicating with non-native English speakersCertificates or training related to HR competenciesKnowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Knowledge of personnel management applications such as Oracle and EquifaxKnowledge of required hiring documentsKnowledge of employment laws and practicesKnowledge of USCIS (visa) processesKnowledge of Power BI and Power AutomateWork LocationLocation: Knoxville, TN - Tickle College of EngineeringHybrid work schedule after the employee probationary period.Compensation and BenefitsUT market range: MR07 (non-exempt)Anticipated hiring range: $45,000 - $55,000Find more information on the UT Market Range structure hereFind more information on UT Benefits hereApplication InstructionsTo express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:ResumeCover Letter