HR Compensation Associate

University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay Level 2B

Hybrid work arrangement

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The University of Iowa in Iowa City seeks an HR Compensation Associate to provide entry-level operational support in compensation and classification. You will handle data entry, offer letter approvals, and routine HR transactions while upholding confidentiality and policy compliance.

The role emphasizes accurate processing, responsive service, and collaboration with HR specialists and leadership. Hybrid work within Iowa is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated interest in human resources through coursework, internships, student employment, or related work.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to organize work and maintain accurate records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and a customer-service orientation.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and exercise sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Gather, organize and enter employee, position, and workforce data to support HR practices and reporting.
• Assist with planning and coordinating departmental HR initiatives, including data collection and meeting support.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the unit, responding to inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide initial guidance on routine HR policies and direct employees to supporting resources.
• Serve as primary approver of employment offers based on accurate information and guidelines.
• Review and approve routine HR transactions following established procedures and approvals.
• Interpret and promote compliance with university policies and state/federal laws.
• Generate and distribute routine reports and monitor policy requirements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Customer-service orientation

Discretion with confidential info

Policy compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

The HR Compensation Associate provides entry-level operational support within University Human Resources Compensation and Classification unit, with primary emphasis on HR transactions, employee and position data, offer letter approval, and responsive customer service. This role processes routine work accurately, applies established policies and procedures, protects confidential information, and refers complex or sensitive matters to appropriate HR specialists or leadership.

There is an expectation that the person in this position will maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold the University’s commitment to creating welcoming and respectful environments for all.

This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather, organize and enter employee, position, and workforce data to support HR practices, policies, reporting, and planning within the department or unit.
• Assist with planning and coordinating departmental HR initiatives, including data collection, documentation, meeting support, and follow-up activities.
• Served as the primary point of contact for the unit, responding to phone calls, inquiries, and emails in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide initial guidance on routine HR policies and practices; direct employees, managers, and candidates to appropriate resources, forms, and supporting documentation.
• Serve as primary approver of employment offers based on accurate information within appropriate guidelines.
• Review and approve routine HR transactions, including appointments, transfers, employment status changes, position management, and related data updates, following established procedures and approval requirements.
• Interpret and promote compliance with university policies/procedures and state/federal laws.
• Generate and distribute routine reports; gather information and monitor established policy requirements as directed.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated interest in human resources through coursework, internships, student employment, administrative experience, or related work.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to organize work, manage routine deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and a customer-service orientation.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and exercise sound judgment within established procedures.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with HR information systems, talent management platforms, data entry, or transaction processing.
• Basic familiarity with HR policies, compensation and classification concepts, recruitment processes, or employment regulations.
• Experience preparing reports, reconciling data, or using Excel to organize and analyze information.
• Experience in a higher education, health care, research, or other complex organizational environment.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For questions, contact Jade Rogers at [e-mail]

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position. Pay Level 2B. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

About Iowa

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: HR Associate
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: Hybrid within Iowa

Compensation

• Pay Level: 2B

Contact Information

• Organization: University Human Resources
• Contact Name: Jade Rogers
• Contact Email: [e-mail]