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Department Provost Office of Research About the Department The UChicago Office of Research serves as a central hub for research development, infrastructure support and compliance across the entire University. This includes services for research administration, safety, and computing, as well as comprehensive support for research development for bold new initiatives from pilot projects to large-scale inter-institutional proposals. The Office of Research broadens the UChicago research enterprise by establishing research partnerships through joint appointments of researchers from affiliated labs through the Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering (UChicago CASE) and coordinating with the UChicago Office of Science and Innovation. The Vice Provost for Research oversees the Office of Research and works closely with University leadership to shape and undergird strategic objectives to enable UChicago faculty to scale their scholarship and discoveries beyond the University. Job Summary The HR and Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in the Office of Research at The University of Chicago, contributing to the development and execution of HR strategies to support the unit's goals. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Research, this individual will assist in the development of HR strategy for the unit while leading recruitment, onboarding, training, and development initiatives. This role will support staff and leaders through a broad spectrum of HR initiatives including merit, performance management, engagement surveys, communications, and award recognition programs. This role also leads policy interpretation/development, workforce planning, and staffing. The HR and Operations Manager will ensure Research operations and administrative leaders have the resources they need to support their staff and to create long-term employee satisfaction and engagement. The HR and Operations Manager will be responsible for the project management of internal initiatives. This role will work with internal stakeholders to define project concepts and create a process for execution to bring the project to fruition. This process includes project planning, resource management, team leadership, risk management, stakeholder communication, quality assurance, budget management, timeline management, problem solving, reporting and evaluation. This role demands a seasoned HR professional with leadership experience, capable of influencing positive change and fostering a collaborative work environment. The HR and Operations Manager will be an integral part of the Office of Research, contributing to the growth and success of the unit by implementing strategic HR initiatives and fostering a positive workplace culture. Responsibilities Lead and manage the end-to-end project lifecycle, from concept development to successful execution, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Partner with internal stakeholders to define project goals, deliverables, and scope, ensuring clear expectations and alignment across departments. Oversee allocation of resources (time, budget, personnel) to ensure projects are adequately staffed and completed on time and within budget. Lead cross-functional teams, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance, effective collaboration, and successful project outcomes. Proactively identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions and ensure project continuity. Maintain clear, consistent communication with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, providing regular updates on progress, challenges, and milestones. Ensure adherence to project standards and best practices, conducting regular reviews to ensure deliverables meet quality expectations. Develop, track, and manage project budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and expenditures are kept within budgetary constraints. Create detailed project timelines, ensuring tasks are completed on schedule and adjusting plans as needed to accommodate changing priorities or unforeseen challenges. Address any obstacles or challenges that arise during project execution, developing solutions and ensuring minimal impact on project timelines and outcomes. Monitor project progress and prepare regular status reports for senior leadership, highlighting key performance indicators, risks, and lessons learned. Lead post-project evaluations to assess the effectiveness and outcomes, ensuring continuous improvement in project management practices. Manages human resources activities for all unit employees including recruitment and hiring, orientation/on-boarding and training, employee building accesses, resignations, FMLA requests, payroll related forms, professional development, employee relations, time-entry and approval. Develops and implements relevant policies and procedures and ensures compliance in partnership with Central HR. Drafts all documentation related to HR functions, including but not limited to communications with individuals, communications with workers compensation attorneys, position descriptions. Develops and implements HR strategies aligned with the goals and vision of the Office of Research. Advises leadership on human resources matters, contributing to organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. Collaborates with department heads and Central HR to identify staffing needs and create effective recruitment strategies. Manages end-to-end recruitment processes, including job posting, candidate screening, interviewing, and selection. In partnership with Central HR, develops and implements comprehensive onboarding programs to ensure a smooth transition for new hires. Facilitates orientation sessions and provides support to new employees during their initial integration period. Identifies training needs and coordinates development programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of employees. Collaborates with department leaders to create career development plans for team members. Provides guidance to managers and leaders on performance management and workforce success by coaching, counseling, and offering career development solutions. Partners with administrative leaders on facilitating the staff employee performance process from goal setting to compensation and merit review. Leads the Performance Review Process and Annual Merit Process for the Office of Research. Assists the Director of Administration and Operations for the Office of Research with budget forecasting and reporting. Oversees HR budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and efficient use of resources. Monitors and reports on financial aspects related to HR operations, providing insights for strategic decision-making. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data related to departmental HR operations and performance. Prepares reports and presentations to inform decision-making and strategic planning. Provides feedback and suggestions for process improvement. Develops and executes HR communication strategy. Serves as the point of contact for the HR Partners within the Research Unit. Guides staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Develops templates and drafts routine offer letters. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of problems using best practices. 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 minimal 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Experience: 5 years' experience working in a human resources environment. Experience in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures. Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Experience in University environment strongly preferred. Licenses and Certifications: HR Certification (SHRM/HRCI) strongly preferred. Preferred Competencies Proven leadership experience with the ability to influence and inspire positive change. Strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to address issues proactively and implement effective solutions. Proven ability to collaborate with diverse teams and build strong working relationships. Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Exceptional organizational and time-management skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively. Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a dynamic work environment. Application Documents Resume (required) Cover letter (optional) References (3)(required) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. 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 FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $85,000.00 - $120,000.00 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 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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. 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. The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/