HR Specialist/Senior HR Specialist - Office of Human Resources

The Office of Human Resources at Carnegie Mellon University is committed to supporting faculty, students, and staff members’ success through every stage of their employment. We advance the university’s strategic plan by driving efficient, effective, and nimble business practices that meet the needs of our evolving global community. Our mission is to recruit and retain exceptional people at all levels while encouraging a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and professional growth.

We are currently seeking candidates for a Human Resources Specialist to join the HR Employee Services team. Reporting to the Manager of HR Faculty and Staff Services, this position will play a key role in supporting faculty and staff throughout the onboarding lifecycle. This position partners closely with new hires to guide them through onboarding requirements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure timely and accurate completion of employment documentation, including the Form I-9.

The HR Specialist is responsible for processing and approving Workday transactions, resolving system-related inquiries, and escalating complex matters to the appropriate Centers of Expertise within the Office of Human Resources, as needed.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing, approving, and entering faculty and staff employment transactions in Workday, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Generating and analyzing Workday reports to monitor Form I-9 completion and validate employee data.

• Communicating with new hires and departments regarding Form I-9 requirements, tracking completion and following up, as needed.

• Serving as a primary point of contact for HR and Workday-related questions, providing timely guidance and support.

• Troubleshooting system issues and employee inquiries, resolving cases within CMU’s ticketing system (ServiceNow).

• Coordinating and supporting weekly onboarding sessions for newly hired employees, including managing communications, reminders, and required onboarding tasks.

• Other duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Office of Human Resources.  We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Excellent customer service and communication skills as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Effective presentation skills (in a group setting) of onboarding/payroll/HR/benefit information during weekly onboarding sessions.

• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage a high volume of transactions and activities within a fast-paced environment.

• A track record of success in developing and maintaining constructive and cooperative working relationships with diverse stakeholders and colleagues.

• Critical thinking skills to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Active listening skills: giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made.

• High attention to detail, an ability to multitask, and the capability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.

• Advanced computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative.

Qualifications:

HR Specialist:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or related field required.

• Experience: One to three years of relevant human resources experience and customer service experience required.

Senior HR Specialist:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or related field required

• Experience: three to five years of relevant human resources experience and customer service experience required.

*A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired may be considered.*