Associate Director, People Services

Department

BSD HRO - Human Resources Operations

About the Department

The Human Resources department within the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) of the University of Chicago provides HR support to BSD administrative and operational leaders for over 2400 staff employees in mission critical research positions. The Biological Sciences Division (BSD) is the largest unit of the University. Established in 1930, the BSD is comprised of faculty from the clinical and basic sciences. In this unique academic community, a unified division delivers undergraduate, graduate, medical, and postgraduate education in the biological sciences together with outstanding patient care and world-renowned research. The BSD currently includes approximately 135 faculty in the 10 basic science departments, over 800 faculty in 13 clinical departments, and 2400 staff members. The BSD includes the Pritzker School of Medicine (PSOM), approximately 24 academic units, degree-granting committees, and research centers and institutes. The BSD is located on the University's main campus in Hyde Park, 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago.

Job Summary

The People Services Associate Director will report to the Director of People Services and will support BSD departments. This position will support staff and leaders through a broad spectrum of HR services including performance management, employee relations, policy interpretation, workforce planning and staffing, and staff development. The Associate Director for People Services will ensure BSD operations and administrative leaders have the resources they need to support their staff and to create long term employee satisfaction and engagement.

Responsibilities

Workforce Planning

• Partner with operational and administrative leadership to provide strategic people services for designated client groups, across staff and academic populations, building talent capability through oversight across the organization and guidance on talent acquisition, talent development, engagement, organizational design, compensation administration, and by driving inclusion & diversity.

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of unit culture, academic priorities, and research operations to provide meaningful, value-added HR services supporting the department objectives.

• Analyze internal and external workforce and faculty trends and metrics to develop organizational practices which meet the needs of each employee and fulfill the strategic vision and mission of the department, the BSD, and the University.

Talent Acquisition

• Lead and oversee staff and academic search  efforts across all phases of workforce planning and talent acquisition to ensure a successful hire and excellent candidate experience.

• Provides strategic oversight for position development job descriptions academic appointment documentation recruitment strategy, offer development, onboarding ensuring consistent, compliant and effective hiring practices across client areas.

Performance Management

• Advise and coach managers and leaders on performance management, faculty engagement on employee relations matters, providing guidance on development planning, corrective action, and complex case resolution.

• Partner with administrative leaders to guide and oversee the staff performance management process from goal setting through compensation and merit review, ensuring consistency, equity, and alignment with institutional practices.

Employee Relations

• Oversee complex employee and faculty relations matters, including overseeing thorough and timely investigations, ensuring appropriate resolution, and conducting leadership debriefs.

• Monitor employee relations trends and proactively implement strategies and interventions to mitigate risk and prevent future concerns. 

Compensation and Rewards

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of staff and faculty compensation structures of BSD research and life sciences roles to inform people strategy, workforce planning, and compensation-related decisions.

• Analyze compensation and appointment data and prepare visual summaries and proposals for management review and consultation with University HR and compensation team.

• Design and recommend innovative rewards and recognition approaches that reinforce engagement and staff appreciation.

Standard Responsibilities

• Leads staff and academic hiring and appointment processes, including job descriptions development, interview practices, offer and appointment documentation, and onboarding activities.   

• Develops and maintains standardized templates and materials, ensures accurate people d