HR Generalist - Illinois Human Resources

Laseagrant; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an HR Generalist to support colleges and departments via Illinois Human Resources Shared Services. You will manage appointments, payroll, onboarding and leave administration while interpreting university policies and guiding staff and supervisors.

The role requires problem solving, data integrity, and collaboration with campus partners to resolve HR issues. Strong communication and confidentiality are essential in this high-volume environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Administration, Management, Organizational Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a related field.
• Two years (24 months) of work experience performing professional-level human resources duties.

Responsibilities

• Manage appointments, payroll, onboarding and time reporting with accuracy and discretion.
• Process payroll and timesheets, address complex issues, and communicate regulations.
• Administer leaves (FMLA, PLFA) and advise staff on policy compliance.
• Support HR compliance, policy adherence and salary considerations with oversight.

Skills

HR policies and procedures

Payroll processing

Onboarding

Leave administration

Data accuracy

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Payroll systems

Job description

HR Generalist - Illinois Human Resources Shared Services
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Human Resource Associate serves as an HR Generalist supporting colleges and departments served by Illinois Human Resources Shared Services, with primary responsibility for appointments, payroll, onboarding, leave administration, compliance, and related HR operations.

The position manages a high volume of routine and complex HR transactions across multiple employee groups; interprets and applies University policies and procedures; provides guidance to employees, supervisors, and unit contacts; and coordinates with campus partners to resolve issues. The position exercises independent judgment in managing assigned work, resolving discrepancies, and determining when consultation, referral, or escalation is appropriate.

Duties & Responsibilities

Appointments Management

• Responsible for employee appointments, troubleshooting transactions to ensure accurate results and escalating complex issues as needed.
• Enters routine and non-routine data and pulls reports. Ensures accuracy of input data and reports and/or resolves minor discrepancies. May develop new reports.
• Participate in appropriate systems testing and/or feedback.

Payroll & Time Reporting

• Process payroll and timesheets. Address complex timesheet/leave issues and return timesheets/leave requests as needed. Process routine and non-routine pay adjustments.
• Inform staff of all regulations/policies relating to time reporting and payroll.

Leave Management

• Administer and track FMLA, PLFA, or other managed leave categories.
• Counsel and resolve issues related to leave. Inform staff of all regulations/policies relating to leave usage.

HR Compliance & Policy

• Ensures adherence to HR policies and legal requirements through tracking, training, and internal reviews.
• Identifies areas of concern related to adherence to HR policies and legal requirements.
• Contributes to salary decisions and justifications with general oversight.
• Identifies and recommends compensation amounts for temporary/additional pay circumstances, escalating unique circumstances for additional input.
• Informs employees of available benefit offerings.

Training, Process Improvement and Other Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain process documentation, templates, reference materials, training resources, and other tools; provide training and guidance regarding HR systems, processes, payroll practices, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Identify and support opportunities to improve HR processes, consistency, documentation, service delivery, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain current knowledge of University HR and payroll requirements and participate in HR projects, professional development, campus activities, and other related responsibilities in support of evolving Illinois Human Resources Shared Services and University needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Administration, Management, Organizational Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a field closely related to the position.
• Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience performing professional-level human resources duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in human resources, budget, or a related field at the University of Illinois

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of human resource principles, practices, policies, and procedures, with the ability to interpret and apply requirements related to appointments, payroll, onboarding, leave, and other employment processes.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage a high volume of detailed HR and payroll work, balance multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research and resolve complex HR and payroll issues, interpret policies and procedures, and determine when consultation, referral, or escalation is appropriate.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer service skills with the ability to provide clear guidance and work effectively with employees, supervisors, administrators, HR colleagues, and campus partners.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion while appropriately handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to effectively use and learn HR, payroll, and related information systems and to organize, analyze, and interpret HR information and data

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5020 - Human Resource Associate position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The salary range for this position is $60,000.00 to $65,000.00 annually. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 21, 2026.

For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and (if applicable) transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities of this role.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Doug Greene at [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .

Looking for more University of Illinois Positions?

We invite you to search for positions at each of the University of Illinois' locations, the University of Illinois System Office and the University of Illinois Foundation. The University of Illinois System Office supports the primary missions of teaching, research, public service, and economic development for all of the Universities and offers positions in all locations. The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving agency for the University of Illinois and also offers position in all locations.