University of Chicago·Chicago, Illinois
The Human Resources Generalist serves as the primary point of contact for HR matters within the Department of Safety and Security, managing hiring, onboarding, and employee relations. They also ensure compliance with university policies, assist with payroll issues, and provide administrative support to unit leaders.
About the Department The Department of Safety and Security (DSS) includes the following functions: Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, Professional Accountability, Campus Safety, Transportation and Parking Services, and the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD). DSS is a unit within the Division of Office of Legal Affairs, reporting to the General Counsel and Vice President for Legal Affairs. The department is tasked with the development and implementation of comprehensive safety strategies that serve the university community, strengthen collaborations between the DSS and students, faculty, staff and neighbors, and are appropriately aligned with institutional values and priorities. By long tradition, the University works with the city of Chicago providing safety and security options in Hyde Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Job Summary Reporting to the Executive Director of Management Services in the Department of Safety and Security (DSS), the Human Resources Generalist will be the main point of contact for all HR related matters for all units within the Department of Safety and Security (DSS). The HR Generalist will work closely with assigned units to ensure successful customer service and HR practices for all staff they support. The HR Generalist assumes responsibility for the oversight and coordination of many and diverse administrative tasks requiring extensive confidentiality and excellent judgement.
Serves as the first point of contact for departmental administrators and supervisors to troubleshoot HR-related issues, including: job descriptions, hiring employees, onboarding, terminations, employee labor relations issues, and performance issues. Works efficiently and effectively to resolve employment and payment related issues in consultation with appropriate offices such as Shared Services, Payroll, Student Employment communicating directly with all stakeholders to ensure issues are successfully resolved. Provides confidential guidance and support for employees, and directs the employees to the right University resources including but not limited to the Benefits, Leave Administration, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, Employee-Labor Relations. Manages staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions with Unit Leaders and Supervisors, educating and assisting recruiting screeners, phone screening, interviewing, initiating background checks, and conducting reference checks. Serves as a key resource to staff, hiring managers and departmental administrators on all relevant federal, state, local and University human resource regulations, and policies. Prioritizes customer service to ensure all new members of the Department of Safety and Security complete all of the required elements to be onboarded and receive their pay in a timely manner. Works to troubleshoot issues by using University and DSS resources and HR best practices. Reviews and monitors payroll reports, I-9 reports and other compliance verification reports, and follows up to improve individual compliance. Assists the Executive Director with the development and implementation of policies, procedures and training opportunities. Collaborates with the University Central Human Resources team on information management, process improvement, and absence management. Maintains knowledge of University Human Resource policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local employment and labor laws staying abreast of changes and implementing the changes into the day-to-day workflow. Effectively communicates deadlines, requirements, and responses to routine questions. Supports staff hiring processes, including the extensive University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) hiring processes: screening applicants for basic qualifications, scheduling applicants for physical agility testing, scheduling applicants for written exam, scheduling applicants for panel interviews, scheduling applicants for final interviews. Additionally, onboarding successful applicants and assisting in the UCPD background process: scheduling medical screenings, scheduling psychological screenings, scheduling drug screenings, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Drafts templates and routine offer letters. Works closely with the UCPD Recruitment Unit to ensure compliance with University policies. 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. Performs other related work as needed.
Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications: ---
Education: Master’s degree.
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Role Impact Individual Contributor: Scheduled Weekly Hours 40
Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 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.
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.
Candidates must possess a college or university degree and 2-5 years of relevant work experience. Proficiency in HR information systems like Workday and strong communication skills are highly preferred.
Market context
In Illinois, Human Resources Generalist roles are typically in steady demand across employers that need support with employee relations, onboarding, compliance, and day-to-day HR operations. These roles are competitive because employers often look for a degree, 2-5 years of experience, and familiarity with HR information systems such as Workday, along with strong communication skills. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then tailor your resume to show hands-on HRIS and employee support experience.