People Operations Specialist Jobs in Pennsylvania
People Operations Specialist jobs in Pennsylvania are active across a broad range of sectors, including healthcare systems, financial services, higher education, and technology, with openings at every level from entry-level HR coordinator to senior people operations lead. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg account for the largest share of postings, where employers like Comcast, UPMC, and Highmark Health maintain significant people operations functions. The most in-demand specialties in Pennsylvania include HRIS administration, employee relations, and talent operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 156+ People Operations Specialist jobs
Manager, Human Resources, People and Culture
The Monell Chemical Senses Center is a world-renowned non-profit research institute dedicated to advancing knowledge about taste, smell, and related senses and translating discoveries into real-world applications in health, behavior, and policy. Monell is in Philadelphia’s active educational and life sciences corridor.
Position Summary
The Manager, Human Resources, People and Culture is responsible for managing essential Human Resources programs and services, with a major focus on benefits administration, institutional appointments, employee relations, HR compliance, and Human Resources systems.
The position requires working knowledge of international visa and immigration case management and will coordinate cases in partnership with immigration counsel, sponsoring organizations, employees, visiting scholars, faculty, and government agencies.
The Manager will work closely with the Office of Research Administration, Academic Affairs, faculty, administrative departments, and other internal stakeholders to ensure that appointments, immigration matters, benefits, and workforce processes are coordinated accurately and efficiently.
Work Structure: Hybrid—four days on-site and one day remote each week.
Essential Responsibilities
Benefits Administration:
- Manage the day-to-day administration of Monell’s employee benefit programs.
- Coordinate employee enrollment, qualifying life-event changes, benefit elections, terminations, and required documentation.
- Respond to employee questions and resolve escalated benefits matters accurately and promptly.
- Coordinate with benefits consultants, insurance carriers, retirement plan representatives, and other vendors.
- Support annual benefits renewal, open enrollment, employee communications, and benefit education.
- Ensure benefit programs and records are administered consistently and in compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies.
- Review benefits processes and recommend improvements that strengthen service delivery and the employee experience.
International Visa and Immigration Coordination
- Coordinate employment- and research-related visa and immigration cases involving employees, candidates, visiting scholars, researchers, trainees, and other institutional affiliates.
- Work with immigration counsel, sponsoring institutions, government agencies, faculty, hiring managers, and affected individuals to advance cases appropriately.
- Gather, review, and maintain required case documentation and institutional information.
- Monitor visa expiration dates, renewal requirements, case milestones, and submission deadlines.
- Communicate responsibilities, required documentation, anticipated timelines, and case updates to appropriate stakeholders.
- Maintain working knowledge of relevant immigration processes while referring legal interpretations and determinations to qualified immigration counsel.
Institutional Appointments and Reappointments
- Manage Monell’s appointment and reappointment processes for researchers, visiting scientists, trainees, volunteers, employees, and other institutional affiliates.
- Partner with the Office of Research Administration, Academic Affairs, faculty, Human Resources, and administrative departments to coordinate appointment requirements.
- Confirm that funding, immigration, institutional approvals, and supporting documentation are appropriately aligned.
- Monitor appointment periods, renewal dates, and outstanding documentation.
- Ensure appointment and reappointment records are accurate, complete, timely, and properly maintained.
- Develop consistent procedures, communications, and tracking systems for the appointment process.
Human Resources Operations and Employee Support
- Provide operational leadership across assigned Human Resources programs and services.
- Manage and develop designated Human Resources team members.
- Serve as a primary point of escalation for employee relations concerns and complex HR service matters.
- Provide clear, consistent, and timely guidance to employees, faculty, managers, and institutional leaders.
- Support onboarding, offboarding, employee changes, and other workforce lifecycle processes.
- Manage communications related to benefits, Human Resources services, policies, and employee programs.
- Support the interpretation, implementation, and consistent administration of Human Resources policies.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee and institutional matters.
Compliance, Systems, and Data Management
- Coordinate Human Resources compliance activities and support adherence to applicable laws, regulations, policies, and institutional standards.
- Manage and optimize the Human Resources Information System, ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and effective system use.
- Oversee the Applicant Tracking System and support efficient, equitable, and responsive talent acquisition processes.
- Develop and maintain accurate Human Resources reports, records, dashboards, and operational metrics.
- Use HR data and workforce information to identify trends, evaluate programs, and recommend improvements.
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce administrative barriers, and strengthen service delivery.
- Institutional Partnership and Project Management
- Serve as a trusted Human Resources partner to institutional leaders, faculty, managers, and employees.
- Participate in cross-functional initiatives and provide guidance on workforce, compliance, employee experience, and organizational matters.
- Lead or co-lead medium- and large-scale Human Resources projects and institutional initiatives.
- Coordinate effectively with internal and external partners to advance shared priorities.
- Manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and projects in a complex research environment.
- Contribute to a respectful, inclusive, accountable, and service-oriented workplace culture.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
- At least eight years of progressive Human Resources experience.
- Substantive experience administering employee benefit programs.
- At least five years of project or program management experience.
- Experience managing employees or providing functional leadership to HR team members.
- Experience with Human Resources Information Systems and Applicant Tracking Systems.
- Working knowledge of employment practices, benefits administration, HR compliance, and employee relations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and project-management capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with discretion and sound professional judgment.
- Ability to build trusted relationships and work collaboratively across organizational functions and levels.
- Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and accountability.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience coordinating international visa and immigration matters with qualified counsel.
- Experience managing research, academic, visiting scientist, trainee, volunteer, or institutional appointment processes.
- Experience working in a scientific research center, higher education institution, healthcare organization, nonprofit institution, or similarly complex environment.
- Experience with ADP Workforce Now or a comparable Human Resources platform.
- Leadership and Professional Attributes
- The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- A confident, consistent, supportive, and adaptable leadership style.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to operational excellence.
- Sound judgment, discretion, accountability, and professional integrity.
- A collaborative and service-oriented approach.
- The ability to translate policies and complex requirements into clear, practical guidance.
- The ability to develop effective solutions and follow through on implementation.
- A commitment to creating a positive, inclusive, and respectful employee experience.
Application Instructions
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d24b5e1f-d19a-4772-990f-d7a981aadfe4&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=967206&lang=en_US&source=CC2
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Monell provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Manager, Human Resources, People and Culture
The Monell Chemical Senses Center is a world-renowned non-profit research institute dedicated to advancing knowledge about taste, smell, and related senses and translating discoveries into real-world applications in health, behavior, and policy. Monell is in Philadelphia’s active educational and life sciences corridor.
Position Summary
The Manager, Human Resources, People and Culture is responsible for managing essential Human Resources programs and services, with a major focus on benefits administration, institutional appointments, employee relations, HR compliance, and Human Resources systems.
The position requires working knowledge of international visa and immigration case management and will coordinate cases in partnership with immigration counsel, sponsoring organizations, employees, visiting scholars, faculty, and government agencies.
The Manager will work closely with the Office of Research Administration, Academic Affairs, faculty, administrative departments, and other internal stakeholders to ensure that appointments, immigration matters, benefits, and workforce processes are coordinated accurately and efficiently.
Work Structure: Hybrid—four days on-site and one day remote each week.
Essential Responsibilities
Benefits Administration:
- Manage the day-to-day administration of Monell’s employee benefit programs.
- Coordinate employee enrollment, qualifying life-event changes, benefit elections, terminations, and required documentation.
- Respond to employee questions and resolve escalated benefits matters accurately and promptly.
- Coordinate with benefits consultants, insurance carriers, retirement plan representatives, and other vendors.
- Support annual benefits renewal, open enrollment, employee communications, and benefit education.
- Ensure benefit programs and records are administered consistently and in compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies.
- Review benefits processes and recommend improvements that strengthen service delivery and the employee experience.
International Visa and Immigration Coordination
- Coordinate employment- and research-related visa and immigration cases involving employees, candidates, visiting scholars, researchers, trainees, and other institutional affiliates.
- Work with immigration counsel, sponsoring institutions, government agencies, faculty, hiring managers, and affected individuals to advance cases appropriately.
- Gather, review, and maintain required case documentation and institutional information.
- Monitor visa expiration dates, renewal requirements, case milestones, and submission deadlines.
- Communicate responsibilities, required documentation, anticipated timelines, and case updates to appropriate stakeholders.
- Maintain working knowledge of relevant immigration processes while referring legal interpretations and determinations to qualified immigration counsel.
Institutional Appointments and Reappointments
- Manage Monell’s appointment and reappointment processes for researchers, visiting scientists, trainees, volunteers, employees, and other institutional affiliates.
- Partner with the Office of Research Administration, Academic Affairs, faculty, Human Resources, and administrative departments to coordinate appointment requirements.
- Confirm that funding, immigration, institutional approvals, and supporting documentation are appropriately aligned.
- Monitor appointment periods, renewal dates, and outstanding documentation.
- Ensure appointment and reappointment records are accurate, complete, timely, and properly maintained.
- Develop consistent procedures, communications, and tracking systems for the appointment process.
Human Resources Operations and Employee Support
- Provide operational leadership across assigned Human Resources programs and services.
- Manage and develop designated Human Resources team members.
- Serve as a primary point of escalation for employee relations concerns and complex HR service matters.
- Provide clear, consistent, and timely guidance to employees, faculty, managers, and institutional leaders.
- Support onboarding, offboarding, employee changes, and other workforce lifecycle processes.
- Manage communications related to benefits, Human Resources services, policies, and employee programs.
- Support the interpretation, implementation, and consistent administration of Human Resources policies.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee and institutional matters.
Compliance, Systems, and Data Management
- Coordinate Human Resources compliance activities and support adherence to applicable laws, regulations, policies, and institutional standards.
- Manage and optimize the Human Resources Information System, ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and effective system use.
- Oversee the Applicant Tracking System and support efficient, equitable, and responsive talent acquisition processes.
- Develop and maintain accurate Human Resources reports, records, dashboards, and operational metrics.
- Use HR data and workforce information to identify trends, evaluate programs, and recommend improvements.
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce administrative barriers, and strengthen service delivery.
- Institutional Partnership and Project Management
- Serve as a trusted Human Resources partner to institutional leaders, faculty, managers, and employees.
- Participate in cross-functional initiatives and provide guidance on workforce, compliance, employee experience, and organizational matters.
- Lead or co-lead medium- and large-scale Human Resources projects and institutional initiatives.
- Coordinate effectively with internal and external partners to advance shared priorities.
- Manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and projects in a complex research environment.
- Contribute to a respectful, inclusive, accountable, and service-oriented workplace culture.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
- At least eight years of progressive Human Resources experience.
- Substantive experience administering employee benefit programs.
- At least five years of project or program management experience.
- Experience managing employees or providing functional leadership to HR team members.
- Experience with Human Resources Information Systems and Applicant Tracking Systems.
- Working knowledge of employment practices, benefits administration, HR compliance, and employee relations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and project-management capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with discretion and sound professional judgment.
- Ability to build trusted relationships and work collaboratively across organizational functions and levels.
- Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and accountability.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience coordinating international visa and immigration matters with qualified counsel.
- Experience managing research, academic, visiting scientist, trainee, volunteer, or institutional appointment processes.
- Experience working in a scientific research center, higher education institution, healthcare organization, nonprofit institution, or similarly complex environment.
- Experience with ADP Workforce Now or a comparable Human Resources platform.
- Leadership and Professional Attributes
- The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- A confident, consistent, supportive, and adaptable leadership style.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to operational excellence.
- Sound judgment, discretion, accountability, and professional integrity.
- A collaborative and service-oriented approach.
- The ability to translate policies and complex requirements into clear, practical guidance.
- The ability to develop effective solutions and follow through on implementation.
- A commitment to creating a positive, inclusive, and respectful employee experience.
Application Instructions
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d24b5e1f-d19a-4772-990f-d7a981aadfe4&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=967206&lang=en_US&source=CC2
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Monell provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
See All 156+ People Operations Specialist Jobs in Pennsylvania
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Find JobsPeople Operations Specialist Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
People Operations Specialist Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in people operations specialist jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field
- Experience with HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or ADP
- Working knowledge of Pennsylvania labor law and federal employment regulations
- Demonstrated experience managing onboarding, offboarding, or employee lifecycle processes
- Strong data analysis skills with proficiency in Excel or people analytics tools
- PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred or actively in progress
People Operations Specialist Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a people operations specialist in Pennsylvania?
Most people operations specialist roles in Pennsylvania require a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a closely related field. Pennsylvania does not require a state-issued license to work in HR or people operations. Earning a nationally recognized credential such as the SHRM-CP or PHR significantly strengthens candidacy with Pennsylvania employers, particularly in healthcare and financial services. Many candidates also build qualifying experience through HR coordinator or HR generalist roles before moving into a dedicated people operations function.
How much do people operations specialists make in Pennsylvania?
People operations specialists in Pennsylvania earn a median of about $70,450 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,610 for the lowest 10% to over $119,850 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire people operations specialists in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring people operations specialists in Pennsylvania right now include Target, Walmart, and CTR Management Group, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's large healthcare systems, financial institutions, and regional headquarters are among the most consistent sources of people operations openings across the state.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most people operations specialist jobs?
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Erie have the most people operations specialist openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia leads because of its concentration of corporate headquarters, healthcare systems, and financial services firms, while Pittsburgh's growth in technology and healthcare drives strong demand there, and Harrisburg's state government agencies and insurance sector anchor hiring in the capital region.
Are there remote people operations specialist jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, and they're more common than in many fields, since much of the work involves digital systems, documentation, and virtual employee support. About 35% of people operations specialist openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting broad adoption of flexible work arrangements in HR functions. Roles focused on HRIS administration, people analytics, and HR operations coordination tend to be the most remote-accessible.
How can I get hired as a people operations specialist in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an HR coordinator or HR assistant role, which large Pennsylvania employers like UPMC, Jefferson Health, and Comcast use as a starting point for people operations talent. Internship programs at Pennsylvania universities with established employer partnerships in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh frequently convert to full-time HR roles. Completing a SHRM student membership or beginning the SHRM-CP coursework gives candidates a concrete credential edge. Lateral moves from administrative, payroll, or recruiting coordinator positions are also common routes into people operations in Pennsylvania.
Where can I find and apply to people operations specialist jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to people operations specialist jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 156+ People Operations Specialist Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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