Human Resources Specialist

MIT•Cambridge, MA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Human Resources Specialist will provide comprehensive HR support across the employee life cycle for approximately 150 staff and researchers. Reporting to the Human Resources Administrator, this role serves as a key resource for faculty, staff, postdoctoral associates, visitors, and temporary employees while ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient HR operations. This role will serve as a primary contact for HR-related inquiries and policy guidance; manage 150+ specialized appointments, including Postdoctoral Associates, Visiting Scientists and Scholars, Research Specialist Limited appointments, temporary employees, and non-student appointments; coordinate visa and immigration processes (J-1, H-1B, F-1 OPT, and STEM OPT) in partnership with the International Scholars Office; process HR transactions, including appointments, reappointments, employee changes, and terminations; coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities, background checks, compliance requirements, and employee records; monitor appointment and visa deadlines, prepare employment verification letters, manage departmental access requests, and support process improvement initiatives; and provide backup support for the Human Resources Administrator and assist with special projects.

Requirements

High school diploma
A minimum of five years of relevant HR or administrative experience
Advanced knowledge of HR processes and policies
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain strict confidentiality

Nice To Haves

Experience with immigration processes
Experience in higher education administration
Experience with MIT systems
Bachelor's degree

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary contact for HR-related inquiries and policy guidance.
Manage 150+ specialized appointments, including Postdoctoral Associates, Visiting Scientists and Scholars, Research Specialist Limited appointments, temporary employees, and non-student appointments.
Coordinate visa and immigration processes (J-1, H-1B, F-1 OPT, and STEM OPT) in partnership with the International Scholars Office.
Process HR transactions, including appointments, reappointments, employee changes, and terminations.
Coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities, background checks, compliance requirements, and employee records.
Monitor appointment and visa deadlines.
Prepare employment verification letters.
Manage departmental access requests.
Support process improvement initiatives.
Provide backup support for the Human Resources Administrator.
Assist with special projects.