Head Of People Operations Jobs in Illinois

HR Generalist

College of ACES - Extension, Unit 6

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Job Summary

The HR Generalist manages a variety of human resource activities and assists with complex human resource issues, escalating as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Recruitment & Talent Acquisition • Responsible for independently coordinating search, hiring, and onboarding processes for varied hiring needs, including recruitment efforts. Communicate and implement search procedures aligned with best practices and compliance needs, advising search committees and hiring managers. • Communicate with applicants and new hires, facilitating interview, hiring, and onboarding processes including work authorization. • Develop job postings.
• 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.
• Job Classification & Analysis • Conducts job classification and analysis processes. • Provides guidance on job descriptions, promotions, and titles. • Identify out-of-scope duties and recommend title changes based on overall responsibilities, as appropriate.
• Labor & Employee Relations • Provides guidance to supervisors on performance management practices and issues. Handles minor supervisor/employee conflicts requiring intervention or consultation with either party. • Facilitates accommodations and conflict resolution efforts. • Recommends interpretation of collective bargaining agreement language and corrective actions to performance issues under administrative supervision.
• 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.
• Organizational Culture & Development • Supports the delivery of training, development, and culture initiatives. Provides input on content and program planning. • Informs employees and managers of targeted opportunities for professional development.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.

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

Experience and practical application of employment and HR policies, procedures and best practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively provide information and services related to all areas of responsibility.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• Decision-making ability and the ability to exercise good judgement and discretion in the performance of all duties.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5020 - Human Resource Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the position is $50,000 - $62,000.

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

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 30, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. 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 wbuffett@illinois.edu. 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 conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

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 accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1039045
Job Category: Off-Campus
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu