Human Resources (HR) Programs Specialist

University of North Carolina Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is seeking a Human Resources (HR) Programs Specialist to centrally support Employee Relations, Engagement, and Learning & Talent Development. You will manage HR systems, coordinate core HR programs, and provide administrative, operational, and technical support to strengthen compliance, data integrity, and the employee experience.

The role handles confidential information, exercises independent judgment, and contributes to continuous improvement across

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four year college or university or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• One-year of HR assistant or administrative experience in a public higher education setting.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of HR laws affecting policies and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information.
• Experience with HR data extraction, reporting, and analytics.
• Experience with PeopleAdmin ATS or similar systems and Banner or equivalent systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Administers and supports HR systems, providing user assistance, troubleshooting, data management, system testing, documentation, training resources, and process improvements.
• Coordinates and administers performance management processes for SHRA and EHRA non-faculty employees, including system administration, compliance monitoring, evaluation tracking, reporting, communications, and user guidance.
• Administers employee learning, development, and compliance training programs by coordinating training assignments, maintaining learning records, monitoring completion and compliance, supporting onboarding and professional development initiatives, and preparing related reports.
• Provides administrative and technical support for employee relations processes, including case management, record maintenance, tracking and reporting, meeting coordination, documentation management, and compliance activities.
• Coordinates employee engagement, recognition, professional development, surveys, and community-building initiatives, managing communications, logistics, participation tracking, and program assessment.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports HR data and metrics to support compliance, operational effectiveness, decision-making, and continuous improvement while safeguarding confidential information.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for HR programs and services, providing customer service, information, guidance, and support to employees, supervisors, managers, and campus stakeholders.
• Independently manages multiple priorities and deadlines while coordinating meetings, training, communications, records, audits, special projects, and other operational activities supporting assigned functions.
• Other related duties and projects as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

HR policies

Data reporting

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PeopleAdmin ATS

Banner system

MS Office 365

Job description

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.

Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life-creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Recruitment Range

$52,400 - $57,000

Recruitment Range Details

The salary range advertised is the designated recruitment range for this classification. Final salary offers will be determined by the candidate's education, relevant experience, internal equity alignment, and departmental budgetary parameters.

Vacancy Number

S02887

Position Title

Human Resources Specialist

Working Title

Human Resources (HR) Programs Specialist

Competency Level

Journey

Home Department

Human Resources - 35700

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The UNCW Office of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity within the Chancellor's Division is the central office responsible for HR operations and Title IX/Clery compliance. It is organized into six core units: Benefits, Classification & Compensation, Employee Relations & Engagement, HR Systems & Salary Administration, Talent Acquisition, and Title IX and Clery Compliance.

College

Human Resources - 35700 College

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation's only bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

Location of Workplace

Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The HR Programs Specialist serves as a centralized resource supporting Employee Relations, Employee Engagement, and Learning & Talent Development through HR systems support, coordination of core HR programs, and delivery of administrative, operational, and technical support that strengthens compliance, data integrity, employee experience, and service excellence. The role regularly handles sensitive and confidential information, exercises independent judgment, and supports continuous improvement across multiple HR functions.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Administers and supports HR systems, providing user assistance, troubleshooting, data management, system testing, documentation, training resources, and process improvements.
• Coordinates and administers performance management processes for SHRA and EHRA non-faculty employees, including system administration, compliance monitoring, evaluation tracking, reporting, communications, and user guidance.
• Administers employee learning, development, and compliance training programs by coordinating training assignments, maintaining learning records, monitoring completion and compliance, supporting onboarding and professional development initiatives, and preparing related reports.
• Provides administrative and technical support for employee relations processes, including case management, record maintenance, tracking and reporting, meeting coordination, documentation management, and compliance activities.
• Coordinates employee engagement, recognition, professional development, surveys, and community-building initiatives, managing communications, logistics, participation tracking, and program assessment.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports HR data and metrics to support compliance, operational effectiveness, decision-making, and continuous improvement while safeguarding confidential information.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for HR programs and services, providing customer service, information, guidance, and support to employees, supervisors, managers, and campus stakeholders.
• Independently manages multiple priorities and deadlines while coordinating meetings, training, communications, records, audits, special projects, and other operational activities supporting assigned functions.
• Other related duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Graduation from a four year college or university; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred education, professional skills and experience

• One-year of HR assistant or administrative experience in a public higher education setting.
• Excellent verbal, written and positive interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of HR laws affecting policies and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy and processing confidential information.
• Strong analytical skills to examine and test business processes and recommend improvements that improve operational efficiencies.
• Ability to use systems and extract, compile, review and present data and information.
• Experience with the PeopleAdmin Applicant Tracking System or other comparable system.
• Experience with Banner or other comparable system.
• Ability to explain software use, databases, and related forms and tools to campus users.
• Experience with creating surveys, data collection, exporting and reporting data.
• Strong technical ability and proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, virtual meeting platforms, website management systems, and room reservation systems

Required Certifications or licensure

N/A

FTE

1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Months Per Year

12 Months

Work Days

Monday - Friday

Work Hours

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Type of Position

Permanent

Position Number

7738

Job Posting Date

08/03/2026

Posting Close Date

08/17/2026

Number of Openings

Single Incumbent

Special Notes to Applicants

PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. This position is being recruited at the Journey level. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

External Link to Posting

https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/40143