BUSINESS SUPPORT SPECIALIST SR (Student Affairs Human Resources)

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 26,518 - 37,746; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision plans

Retirement

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid caregiver leave

Educational fee discounts (UM System)

Job summary

University of Missouri-Columbia is seeking an experienced Senior Business Support Specialist to provide HR and operational support across Student Affairs. You will manage HR workflows, from recruitment through onboarding, and contribute to data-driven decision making with accurate reporting.

The role emphasizes collaboration with campus partners, process improvement, and delivering timely, customer-focused service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 2 years HR experience.
• Strong Excel skills including pivot tables and VLOOKUP.
• Experience with HR databases and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of payroll, compensation, and compliance.
• Project management experience and ability to multitask.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate HR processes including recruitment, onboarding, payroll, changes, and separations.
• Build relationships with managers and staff; provide guidance on HR processes.
• Research and resolve HR issues using established procedures.
• Support end-to-end recruitment from posting to onboarding.
• Prepare and analyze employment data and reports.

Skills

Excel

HR databases

Project management

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

PeopleSoft

HR reporting tools

Job description

Hiring Department

This position provides HR and operational support to departments across Student Affairs, including Dean of Students, Student Engagement & Leadership, Student Health & Well-Being, and Student Auxiliary Services. Working closely with managers, employees, and campus partners, you will play a key role in ensuring processes are completed accurately, efficiently, and with a strong commitment to service.

Job Description

Summary

This role offers the opportunity to develop meaningful partnerships across the university while supporting programs and services that contribute to student success. You'll gain broad experience in human resources, payroll, recruitment, data management, training, and business operations while working alongside a collaborative team committed to continuous improvement. If you're looking for a position where you can strengthen your professional skills, contribute ideas, and make a meaningful impact every day, we'd love to hear from you

Essential Functions

(In priority order)

• Drive critical HR operations: Coordinate HR and business processes including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, payroll administration, employee changes, and separations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established procedures.
• Serve as a go-to resource: Build positive working relationships with managers, employees, and campus partners while providing responsive support and guidance on HR-related processes and requirements.
• Solve problems and uncover solutions: Research and resolve issues by gathering information from multiple systems and resources, applying established procedures, and exercising sound judgment to support effective outcomes.
• Support end-to-end recruitment efforts: Support recruitment activities from position posting through onboarding, helping ensure professional and positive experience for candidates and hiring managers.
• Turn data into insight: Prepare, maintain, and analyze reports and employment data to support decision-making, accountability, and the integrity of personnel records.

Other Job Functions

(In priority order)

• Champion process excellence: Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen documentation, enhance training resources, and promote consistency and efficiency across operations.
• Support learning and continuous improvement: Assist with training and communication efforts by sharing resources, reinforcing best practices, and helping employees and leaders navigate routine HR processes with confidence.
• Build strong partnerships across Student Affairs and Mizzou: Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, confidentiality, and a customer-service mindset while supporting the mission and goals of the departments, division, and University.

Shift

Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm

This position may require evening and weekend hours supporting activities and programs within the department. Occasionally division and campus projects may require additional hours outside of your normal schedule.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis) and experience working with HR databases and reporting tools.
• Awareness of HR processes and regulations, including payroll, compensation, and compliance.
• Experience in project management, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a track record of identifying process improvements.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to maintaining data accuracy and integrity.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide clear guidance to employees and managers.
• Experience in HR systems such as PeopleSoft or similar platforms is highly preferred.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $19.25 - $27.40 per hour

Grade: GGS 008

University Title: Senior Business Support Specialist

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR. Range:

Application Materials

Complete application and upload resume and cover letter and provide contact information for at least three references (including current or former supervisor).

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefit Eligibility

• Medical and dental and vision plans
• Retirement
• Paid time off
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid parental leave
• Paid caregiver leave
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.