Academic Affairs Specialist

Grand Valley State University; United States; On-site; USD 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waiver

Medical, vision, dental insurance

Life insurance

Wellness resources

Employer retirement contributions

Job summary

Grand Valley State University seeks an HR professional to manage the collaboration between Academic Affairs and Human Resources. You will ensure data integrity across Workday, design reports, and support merit and appointment processes.

Requirements include a bachelor’s degree and 2+ years in HR, with strong organizational, communication, and ERP experience. The role involves policy advisory duties and cross-functional coordination within the university.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years HR experience.
• Experience implementing and interpreting HR processes for hiring, terminations, and pay raises.
• Attention to detail.
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Experience working HR functions within an ERP (Workday) environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the hiring processes between Academic Affairs and HR.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of information between departmental and university HR systems (Workday) via reconciliation procedures and reporting.
• Advise on the development and implementation of policies and programs for HR processes in Academic Affairs.
• Design, maintain and prepare reports and respond to information requests and audits.
• Lead monthly merit-process related meetings with the Provost’s Office, support staff, and HR.
• Review faculty appointments, contract renewals, promotions, and tenure for compliance and update Workday accordingly.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

HR processes knowledge

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary & Benefits:

Minimum starting salary of $63,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Manage the hiring processes between Academic Affairs and HR.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of information between departmental and university HR systems (i.e., Workday) via established reconciliation procedures and reporting.
• Advise on the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and programs related to the continuous improvement of Academic Affairs HR processes in connection with the University mission, values, and goals. Recommend systems and procedures for internal controls as necessary.
• Design, maintain and prepare reports and comply with requests for information and audit processes.
• Evaluate the consistency of merit across colleges and identify how to best use limited resources to correct market and compression issues within and across units as a member of the Academic Affairs merit process team.
• Lead the collaborative monthly meetings between the Provost’s Office, Academic Affairs support staff, and HR.
• Review regular and affiliate faculty appointment letters, contract renewals, promotions, and tenure decisions for compliance with Academic Affairs and HR policy. Then update academic appointments in Workday.
• Maintain hiring data, sharing relevant information with Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center (FTLC) for faculty orientation and with IT for computer orders.
• Monitor the completion and documentation of terminal degrees for ABD faculty hires within the required timeframe.
• Serve on University committees as requested.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two (2) years’ related experience.
• Experience with implementing and interpreting HR processes for hiring, terminations, and pay raises.
• Attention to detail.
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to complete projects on a timely basis and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with students, faculty, and staff.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Experience working HR functions within an Enterprise Resource Program.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Experience in higher education.
• Workday experience with HR processes.
• Experience training others in processes in a corporate/higher ed environment.

If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Paul Isely ([e-mail]). If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future. Application Deadline: Application review begins Monday September 15, 2026, and this posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/.

TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities. At Grand Valley State University, we empower learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose. The university enriches society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, advancement of equity, and public service. The GVSU community is collaborative, inclusive, self-aware, goal- and growth-oriented. We value connection with fellow Lakers, both student and professional colleagues, and strive to challenge our existing state with innovative strategies. We are dedicated to student success, and the well-being of our community as a whole. Read more about our Reach Higher 2025 strategic plan and process.