Assistant Director, IHR Service Center

Assistant Director, IHR Service Center
IHR Service Center

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for compliance and operational excellence? We are seeking a dynamic Assistant Director to lead our multi-disciplinary unit in ensuring legal and regulatory adherence, streamlining operations, and mitigating risk.

Why Join Us?

• We are innovators - We push boundaries by spearheading impactful initiatives with a progressive organizational structure and service delivery model.
• We are adaptive - We champion efficiencies and continuous process improvements through initiatives like Operational Excellence.
• We are collaborators - We facilitate input from stakeholders to grow the Illinois Value Proposition.
• We are flexible - We value the whole you and embrace workplace flexibility.
• We are inclusive - Connect with one of our recruiters to learn why you belong in Champaign-Urbana.

Job Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director of Administrative Operations, the Assistant Director serves as a campus authority on complex HR compliance issues, including background checks, I-9/E-Verify, and retiree rehiring processes. This position has the overall responsibility to set and oversee the strategic direction and daily operations of the IHR Service Center, ensuring policy compliance and operational excellence.Duties & Responsibilities

• Administration
  • Oversee strategic planning and daily operational activities of the
    service center, independently defining organizational objectives and
    performance metrics to ensure sustainable unit operations and
    continuous improvement.
  • Responsible for the creation and maintenance of knowledge base materials such as process workflows, detailed step-by-step standard
    operation procedures (SOP), or job aids and ensure team usage.
  • Monitor workload and quality of work of Service Center staff, coordinating work assignments and cross-training for unit coverage.
  • Manage performance, job descriptions, conduct performance reviews, and recommend promotions/salary increases.
• Operational Oversight of Programs and Systems
  • Serve as campus authority for compliance oversight on complex HR programs/processes (I-9, Background Checks, etc.), independently approving exceptions and resolving significant non-compliance matters.
  • Serve as a campus lead for compliance of programs/processes and work with campus contacts to resolve non-compliance issues.
  • Oversee management of the Hiring Risk Assessment Review Committee (HRARC).
• Policy Interpretation
  • Maintain current knowledge of new legislation and specifically pertain to the background check area.
  • Independently interpret and author HR-related practices and procedures, setting new precedents, especially in ambiguous or complex matters, and engaging with legal counsel as necessary.
  • Develop processing documents and educate internal and external stakeholders.
  • Facilitate onsite fingerprinting for candidates in need of fingerprint-based background checks.
  • Communicate with legal counsel as appropriate on complex matters as they relate to various duties of the IHRSC.
  • Understand and interpret Provost Communications, CAM Policies, and University of Illinois Policy and Rules for Civil Service
• Campus Communications & Training
  • Act as primary liaison and authoritative representative of the IHR Service Center across university-wide committees; independently resolve escalated issues and make binding commitments on behalf of the area.
  • Lead and prepare communications and training as needed to ensure compliance across campus.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline processes, and work with appropriate parties to make necessary process updates.
  • Train staff on policies and procedures while maintaining documentation of area processes.
  • Participate in university-wide and campus committees on various topics and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible human resources management or service center operations experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience developing or revising HR-related protocols and procedures.
• Experience maintaining compliance with state and federal employment laws and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communication, or a related field.

Preferred Experience:

• Direct experience managing or supervising HR-related processes (such as background checks, I-9/E-Verify compliance, retiree rehiring, leave administration, compliance tracking).
• Proven experience independently interpreting policies and regulations, particularly in ambiguous or complex human resource contexts.
• Experience using University of Illinois-specific HR systems (e.g., Tracker I-9, Banner, HRFE).
• Demonstrated Human Resources leadership experience Proven experience developing job descriptions, onboarding/training materials, and delivering staff training.
• Experience in resolving high-stakes compliance or HR issues, including familiarity with HR policy interpretation and management.
• Experience serving as a primary point of contact or unit representative on university-wide committees or initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and procedures used in human resources
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and/or regulations affecting hr administration
• Ability to develop an extensive knowledge of those of the employing institution.
• Skill in reviewing and formulating/revising human resource protocols and procedures.
• Ability to direct the activities of staff.
• Ability to manage human resource operations and coordinate them with other organizational units.
• Extensive independent judgment and discretion required
• Ability to independently set precedents and authoritatively represent the unit.
• Demonstrated ability to independently interpret and develop practices and procedures in ambiguous or high-stakes scenarios.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 4/21/2025. The budgeted salary for this position ranges from $90,000 tto $100,000.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on April 11, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Amanda S. Plotner (amandap@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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 accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1030068
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu