Human Resources Generalist

Department

BFI - Administration

About the Department

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics serves as a hub for cutting-edge analysis and research across the entire University of Chicago economics community, uniting researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School in an unparalleled effort to uncover new ways of thinking about economics. We put those ideas into action by translating rigorous research into accessible and relevant formats, and proactively disseminating it to key decision-makers around the world.

Job Summary

The Human Resources Generalist provides day-to-day HR support for staff, people managers and student employees across the Becker Friedman Institute. This role manages a range of operational activities, including recruitment, onboarding, Workday administration, compliance tasks, and employee support to ensure timely and accurate HR service delivery. This position works closely with BFI leadership and central HR teams to maintain consistent processes and a positive employee experience.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a primary HR resource to staff, managers, and administrators, providing timely guidance on HR policies, procedures, and general employee support. 
• Resolves routine HR issues by collaborating with Shared Services, Payroll, Student Employment, and central HR partners to ensure seamless service delivery. 
• Supports the full recruitment process for staff roles, including drafting job descriptions, posting coordination, candidate screening, interview logistics, reference checks, offer preparation, and onboarding.
• Manages the full life cycle of student employment, including job postings, hiring coordination, work authorization, onboarding, and compliance monitoring. 
• Coordinates work authorization efforts by acting as a liaison to the Office of International Affairs and other central units; runs visa reports, tracks status, and supports processing under human resource business partner guidance. 
• Maintains accurate HR data in Workday and generates scheduled and ad hoc HR reports, including compliance reporting and HR metrics. 
• Supports performance management processes by helping staff and supervisors navigate goal-setting, mid-year, and year-end activities; provides guidance on documentation and system-related questions. 
• Assists with employee relations matters by gathering information, drafting documentation, supporting disciplinary processes, and routing concerns to central HR partners as appropriate. 
• Provides guidance on standard HR inquiries, including benefits navigation, compensation processes, job descriptions, leave of absence procedures, and general policy interpretation. 
• Drafts and maintains HR workflows, templates, communications, and standard operating procedures to improve the consistency and efficiency of HR service delivery. 
• Coordinates HR activities related to employee engagement, training, wellness, and professional development programs. 
• Provides administrative support for classification and compensation activities such as job description updates, salary adjustments, and reclassification requests. 
• Participates in HR projects, process improvements, and special initiatives designed to enhance HR operations and staff experience. 
• Supports staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Drafts templates and routine offer letters. 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.
• 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:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource, business administration, organizational behavior or related field. 

Experience: 

• Providing administrative or operational support in human resources, higher education, or a related field. 
• Background with HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, student employment, HR data entry, or compliance tracking. 
• Demonstrated experience delivering high-quality customer service and supporting a diverse employee population. 
• Managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. 

Technical Skills or Knowledge: 

• Demonstrates proficiency with Microsoft Office, project management applications, and meeting software such as Zoom. 
• Familiarity with HRIS (Workday preferred) and comfort navigating databases, reports, and workflows. 
• Working knowledge of relevant federal, state, and municipal employment laws and regulations. 

Preferred Competencies 

• Strong customer service skills to communicate clearly and professionally. 
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with discretion. 
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and comfortable navigating HR systems and technology.
• Work independently and collaboratively across teams. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Professionalism, emotional intelligence, and resilience in fast-paced environments. 

Application Documents 

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3) (preferred) 

Job Family

Human Resources

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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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.

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.

Posting Statement

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. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

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.

 

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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