Payroll Operations and Communications Specialist

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

3d • $69,720 - $86,004

About The Position

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) is seeking a Payroll Operations and Communications Specialist to support Payroll Operations through knowledge-resource management, operational communications, business-process documentation, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Payroll Customer Engagement and Analytics, this position leads the development, maintenance, and governance of payroll documentation, online resources, and operational reference materials supporting payroll services across the University.

The Specialist partners with Payroll Operations, UW Information Technology, Human Resources, and campus stakeholders to identify resource needs, evaluate business processes, and support improvements related to payroll systems, services, and communications. The role develops and maintains documentation, website content, knowledge-management tools, and resource materials, ensuring that information is accurate, accessible, and aligned with changing business requirements and University standards.

The position assesses operational needs and stakeholder feedback to identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, user support, and adoption of payroll services and technologies. Additional work includes coordinating payroll communications; supporting website administration and accessibility; evaluating and recommending technology solutions; assisting with reporting and business analysis; developing and delivering operational resources and informational materials; and supporting special projects that advance Payroll Operations’ objectives. The role contributes to consistent, compliant, and accessible payroll services through stakeholder engagement, resource management, process improvement, and strategic communications.

This is a regular, 100% FTE position on the first shift. The stated annual pay range is $69,720–$86,004. Benefits information is available through the University of Washington staff benefits website.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of progressively responsible experience in program operations, business operations, communications, knowledge management, process improvement, project coordination, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the degree.
• Demonstrated experience developing, managing, and maintaining operational documentation, knowledge resources, communications, business-process materials, or program-support initiatives.
• Knowledge of business-process documentation, knowledge-management practices, stakeholder engagement, communications strategies, and continuous process-improvement methodologies.
• Experience developing and maintaining web-based content, online resources, content-management systems, collaboration platforms, or digital knowledge-management tools.
• Ability to analyze business processes, evaluate stakeholder needs, and recommend solutions that improve operational effectiveness and customer service.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including leadership, operational partners, technical teams, and end users.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, accurate, user-friendly resources.
• Experience managing multiple priorities, coordinating projects, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams on operational improvements, technology implementations, communications initiatives, or process-enhancement projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse groups, stakeholders, and teams, with a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented leadership style and the ability to foster excellence, accountability, and teamwork.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting HR, Payroll, Finance, or enterprise business systems at the University of Washington or in a comparable higher-education environment.
• Experience developing operational documentation, stakeholder resources, communications, or process-improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and govern payroll documentation, online resources, operational reference materials, website content, knowledge-management tools, and other resource materials.
• Coordinate payroll communications and develop operational resources and informational materials.
• Partner with Payroll Operations, UW Information Technology, Human Resources, and campus stakeholders to identify resource needs and evaluate business processes.
• Evaluate stakeholder feedback and operational needs to identify process-improvement opportunities, increase efficiency, enhance user support, and encourage adoption of payroll services and technologies.
• Support website administration and accessibility efforts.
• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions related to payroll operations.
• Assist with reporting and business analysis initiatives.
• Support special projects advancing Payroll Operations’ strategic and operational objectives.
• Support improvements related to payroll systems, services, and communications.
• Organize and maintain resources to ensure information is accurate, accessible, and aligned with evolving business requirements and University standards.

Benefits

• The posting directs applicants to the University of Washington staff benefits website for information about benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• The posting describes the University’s benefits as outstanding.

What This Job Offers

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