Human Resources Associate, Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development-UTK

The Human Resources Specialist provides professional and technical support for the Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development (ORIED) in the areas of personnel management, recruitment, onboarding, and HR compliance. This position serves as the primary coordinator for daily HR transactions and ensures that all employee-related processes align with university policies and state/federal regulations. Working under the direction of the Assistant Business Manager, the incumbent maintains accurate HR records, supports recruitment and onboarding workflows in the Dynamic Administrative Systems for Higher Education (DASH), and assists with employee relations, training logistics, and HR reporting. This role plays a key part in fostering an efficient, compliant, and service-oriented HR environment within ORIED.

Human Capital Management (HCM) Processing: 

- Initiate, process, and track personnel transactions in DASH, including new hires, reclassifications, terminations, and compensation actions and other records maintained in DASH. Ensure data accuracy and timely completion. 

- Submit position reviews and documentation to HR Compensation. 

- Interpret guidelines and ensure compliance with all facets of the process, including follow-through and individualized customer service.

- Responsible for submitting all HCM transactions to include labor distribution, and interpreting and implementing work strategies for using Temporary workers to fill immediate needs.

- Maintain personnel files and digital records consistent with audit and compliance standards.

- Prepare and post job announcements, coordinate search and hiring activities, and ensure compliance with UT recruitment policies. 

- Process onboarding documentation.

- Process new & transfer employee paperwork for Parking Permits, special event parking permits, and guest parking. 

- Process new & transfer employee paperwork such as Key Request Forms, Central Alarm Request,

- Support employee orientation and assist new hires with HR system access and benefits information.

Employee Relations and HR Support:

- Serve as a resource for employees and supervisors on HR policies, benefits, and leave procedures. Track probationary and performance reviews. 

- Process leave documentation, assist with FMLA and workers' compensation submissions.

- Compile HR data and prepare recurring and ad-hoc reports for leadership. 

- Track personnel trends and transactions for planning purposes. 

- Maintain HR operational manuals and procedural documentation to ensure consistent, compliant HR practices across ORIED.

- Collect and disseminate monthly personnel updates and professional development topics for ORIED.

Training and Process Improvement:

- Deliver routine HR training sessions (e.g., onboarding procedures, system navigation, policy updates). 

- Support process improvements, staff development initiatives, and documentation updates to improve operational efficiency.

- Manage the SRAi Level Up program.

- Disseminate NCURA training videos to ORIED staff 

- Analyze and research multiple data streams such as Dynamic Administrative Systems for Higher Education (DASH), IRIS, NCURA, K@TE, and Handshake to consolidate information and prepare reports for campus-wide impact for the VC of Research and ORIED staff.

- Draft communications to provide information and HR updates for multiple audiences within ORIED

Other Duties as Assigned:

-As required 

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  •  High School diploma or GED
• Experience: 
  • Minimum of three years of experience in office or administrative support. 
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

Knowledge of human resources principles, policies, and practices.

Knowledge of university systems, HR processes, and compliance standards.

Skill in using enterprise systems such as DASH, IRIS, or similar HRIS platforms.

Skill in data management, report generation, and document preparation.

Ability to resolve routine HR-related problems using sound judgment.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and ensure data integrity.

Ability to organize work, manage priorities, and meet deadlines under general supervision.

Ability to deliver routine HR or procedural training to staff.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Education:
  •  Bachelor’s degrees in an HR or related field
• Experience: 
  • Experience with HR systems, personnel processing, or employee onboarding.
  • Five or more ye