Assistant Director, HR - Library Human Resources

Assistant Director, HR - Library Human Resources

Library Human Resources

Job Summary

The Assistant Director, HR oversees day-to-day human resource operations for unit teams, provides guidance to department leaders, and supports Human Resource directors'' achievement of their goals with relative autonomy.

Specifically: Manage labor and employee relations, compliance, reporting, and related workforce administration activities for the University Library. Serve as a resource to managers, supervisors, and employees regarding employee relations matters, employment policies, collective bargaining agreements, leave administration, accommodations, and human resources compliance requirements. Under the direction of the Assistant Dean for Business and Human Resources, administer assigned HR programs, coordinate reporting and compliance activities, and support implementation of Library human resources initiatives that promote consistent application of policies and effective workforce management.

50% Labor & Employee Relations

• Applies HR subject-matter expertise and organizational history to LER issues, providing guidance to management on complex or novel issues.
• Interprets collective bargaining agreements and participates in contract negotiations.
• Develops and implements performance management strategies for the unit. Works with supervisors to recommend and enact disciplinary measures, ensuring consistency with best practice and policy.
• Facilitates accommodations and conflict resolution efforts of any complexity or severity.

15% HR Compliance & Policy

• Ensures adherence to HR policies and legal requirements through tracking, training, and internal reviews. Develops internal compliance strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Represents the unit as a subject-matter expert in committees and projects developing/revising policies, responding to auditors, and implementing compliance mandates.

10% Management

• Supervise a team of HR professionals. Delegate and assign operational work; manage employee performance, leave, and professional development.
• Oversee day-to-day human resource operations, ensuring compliance and successful delivery of human resource-related services.
• Serve as a resource and liaison for human resource team, escalating issues to broader organizational leadership as needed.

5% Leadership

• Represent the HR function and operational needs as a member of the unit leadership team.
• Advise and consult with campus leaders on human resource-related matters.
• Assist in the strategic development of unit human resource activities and performance, ensuring compliance and successful delivery of human resource-related services.

5% Appointments Management

• Responsible for managing employee appointments and records, and the interaction between multiple types of appointments to result in appropriate pay and employee status information.
• Develops complex reports. Ensures accuracy of input data and resolves all discrepancies, implementing data retention best practices. Recommends and implements systems that improve overall efficiency, security, access, and tracking.
• Identifies and tracks relevant metrics for HR, informing leadership decision-making.

5% Leave Management

• Responsible for overall leave management in the unit, resolving high-sensitivity issues on behalf of unit leadership.
• Audits records for compliance and corrections, especially for complex and conflicting records across multiple systems.
• Determines options for employees who have exhausted leave or have multiple leave types, paid or unpaid.

5% Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

• Responsible for talent acquisition, search, and recruitment efforts for roles at all levels in all employment categories applicable to the unit.
• Applies historical knowledge and expertise of the unit''s activities to develop and implement recruitment plans targeted to pertinent applicant populations.
• Responsible for all aspects of facilitating the search process and job postings for their portfolio including work authorization.
• Manages or contributes to the overall talent acquisition strategy for the unit.
• Prioritize the sequencing of overall search activity in consultation with senior leadership.
• Develop and implement recruitment and advertising plans aligned with unit and university branding efforts.

5% Payroll & Time Reporting

• Responsible for overall payroll and time reporting in the unit, resolving issues of any complexity.
• Trains managers and other HR professionals on applicable processes and policies, developing and implementing guidelines.
• Audits records for compliance and corrections, especially for complex and conflicting records across multiple systems.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Position is primarily sedentary; operation of standard office equipment is required, as is frequent computer work.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

Overtime = greater than 37.5 per week can occur during special projects

The purpose of all contacts is to provide the best human resource support available to those who need assistance. This incumbent contributes to the level of trust that the Business and Human Resource Service Center maintains with Library employees.

The individual in this position is responsible for the majority of follow-up and resolutions when concerns arise. Excellent skills in public service are required to be sure that customers are confident that the Library Human Resource Service Center is responding to their personnel needs. The impact of this position reaches throughout the Main Library and departmental libraries under Library Administration. The incumbent has impact on the staff in the office as well as staff within the library and other colleagues across campus.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Administration, Management, Organizational Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a field closely related to the position. 2. Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience performing professional-level human resources duties. 3. Additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.

Specialty Factors

1. Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Administration, Management, Organizational Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a field closely related to the position.

2. Four (4) years (48 months) of work experience performing professional-level human resources duties. Demonstrated management, supervisory, or leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications

o 5 years'' experience UIUC policies and procedures for Human Resources

o BANNER (or other Enterprise Resource Planning systems - similar to Workday)

o Cornerstone/JDX (or other electronic Applicant Tracking system)

o WEBI/EDDIE (or other Power BI or large report creation)

o Evidence of managing teams by building trust and mutual respect

o HRFE (specific to UIUC)

o JOYCE (specific to UIUC Library)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge above the rudimentary understanding of principles and procedures used in human resources (i.e. personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation, benefits, labor relations and negotiation and personnel information systems).
• Knowledge above the rudimentary understanding of federal and state laws, rules, and/or regulations affecting public human resources administration; ability to develop a broad knowledge of those of the employing institution.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Skill in reviewing and formulating/revising human resources policies and procedures and in exercising control over the implementation of policies and procedures.
• Skill in utilizing organization and time management and in effectively managing multiple priorities on a daily basis.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage in discussions, interpret and convey complex information, explain policies and procedures, and provide clear guidance and recommendations on appropriate next steps.
• Ability to employ critical thinking skills, creativity, and ingenuity for effective and timely problem-solving.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships and to work effectively as a member of a team and/or as a project leader with the public, faculty, staff and administration as well as a variety of external union representatives and organizations.
• Ability to organize, analyze and interpret data and have strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to tactfully handle situations involving employee performance/discipline with utmost discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to plan, supervise, and evaluate the work activities of others.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5020 - Human Resource Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 1/4/2027. The budgeted salary range for this position is $80,000 - $85,000.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications and cover letters must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on December 1, 2026 .

Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Skye Arseneau yoskye@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1038977

Job Category: Professional and Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu