The University of Chicago's Division of the Arts and Humanities seeks a Director of HR and People Operations. This key leadership role provides strategic direction and oversight for all staff, student, temp, and seasonal HR functions. As a trusted advisor, you will partner with division and University leadership to create a supportive, inclusive, and engaging work environment.
What You'll Do
- Serve as a trusted advisor and partner, offering counsel to achieve personnel and operational objectives.
- Collaborate with leaders to identify staffing needs, develop workforce plans, and implement succession planning initiatives.
- Administer and manage HR staff and professional development budgets and expenses.
- Lead and manage a team of two full-time professionals, providing guidance, mentoring, and development.
- Ensure and help develop short- and long-term human resources plans and operational policies.
- Oversee recruitment, develop job descriptions, conduct interviews, and onboard new hires.
- Ensure effective training programs for new hire success and current employee skill development.
- Oversee the annual HUM Staff Award Program.
- Facilitate monthly all-staff meetings.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning by developing professional development programs and career path initiatives.
- Manage the annual salary planning process, ensuring alignment with policies and budgets.
- Conduct salary equity reviews and prepare recommendations to promote pay equity and competitiveness.
- Manage staff promotions, ensuring consistency and fairness across units.
- Analyze compensation data to identify trends and recommend changes.
- Oversee staff, student, temporary, and seasonal payroll functions.
- Serve as the primary HR resource for employee relations issues, providing coaching, conflict resolution, and policy guidance.
- Partner with Employee Labor Relations to conduct investigations with discretion and objectivity.
- Oversee performance management processes, including evaluations, feedback, and improvement plans.
- Manage employees by establishing performance goals, allocating resources, assessing performance, and determining merit increases.
- May represent the unit in grievances or legal issues, coordinating resolutions with appropriate University offices.
What We're Looking For
- College or university degree in a related field.
- Knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Nice to Have
- Higher education experience, working with deans, senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students.
- Proven track record developing and implementing HR strategies that align with organizational goals and enhance employee engagement.
- Strong background in employee relations, conflict resolution, and mediation, with a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace.
- Passion for creating positive and supportive environments for faculty and staff.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong knowledge of HR systems, data analysis, and technology to improve HR operations and decision-making.
- Comprehensive understanding of higher education policies, laws, and regulations as they pertain to human resources.
- Leadership and management experience.
Team & Environment
This is a key leadership position within the Division of the Arts and Humanities. You will supervise two full-time professional HR staff.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00
- Health, retirement, and paid time off benefits.
Work Mode
This is an onsite position located in Chicago, IL.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.
