Human Resources Assistant

Requisition Number: JR28743
Division / Dept. / Unit: Library Admin- Library Human Resources
Reports to: Director of Library Human Resources
Work Schedule: 37.5 hours per week

About the Department

​As a center of intense intellectual inquiry, the University of Chicago Library aspires to be the most dynamic research and learning environment in the world, supporting the University’s commitment to research and teaching and to using its intellectual resources to help solve the world’s problems. Even as we continue to focus on building and preserving our renowned collections, the Library is assuming new roles that are vital to research, innovation, and learning at the University. In the process, we are leveraging the deep expertise of Library staff, developing services that support new avenues of research, and expanding access to and preservation of scholarly resources in ways that advance the goals of the University community and the needs of the next generation of scholars. In pursuit of this mission, the University of Chicago Library’s Human Resources team is committed to providing ongoing support and outstanding services to all of our employees. Through a range human resources services and programs, we strive to source, develop, and sustain expertise, skill, commitment, and an innovative spirit in our staff, and to foster a work environment that supports creativity, inclusion, growth, and collaboration.

Job Information​

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Library Human Resources, the HR Assistant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operational needs of the Library Human Resources team. This includes working closely with the HR team, Library Finance team, and hiring managers, supporting the student hiring process, onboarding and offboarding activities, payroll allocations, and maintaining accurate employee records in accordance with department practices, University policies, and federal/state laws.

The HR Assistant will be a highly motivated individual excited to provide administrative support to the HR team of four. This role requires high attention to detail, the ability to communicate in a timely and clear manner, a curiosity to learn and research solutions, and the ability to efficiently prioritize and manage concurrent tasks.

A hybrid schedule, after 60 days of employment, is available.

Responsibilities:

  • Provides HR support to the Library Human Resources team, acting as an initial point of contact for all employees and serving as a general resource. 
  • Supports all student employment for the Library, including onboarding, general inquiries, new hire orientation, maintenance and review of job descriptions, and the quarterly rehire process per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Partners with the Library HR Generalist to ensure compliance with CBA and University policies.
  • Monitors and responds to all inquiries received through the Department’s general email inbox promptly and professionally. 
  • Supports the planning and coordination of staff events, including team-building activities, recognition events, professional development workshops, and social gatherings.
  • Assists in Workday payroll allocations and updates and Library HR GEMS reconciliation.
  • Creates and maintains Library HR materials and intranet site, auditing materials quarterly.
  • Supports staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records.
  • May help counsel 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 to high level of guidance.
  • Performs other related work as needed

Minimum Qualifications:​

Education:

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

Experience:

  • Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:​

Experience:

  • One year experience in human resources.
  • Background in a university, clinical, or a not-for-profit organization.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

  • Learn and use a range of position-related computer applications.
  • Intermediate working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred Competencies:

  • Demonstrated ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
  • Manage interpersonal relationships and interact with faculty, students, and others with clarity, tact, and courtesy.
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment.
  • Strong, sustained attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Work independently and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.​
  • Motivated.
  • Organized.
  • Self-Starter.
  • Critical Thinking.
  • Communicate clearly and with influence.
  • Exhibit resilience and optimize resources.
  • Foster partnership and collaboration.

Working Conditions:

  • Ability to travel around University Campus for errands and departmental deliveries.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Resume/CV of the application.

Pay Range

$20.83 - $25.64

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

  • Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

To Apply

To apply for this position, external candidates must submit their profile and any other required materials through https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External. Internal candidates must apply by logging into Workday using their CNet ID and password; for more information, please see How to Apply for a UChicago Job (Current Employee) QRG. Resumes sent via mail, fax, or email will not be considered. For more information, please see https://www.uchicago.edu/jobs/.

Posting Statement:​​

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.