Human Resource Specialist

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

4d

About The Position

The Human Resources Specialist supports faculty, staff, and leaders across the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. The role brings together employee relations, leave administration, recruitment, payroll, training, compliance, and day-to-day HR operations to support a responsive and effective workplace. The specialist advises managers and employees, conducts workplace investigations, maintains confidential employee records and HR systems, supports the employee lifecycle, coordinates leaves, and collaborates with university partners on HR programs and processes.

The position also designs and facilitates training, helps develop and implement HR policies and best practices, and identifies opportunities to improve processes, employee engagement, and the employee experience. It calls for a personable, solutions-oriented professional with sound judgment, strong technical knowledge, discretion, and a commitment to an inclusive workplace. The position is based in the USC academic community in Los Angeles; the posting does not specify a workplace arrangement or schedule.

The minimum education requirement is a bachelor's degree, with combined experience and education potentially substituting for the minimum education requirement. At least three years of experience is required. The preferred experience is five years, and a professional HR certification or master's degree is preferred. The listed salary range is $75,000–$86,000.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; the minimum education section allows combined experience and education as a substitute.
• At least three years of progressively responsible professional human resources experience; the minimum experience section specifies three years.
• Directly related human resources experience and thorough knowledge of laws governing HR, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of human resources theories, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of principles and processes involved in business and organizational planning, coordination, and execution.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and compliance requirements.
• Experience advising managers and employees, building credibility, and establishing trusting relationships across organizational levels.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Experience supporting workplace investigations, performance management, conflict resolution, and other employee relations matters.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, complex environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office applications, and other HR technology and productivity tools.
• Ability to learn and use emerging technologies and AI-assisted productivity tools while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, professionalism, and independent judgment.
• Collaborative, adaptable, solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to work independently and build partnerships.
• Commitment to an inclusive workplace where employees feel respected, supported, valued, and empowered.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or professional HR certification.
• Five years of experience, as specified under preferred experience.
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Human resource generalist experience in a university setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultation and guidance to managers and employees on employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, workplace concerns, and policy interpretation.
• Help employees and leaders navigate HR processes, policies, and workplace challenges with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Conduct workplace investigations fairly, promptly, objectively, and confidentially, with appropriate documentation, resolution, and follow-up.
• Maintain accurate, confidential employee records and HR systems for reporting, compliance, workforce planning, and process improvement.
• Support the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, employee support, and offboarding.
• Coordinate with the payroll team to administer payroll accurately and comply with applicable laws, regulations, university policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Leave Administrator to coordinate leave programs and support employees and managers through the leave process.
• Process medical, family, disability, and other protected leaves; maintain documentation; coordinate with benefits and payroll partners; monitor leave status and return-to-work requirements; and ensure compliance.
• Design, coordinate, and facilitate training and development programs that support employee capabilities, leadership growth, compliance, and engagement.
• Assist in developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, programs, and best practices that support a positive and inclusive workplace.
• Partner with managers and university colleagues to improve processes, strengthen employee engagement, and enhance the employee experience.
• Communicate HR programs, resources, and initiatives clearly and accessibly to faculty and staff.
• Collaborate across the university to advance shared HR goals and provide responsive, consistent, high-quality support.

Benefits

• USC employee benefits are referenced, with details provided through the USC employee benefits website; specific benefits are not itemized in the posting.
• Opportunities for professional learning, collaboration, and career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level