Job description

Senior HR Generalist - Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking experienced human resources professionals to join the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) as Senior Human Resources Generalists. This position is responsible for managing a broad range of human resources activities, providing strategic HR guidance and consultation, and addressing complex employee and organizational matters. The Senior HR Generalists will partner with leadership, supervisors, and employees to provide effective solutions and support the Institute’s human resources needs. Preference will be given to candidates with progressive human resources experience in a university or higher education environment and demonstrated expertise in recruitment, employee relations, and HR consulting. Job Summary The Senior HR Generalist manages a variety of human resource activities, provides strategic guidance on a variety of human resource activities, and manages complex human resource related issues. Duties & Responsibilities • Recruitment & Talent Acquisition • Responsible for independently coordinating search, hiring, and onboarding processes for roles at all levels in all employment categories applicable to the unit, including recruitment efforts. • Communicate with applicants and new hires, facilitating interview, hiring, and onboarding processes including work authorization. • Communicate and implement search procedures aligned with best practices and compliance needs, advising search committees and hiring managers. • Contribute to overall hiring plans, providing guidance on search strategies aligned with talent needs (e.g., multi-level searches, search timing). • Responsible for aligning recruitment and advertising efforts with unit and university branding efforts. • Visa Management • Assist IGB HR staff with the visa processing for current and future employees, serve as a point of contact for International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Assist with follow-up with faculty, IGB scholar, and the UIUC ISSS office on pending visas during reasonable intervals to ensure timely processing. Coordinate monthly review meetings to ensure timely processing of visa applications and to address any issues that might arise. • Interpret and apply policies and procedures related to visas (J-1, H-1, O-1, F-1 OPT, etc.), green card processing and paperwork, and work closely with all stakeholders: IGB HR staff, ISSS office, sponsoring faculty and foreign nationals. Communicate about visa processing policies and proper procedures to faculty and staff within the IGB. Work with ISSS to facilitate foreign national arrival to ensure Visa documentation is received and facilitate an onboarding meeting to discuss the appointment. • Appointments Management • Responsible for managing employee appointments and records, and the interaction between multiple types of appointments to result in appropriate pay and employee status information. • Enters routine and non-routine data, pulls routine and non-routine reports, developing new reports as needed. Ensures accuracy of input data, resolves any discrepancies, considers long-term data retention and data integrity. • Participate in appropriate systems testing and provides feedback. • Leave Management • Responsible for overall unit management of FMLA, PLFA, or other managed leave categories. Develop and implement related guidelines and process improvements. • Counsel and resolve complex or sensitive issues related to leave. Informs and advises staff on complex regulations/policies relating to leave usage. • Labor & Employee Relations • Provides guidance to supervisors on performance management practices and issues. • Recommends interpretation of collective bargaining agreement language and corrective actions to performance issues under administrative supervision. • May infrequently participate in contract negotiations. • May serve as a resource to lower-level staff. • Facilitates accommodations and conflict resolution efforts. Resolves supervisor/employee conflicts requiring intervention or consultation with either party. • HR Compliance & Policy • Ensures adherence to HR policies and legal requirements through tracking, training, and internal reviews. May develop and implement internal compliance strategies. • Provides expertise on HR policies and legal requirements. • Management • Supervise related lower-level staff as assigned. Delegate and assign operational work; contribute to performance management, leave approval, and professional development as part of the management team. Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations This position requires regular on-site presence at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), with the opportunity for a hybrid remote work arrangement after an established period of employment and successful onboarding. Employees may occasionally be required to adjust remote workdays to on-site workdays in response to operational and business needs. Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Administration, Management, Organizational Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a field closely related to the position. • Three (3) years (36 months) of work experience performing professional-level human resources duties. Preferred Qualifications • Minimum of five (5) years of progressive work experience that demonstrates strong ability to research, interpret, and make recommendations based on HR policy. • Visa experience. • Experience working in a union environment and interpreting contract language. • Experience with common computer applications and demonstrated ability to learn new programs. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Demonstrated ability to handle and safeguard confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of discretion and professionalism. • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with IGB staff while upholding the integrity, confidentiality, and standards of the Human Resources function. • Knowledge of human resource principles, practices, policies, and procedures, with the ability to interpret and apply requirements related to appointments, payroll, onboarding, leave, and other employment processes. • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage a high volume of detailed HR and payroll work, balance multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high degree of accuracy. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research and resolve complex HR and payroll issues, interpret policies and procedures, and determine when consultation, referral, or escalation is appropriate. • Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer service skills with the ability to provide clear guidance and work effectively with employees, supervisors, administrators, HR colleagues, and campus partners. • Ability to effectively use and learn HR, payroll, and related information systems and to organize, analyze, and interpret HR information and data. • Ability to handle multiple projects/assignments simultaneously in a fast-pace environment. • Ability to develop/establish strong working relations with Director, Associate Director, faculty, and staff. Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5020 - Human Resource Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after close date. The budgeted salary for this position is $74,000-$80,000, Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at sucss.illinois.gov . This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship work authorization. Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 23, 2026(extended) . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three reference. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jacinda King at jkking@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive. Champaign-Urbana Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify . Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu . Requisition ID : 1038381 Job Category : Administrative Support Apply at: jobs.illinois.edu

Requirements

Must-haves

Senior HR Generalist - Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking
experienced human resources professionals to join the Carl R. Woese Institute
for Genomic Biology (IGB) as Senior Human Resources Generalists. This position is
responsible for managing a broad range of human resources activities, providing
strategic HR guidance and consultation, and addressing complex employee and
organizational matters. The Senior HR Generalists will partner with leadership,
supervisors, and employees to provide effective solutions and support the
Institute’s human resources needs. Preference will be given to candidates with
progressive human resources experience in a university or higher education
environment and demonstrated expertise in recruitment, employee relations, and

Nice-to-haves

Visa experience.
Experience working in a union environment and interpreting contract language.
Experience with common computer applications and demonstrated ability to learn new programs.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated ability to handle and safeguard confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of discretion and professionalism.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with IGB staff while upholding the integrity, confidentiality, and standards of the Human Resources function.
Knowledge of human resource principles, practices, policies, and procedures, with the ability to interpret and apply requirements related to appointments, payroll, onboarding, leave, and other employment processes.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage a high volume of detailed HR and payroll work, balance multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high degree of accuracy.
Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer service skills with the ability to provide clear guidance and work effectively with employees, supervisors, administrators, HR colleagues, and campus partners.
Ability to effectively use and learn HR, payroll, and related information systems and to organize, analyze, and interpret HR information and data.
Ability to handle multiple projects/assignments simultaneously in a fast-pace environment.
Ability to develop/establish strong working relations with Director, Associate Director, faculty, and staff.

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Benefits

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Dental

Vision

Paid Time Off

Professional Development