Human Resources Generalist

Department

BFI - Administration

About the Department

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics serves as a hub for cutting-edge analysis and research across the entire University of Chicago economics community, uniting researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School in an unparalleled effort to uncover new ways of thinking about economics. We put those ideas into action by translating rigorous research into accessible and relevant formats, and proactively disseminating it to key decision-makers around the world.

Job Summary

The Human Resources Generalist provides day-to-day HR support for staff, people managers and student employees across the Becker Friedman Institute. This role manages a range of operational activities, including recruitment, onboarding, Workday administration, compliance tasks, and employee support to ensure timely and accurate HR service delivery. This position works closely with BFI leadership and central HR teams to maintain consistent processes and a positive employee experience.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a primary HR resource to staff, managers, and administrators, providing timely guidance on HR policies, procedures, and general employee support. 
• Resolves routine HR issues by collaborating with Shared Services, Payroll, Student Employment, and central HR partners to ensure seamless service delivery. 
• Supports the full recruitment process for staff roles, including drafting job descriptions, posting coordination, candidate screening, interview logistics, reference checks, offer preparation, and onboarding.
• Manages the full life cycle of student employment, including job postings, hiring coordination, work authorization, onboarding, and compliance monitoring. 
• Coordinates work authorization efforts by acting as a liaison to the Office of International Affairs and other central units; runs visa reports, tracks status, and supports processing under human resource business partner guidance. 
• Maintains accurate HR data in Workday and generates scheduled and ad hoc HR reports, including compliance reporting and HR metrics. 
• Supports performance management processes by helping staff and supervisors navigate goal-setting, mid-year, and year-end activities; provides guidance on documentation and system-related questions. 
• Assists with employee relations matters by gathering information, drafting documentation, supporting disciplinary processes, and routing concerns to central HR partners as appropriate. 
• Provides guidance on standard HR inquiries, including benefits navigation, compensation processes, job descriptions, leave of absence procedures, and general policy interpretation. 
• Drafts and maintains HR workflows, templates, communications, and standard operating procedures to improve the consistency and efficiency of HR service delivery. 
• Coordinates HR activities related to employee engagement, training, wellness, and professional development programs. 
• Provides administrative support for classification and compensation activities such as job description updates, salary adjustments, and reclassification requests. 
• Participates in HR projects, process improvements, and special initiatives designed to enhance HR operations and staff experience. 
• Supports staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Drafts templates and routine offer letters. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of straightforward problems using standard procedures.
• Counsels employees on benefits and compensation. Coordinates with managers and senior colleagues to determine employee compensation. Analyzes data and prepares charts, graphs, and trend lines for management review with a moderate level of guidance.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work E