Human Resources Generalist

at  The University of Chicago

Department
BFI - Human Resources
About the Department
The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu.
Job Summary
The HR Generalist at the Becker Friedman Institute within the University of Chicago plays a crucial role in the Human Resources team, engaging in a wide range of operational activities to design, implement, and monitor various human resource processes. This position involves a combination of generalist responsibilities within the Human Resources Function, allowing the incumbent to acquire advanced skills.
The incumbent functions with considerable autonomy, assuming responsibility for the oversight and coordination of many and diverse administrative responsibilities requiring a high degree of confidentiality, discretion, independent judgment, and initiative. The successful HR Generalist builds credible relationships across the institute to help facilitate effective employee communications, problem solving and solution-based outcomes. Assists and/or own special projects as needed and provides solutions to ongoing process/ project improvement initiatives.
This position performs a broad range of operational activities to design, implement, and monitor a variety of human resource programs. Responsibilities are within the Human Resources Function as a generalist or in a combination of disciplines, allowing the incumbent to acquire higher-level skills.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a key resource to BFI staff and departmental administrators on all HR related matters ensuring HR services are provided in a timely and professional manner.
• Resolves HR administrative issues in consultation with appropriate University administrative offices such as Shared Services, Payroll, or Student Employment communicating directly with all stakeholders to ensure issues are successfully resolved.
• Coordinates work authorization efforts for designated unit by acting as a liaison to the Office of International Affairs, University Human Resources, and/or Payroll. Includes, but is not limited to, running Visa reports and owning Visa applications by the direction of the Assistant Director.
• Acts as a trusted point of contact for employees, providing guidance and support on HR-related matters.
• Investigates and resolves employee relations issues, ensuring a fair and consistent approach.
• Manages the full life cycle of Student Employment.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date HR records and data.
• Generates reports and analyzes HR metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Partners with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and develops effective recruitment strategies.
• Conducts interviews, assess candidates, and contributes to the selection process.
• Manages the onboarding process to ensure a smooth and positive experience for new hire
• Drafts templates and routine offer letters. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of straightforward problems using standard procedures.
• Manages BFI’s Summer RAs (Kapani & Brickell) internship program, serving as the primary point of contact.
• Collaborates with the Office of Career Advancement to establish and meet program deadlines, ensuring a seamless experience for both students and the organization.
• Manages all temporary and part-time benefits ineligible (PTBI) employment for BFI, including recruitment for temporary openings and completing onboarding for temporary and PTBI employees.
• Monitors ERISA hours and ensures compliance with relevant regulations.
• Supports staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation.
• Writes and edits standard documents such as job descriptions, training materials, or offer letters with minimal oversight.
• 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.
• Provides professional support to a unit’s employee/labor relations efforts, including handling grievances, disciplinary warnings, and employee complaints.
• Assists in the development and administration of the HR budget for the department, monitors for variances, and manages employment expenses within established guidelines.
• 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 in human resources or management.

Experience:

• Background as a human resources professional in higher education is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience delivering quality customer service.

Certifications:

• Human Resources certification (HRCI or SHRM certification).

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Strong and broad software knowledge and usage including: word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web, as well as a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Proficient in Workday or similar human resources information systems.
• Working knowledge of employment regulations and typical human resources procedures.
• Learn new technology.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong customer service skills; interact with and serve a diverse population with tact, courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Foster partnership and collaboration.
• Demonstrate a keen understanding of business operations and organizational dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, juggle competing deadlines, set priorities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision despite heavy workload and tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate strategic agility.
• Display emotional intelligence.
• Exhibit resilience and optimize resources.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills utilizing appropriate resources to resolve issues with high attention to detail.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.

Working Conditions

• Work in high stress environment with competing priorities.
• Work effectively with constant interruptions.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (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
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
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Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans
and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.
Staff 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.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
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.
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• Serves as a key resource to BFI staff and departmental administrators on all HR related matters ensuring HR services are provided in a timely and professional manner.
• Resolves HR administrative issues in consultation with appropriate University administrative offices such as Shared Services, Payroll, or Student Employment communicating directly with all stakeholders to ensure issues are successfully resolved.
• Coordinates work authorization efforts for designated unit by acting as a liaison to the Office of International Affairs, University Human Resources, and/or Payroll. Includes, but is not limited to, running Visa reports and owning Visa applications by the direction of the Assistant Director.
• Acts as a trusted point of contact for employees, providing guidance and support on HR-related matters.
• Investigates and resolves employee relations issues, ensuring a fair and consistent approach.
• Manages the full life cycle of Student Employment.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date HR records and data.
• Generates reports and analyzes HR metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Partners with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and develops effective recruitment strategies.
• Conducts interviews, assess candidates, and contributes to the selection process.
• Manages the onboarding process to ensure a smooth and positive experience for new hire
• Drafts templates and routine offer letters. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of straightforward problems using standard procedures.
• Manages BFI’s Summer RAs (Kapani & Brickell) internship program, serving as the primary point of contact.
• Collaborates with the Office of Career Advancement to establish and meet program deadlines, ensuring a seamless experience for both students and the organization.
• Manages all temporary and part-time benefits ineligible (PTBI) employment for BFI, including recruitment for temporary openings and completing onboarding for temporary and PTBI employees.
• Monitors ERISA hours and ensures compliance with relevant regulations.
• Supports staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation.
• Writes and edits standard documents such as job descriptions, training materials, or offer letters with minimal oversight.
• 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.
• Provides professional support to a unit’s employee/labor relations efforts, including handling grievances, disciplinary warnings, and employee complaints.
• Assists in the development and administration of the HR budget for the department, monitors for variances, and manages employment expenses within established guidelines.
• Performs other related work as needed