HR/Payroll Generalist - Compliance and Payroll

Department Climate Institute Human Resources

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 Generalist will serve as a key contributor to the Human Resources team, providing comprehensive support in both HR operations and academic hiring processes. This role works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and leadership to ensure effective HR and academic hiring practices while maintaining compliance with University policies and procedures. The role requires a creative and innovative thinker with a solid understanding of HR principles and the ability to learn and navigate the complexities of academic appointments in a highly collaborative environment. The portfolio includes HR for students, staff, and academic hires.

Responsibilities Provide human resources support for all unit employees including recruitment and hiring, orientation/on-boarding and training, terminations, FMLA requests/formal accommodations, payroll inquiries, professional development, visa processing, employee relations, and engagement.

Manage end-to-end recruitment processes: posting development, candidate screening, interview logistics, reference checks, offers, and onboarding. Draft templates and routine offer letters.

Maintain HR data and records, solving straightforward problems using standard procedures.

Develop tutorials and provide training on timekeeping processes and best practices.

Coordinate employee training and development programs to enhance organizational capability and retention.

Support the HR Manager with performance management processes, including tracking and reporting KPIs.

Assist with development, implementation, and improvement of HR policies and procedures.

Prepare and submit HR and academic staffing reports as required.

Ensure adherence to federal, state, and university policies, including EEO compliance and affirmative action goals.

Partner with cross-functional teams to cultivate team culture and employee engagement.

Act as a thought leader and resource within HR, providing innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Serve as backup to the HR Manager as needed.

Support end-to-end academic hiring processes, including recruitment, appointment, and reappointment of instructional professors, research associates, and postdoctoral scholars.

Collaborate with department chairs, search committees, and hiring managers to ensure compliance with academic hiring guidelines and timelines.

Draft offer letters and manage appointment documentation with the Social Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Division, and the Harris School.

In the HR Manager’s absence, serve as a resource for academic staff on appointments, promotions, and policies.

Stay current with trends and regulations impacting academic hiring in higher education.

Assist in audits and assessments of HR and academic operations to identify areas for improvement.

analyze data and present visuals for management review.

Provide professional support to employee/labor relations, including handling grievances and complaints.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.

Work Experience: 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, organizational development or related field.

Progressive experience as an HR generalist with emphasis on hiring in higher education, corporate, or government settings.

Background in academic hiring, including recruitment, visa sponsorship, and appointment processes.

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

HRIS and applicant tracking systems, with preference for Workday.

Organizational chart software or web-based systems.

Strong knowledge of HR principles, employment law, and best practices.

Strong customer-focused approach and ability to work independently or in a team; creative problem solving.

Knowledge of current trends in hiring, recruitment, retention, and professional development.

Working Conditions Standard office environment with occasional extended hours during peak hiring periods.

Hybrid work schedule after initial hire and required training.

Application Documents Resume/CV (required)

When applying, upload documents via the My Experience page in the Application Documents section.

Job Family Human Resources

This position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus.

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