Human Resources Generalist

Department
 

BFI - Human Resources

About the Department
 

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu.

Job Summary
 

The HR Generalist at the Becker Friedman Institute within the University of Chicago plays a crucial role in the Human Resources team, engaging in a wide range of operational activities to design, implement, and monitor various human resource processes. This position involves a combination of generalist responsibilities within the Human Resources Function, allowing the incumbent to acquire advanced skills.

The incumbent functions with considerable autonomy, assuming responsibility for the oversight and coordination of many and diverse administrative responsibilities requiring a high degree of confidentiality, discretion, independent judgment, and initiative. The successful HR Generalist builds credible relationships across the institute to help facilitate effective employee communications, problem solving and solution-based outcomes. Assists and/or own special projects as needed and provides solutions to ongoing process/ project improvement initiatives.

This position performs a broad range of operational activities to design, implement, and monitor a variety of human resource programs. Responsibilities are within the Human Resources Function as a generalist or in a combination of disciplines, allowing the incumbent to acquire higher-level skills.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a key resource to BFI staff and departmental administrators on all HR related matters ensuring HR services are provided in a timely and professional manner.
• Resolves HR administrative issues in consultation with appropriate University administrative offices such as Shared Services, Payroll, or Student Employment communicating directly with all stakeholders to ensure issues are successfully resolved.
• Coordinates work authorization efforts for designated unit by acting as a liaison to the Office of International Affairs, University Human Resources, and/or Payroll. Includes, but is not limited to, running Visa reports and owning Visa applications by the direction of the Assistant Director.
• Acts as a trusted point of contact for employees, providing guidance and support on HR-related matters.
• Investigates and resolves employee relations issues, ensuring a fair and consistent approach.
• Manages the full life cycle of Student Employment.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date HR records and data.
• Generates reports and analyzes HR metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Partners with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and develops effective recruitment strategies.
• Conducts interviews, assess candidates, and contributes to the selection process.
• Manages the onboarding process to ensure a smooth and positive experience for new hire
• Drafts templates and routine offer letters. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of straightforward problems using standard procedures.
• Manages BFI’s Summer RAs (Kapani & Brickell) internship program, serving as the primary point of contact.
• Collaborates with the Office of Career Advancement to establish and meet program deadlines, ensuring a seamless experience for both students and the organization.
• Manages all temporary and part-time benefits ineligible (PTBI) employment for BFI, including recruitment for temporary openings and completing onboarding for temporary and PTBI employees.
• Monitors ERISA hours and ensures compliance with relevant regulations.
• Supports staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation.
• Writes and edits standard documents such as job descriptions, training materials, or offer letters with minimal oversight.
• 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