Associate Director, International Human Resources

Assistant Director, International Human Resources

Reporting to the Senior Director, Operations, Finance and Compliance, the Assistant Director, International Human Resources is responsible for supporting HR functions for UChicago Global as well as international HR operations for the Center in Beijing, Center in Delhi and Campus in Hong Kong's operational staff. This role supports compliance with international labor regulations, manages cross-border employee matters, and collaborates with global teams to implement HR policies and processes.

This position works independently to design, implement and monitor a variety of human resource programs. Anticipates and plans for long-term human resource needs and trends in partnership with business management.

Responsibilities

• Provides HR support and guidance across multiple international regions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and offboarding.
• Ensures compliance with local employment laws and University HR policies.
• Develops, updates and implements HR policies internationally.
• Collaborates with payroll and benefits providers to ensure accurate administration for international employees. Supports local benefit program implementation and reporting as well as coordinating efforts by staff and service providers to resolve issues.
• Drafts templates and routine hiring documents and makes updates as required to meet organizational and local compliance needs. Maintains appropriate HR data and records.
• Provides guidance on employee and labor relations matters at international sites, including grievance handling investigations, performance improvement plans, and conflict resolution.
• Assists in recruiting candidates and onboarding new hires, including background checks, visa applications/renewals, relocation, and work permit processes, partnering with University teams and local service providers as needed.
• Works with Office of Legal Counsel to review new roles for compliance with existing legal structures and requirements.
• Supports performance evaluation processes and assists international teams with goal setting, feedback, and developmental planning.
• Coordinates global training initiatives to promote skills development, cultural awareness, and compliance.
• Serves as key resource for Global staff in all HR related matters ensuring HR services are provided in a timely and professional manner.
• Gains and understands knowledge of University Human Resource policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local employment and labor laws, staying abreast of changes and implementing the changes into day-to-day workflow.
• Supports Workday Performance Management for the Global team to ensure compliance with the University's policies and procedures.
• Guides staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Develops templates and drafts routine offer letters. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of problems using best practices.
• Counsels employees on benefits and compensation. Coordinates with managers and senior colleagues to determine employee compensation. Analyzes data and prepares charts, graphs, and trend lines for management review with a minimal level of guidance.
• Has a deep understanding of unit's employee/labor relations efforts, including handling of grievances, disciplinary warnings, and employee complaints.
• Develops and administers the HR budget for the department, monitors for variances, and manages employment expenses within established guidelines.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree strongly preferred; MBA, Human Resources.

Experience:

• Familiarity with higher education environment.
• International HR experience. Background working in Hong Kong/China, India or with Indian organizations strongly preferred.
• Working and/or supporting staff in a matrixed organization.
• Navigating large and decentralized organizations.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with Workday.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of international employment laws and HR best practices.
• Conversational fluency in Mandarin a plus.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong intercultural communication competence.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Strong customer service skills to interact with and serve a diverse population with tact, courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy.
• Work independently and as a part of a team; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective…