HR Compensation Associate

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Well-being resources

Job summary

The University of Iowa is seeking an HR Compensation Associate to support compensation and classification operations. The role focuses on HR transactions, employee data, offer letter approvals, and responsive customer service within a professional and confidential environment.

Office duties include data gathering, documentation, reporting, and adherence to university policies. A hybrid work arrangement within Iowa and a strong eye for detail are important for success in this entry-level role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated interest in human resources through coursework, internships, student employment or related work.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Gather, organize and enter employee, position, and workforce data to support HR practices, reporting, and planning.
• Assist with planning and coordinating departmental HR initiatives, including data collection and meeting support.
• Serve as primary contact for the unit through calls, inquiries, and emails.
• Provide initial guidance on routine HR policies; direct employees, managers and candidates to resources.

Skills

Data entry

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft 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.

• 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.
• 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.

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.

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

Contact Information

• Organization: University Human Resources

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .