Associate Director, International Human Resources

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

74d•$89,250 - $115,500•Hybrid

About The Position

UChicago Global advances the University of Chicago’s scholarly research, educational initiatives, and partnerships around the world. Part of the Office of the President, UChicago Global provides an integrated, enterprise-level view of the University’s international activities across academic units and regions. We develop strategic partnerships, provide seed funding for collaborative research, ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements, and help build a broad understanding of UChicago as a leading global university. With staff based in Chicago, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Delhi, UChicago Global applies deep expertise in the international landscape to support the University’s engagement around the world. Reporting to the Senior Director, Operations, Finance and Compliance, the Assistant Director, International Human Resources is responsible for supporting HR functions for UChicago Global as well as international HR operations for the Center in Beijing, Center in Delhi and Campus in Hong Kong’s operational staff. This role supports compliance with international labor regulations, manages cross-border employee matters, and collaborates with global teams to implement HR policies and processes. This position works independently to design, implement and monitor a variety of human resource programs. Anticipates and plans for long-term human resource needs and trends in partnership with business management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree strongly preferred; MBA, Human Resources.
Familiarity with higher education environment.
International HR experience.
Experience working in India or with Indian organizations strongly preferred.
Experience working in Hong Kong/China strongly preferred.
Experience working and/or supporting staff in a matrixed organization.
Experience navigating large and decentralized organizations.
Familiarity with Workday.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of international employment laws and HR best practices.
Strong intercultural communication competence.
Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
Strong organizational and project management abilities.
Strong customer service skills and ability to interact with and serve a diverse population with tact, courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy.
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes.
Ability to maintain objectivity and focus responses around validated information and local requirements.
Ability to prioritize workload to address areas of concerns and meet strict deadlines while managing responsiveness across the portfolio.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to remain calm, professional, and productive while managing complex issues, competing priorities, and tight deadlines.
Conversational fluency in Mandarin a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide HR support and guidance across multiple international regions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and offboarding.
Ensure compliance with local employment laws and University HR policies.
Develop, update and implement HR policies internationally.
Collaborate with payroll and benefits providers to ensure accurate administration for international employees. Support local benefit program implementation and reporting as well as coordinating efforts by staff and service providers to resolve issues.
Draft templates and routine hiring documents and make updates as required to meet organizational and local compliance needs. Maintain appropriate HR data and records.
Provide guidance on employee and labor relations matters at international sites, including grievance handling investigations, performance improvement plans, and conflict resolution.
Assist in recruiting candidates and onboarding new hires, including background checks, visa applications/renewals, relocation, and work permit processes and partnering with University teams and local service providers as needed.
Work with Office of Legal Counsel to review new roles for compliance with existing legal structures and requirements.
Support performance evaluation processes and assist international teams with goal setting, feedback, and developmental planning.
Coordinate global training initiatives to promote skills development, cultural awareness, and compliance.
Serve as key resource for Global staff in all HR related matters ensuring HR services are provided in a timely and professional manner.
Gain and understand knowledge of University Human Resource policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local employment and labor laws, staying abreast of changes and implementing the changes into day-to-day workflow.
Support Workday Performance Management for the Global team to ensure compliance with the university’s policies and procedures.
Guides staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Develops templates and drafts routine offer letters. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of problems using best practices.
Counsels’ employees on benefits and compensation, Coordinates with managers and senior colleagues to determine employee compensation. Analyzes data and prepares charts, graphs, and trend lines for management review with a minimal level of guidance.
Has a deep understanding of unit’s employee/labor relations efforts, including handling of grievances, disciplinary warnings, and employee complaints.
Develops and administers the HR budget for the department, monitors for variances, and manages employment expenses within established guidelines.
Performs other related work as needed.