HR POLICY SPECIALIST - REMOTE

University of California Office of the President; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Office of the President, is seeking an experienced HR Policy Specialist focused on policy analysis and program development. This role supports Systemwide HR Policy with emphasis on analytics, cross-unit collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.

The position offers a remote work option within California with hybrid onsite options in Oakland, and requires strong policy-writing expertise and discretion to navigate complex regulatory environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' experience writing and interpreting policy, legislation, or legal documents.
• Minimum 8 years' experience using critical thinking and judgment to analyze complex problems and propose solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex policy and program analysis across HR policies and processes.
• Develop proposals and strategic direction for Systemwide HR Policy.
• Assist campuses with policy interpretations and provide high-quality service.
• Collaborate with senior management, Labor Relations, Academic Personnel, Government Relations, and UC Legal.
• Use HR analytics to identify impact areas and coordinate reporting.

Skills

Advanced analytical skills

Clear written communication

Judgment and discretion

Interpersonal skills

Policy analysis techniques

Stakeholder consensus

Project delivery under deadlines

MS Word/PowerPoint/Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Job description

HR POLICY SPECIALIST - REMOTE

Location: Oakland

Job ID: 87693

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

Department Overview

Systemwide HR People Strategy, Talent & Culture oversees talent strategies for executive search and recruitment, and offers strategic guidance on HR policy governance, workforce planning, culture management and best practices to systemwide and location-based leaders.

Position Summary

The Project Policy Analyst 4 position in Systemwide HR Policy requires: an analytical leader with recognized expertise in policy and program analysis and communications; a confident problem-solver who knows the right questions to ask to get to the root of highly complex issues; the ability to weigh differing interests and manage the needs of multiple constituents to get to consensus; good judgment, discretion, and the ability to work with many different groups; the ability to lead a complicated policy project to completion, such as development of a new policy; and an understanding of human resources analytics and the ability to implement new data initiatives. This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate. A hybrid work arrangement is also available for a candidate who prefers to work onsite in Oakland.

Key Responsibilities

• 30% - Leads efforts to analyze and organize highly complex projects across a broad spectrum of staff human resources policies, programs, systems, and processes, including policy and program development. Assists with consultation on program implementation, communication with UC locations, and policy compliance efforts.
• 20% - Develops proposals and recommendations to provide a forward-looking, strategic direction for Systemwide HR Policy. Researches and summarizes HR best practices. Proactively identifies challenging organizational issues, develops solutions, and recommends courses of action. Researches proposed legislation and assists with determining its impact.
• 20% - Assists UC campuses and other UC locations with answering interpretation questions about policies and programs. Provides high-quality service to HR Policy contacts and other internal and external clients.
• 20% - Uses discretion and diplomacy to solve sensitive problems and implement initiatives with high-level internal and external contacts. Collaborates and coordinates with partners across the system, including senior management, Labor Relations, Academic Personnel, Government Relations, and UC Legal. Navigates complex social and bureaucratic environments.
• 10% - Uses HR analytics to identify areas of impact for Systemwide HR Policy and coordinates reporting efforts.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years' experience writing and interpreting policy, legislation, or legal documents
• Minimum 8 years' experience using critical thinking and judgment to analyze complex problems and propose solutions

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and logical thinking skills
• Ability to write clearly and with precision
• Good judgment and strong discretion
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; Ability to collaborate with all levels of internal and external partners
• Advanced knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques
• Ability to manage the needs of multiple constituents to get to consensus
• Ability to complete projects in tight time frames as needed
• Fluency with standard computer programs, such as MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Preferred Qualification

• Understanding of HR analytics and impact of legislation on HR policies and programs

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related area or JD

Travel Requirements

• 5% Occasional travel may be required.

Job Title

Project Policy Analyst 4 (RP)

Job Code

005258

Salary Grade

UCRP - 108

Payscale

$115,000.00 - $125,000.00

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

This position is represented by the RPSP-Research and Public Service Professionals bargaining unit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate. A hybrid work arrangement is also available for a candidate who prefers to work onsite in Oakland.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP
• Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an attempt with a previous employer.
• 'Misconduct' means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affinitive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at Accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at [e-mail] .

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is AUGUST 13, 2026 . The position will be open until filled.