Human Resources Specialist (Temporary 3-4 months)

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy•Tucson, AZ

2d•$70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Compensation and Benefits Specialist partners with the HR Manager to support the Compensation Update Work Project Plan and FY2026 priorities and goals as well as assist with daily compensation needs, issues, tasks, projects, processes and administration. The Specialist will also assist with daily benefits administration, including new hire enrollment, changes, file uploads and reconciliations to ensure accurate benefit transactions. Provides overall administrative and specialty support for compensation projects and benefit programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field. Equivalent experience may be substituted for the degree.
Two to Five years of experience in human resources supporting benefits and compensation.
Able to handle HR issues requiring interpretation and application of policies and procedures (i.e. providing educated guidance and consultation on area of focus).
Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse client group at all levels.
Proficiency utilizing software with advanced skills (specifically Excel and Microsoft Product Suite), Payscale/Payfactors or other Compensation third-party data warehouse for survey data, and update, modify or develop a variety of HR tools, to include reports, data-driven presentations, analytical templates, etc.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Nice To Haves

Completed coursework or achievement of CEBS or CCP certification
PHR or SHRM CP designation
Specialized experience in compensation and benefits
Experience with UKG and IBM Cognos Analytics (Business Intelligence)

Responsibilities

Performs compensation-related duties such as supporting compensation processes and documentation, including entering system data, setting up jobs, drafting and preparing job descriptions and evaluations, participating in job matching in salary survey data warehouse, conducting market analyses, loading jobs, pulling initial demographic data for analysis, job descriptions and importing data to salary survey data warehouse, compiling external market data, preparing, combining and parsing spreadsheets, creating mail merge memos, set up of excel formulas, and helping administer pay processes in alignment with organizational guidelines and applicable regulations.
Performs benefits-related duties such as supporting benefit plan administration, preparing documents/communications and performing activities related to open enrollment preparation, new hire enrollment and life-event changes, entering benefits information to system and vendor sites, reconciling benefit data, coordinating with vendors, managing monthly billing, responding to employee inquiries, and assisting with compliance, reporting, and communications related to health, welfare, and retirement programs.
Researches, analyzes, evaluates, and administers Compensation and Benefits tasks, issues or assignments to meet the FY2026 priorities and goals.
In partnership with the HR Manager, coordinates assigned aspects of the Compensation and Benefits program administration and provides answers to coverage questions and provides information to employees and managers.
Responds promptly to customer needs; identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully, independently or in partnership with the HR Manager.
Utilizes the procedures, processes, methodologies and tools (e.g. UKG, Jira, Confluence, SharePoint, Microsoft Suite products) to ensure timely and accurate Compensation and Benefit administrative operations.
Ensures that data is accurately processed and maintained according to organization rules and applicable regulations. Creates reporting and file uploads to provide data exports and imports to HRIS, Payroll and vendor systems.
Prepares and disseminates communications as approved and directed by HR Manager, and updates/creates documentation of processes within their area of focus.
In partnership with the HR Manager, will participate in projects and initiatives.
Ensure workflows and processes are documented in Confluence ensuring up-to-date information.
Responsible for compliance within benefits and compensation and provides AURA policy information, plan and program information and maintains general knowledge of legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting compensation and benefits matters.
All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
All AURA employees are responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.
Performs other duties as assigned.