A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The mission of the Institute for Social Research (ISR), the premier university-based social science research institute in the world, includes the development, conduct, and dissemination of groundbreaking social science research, as well as the training of future generations of social scientists. ISR research and training is conducted across the five centers through the efforts of more than 350 primary and supplemental faculty, 600 regular staff, and upwards of 1,000 contingent (temporary) staff located across the country. Each of the Institute's five research centers has unique human resources needs and strategies

What You'll Do

• Provide strategic HR consultation and guidance to managers on employee relations matters, including performance management, misconduct, attendance, and policy interpretation, ensuring fair and consistent application of University and ISR policies and compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Advise hiring managers on effective recruitment strategies and support efforts to attract and retain a high-quality applicant pool.

• Consult with managers on compensation practices, retention strategies, and non-monetary recognition approaches to ensure employees are fairly compensated and valued for their contributions.

• Contribute to the development, implementation, review, and refinement of HR policies, practices, tools, and processes in alignment with University and Institute standards.

• Support employee and supervisor development by contributing to HR strategies, training programs, and career development initiatives across ISR and U-M.

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with ISR colleagues, University HR, and key partners, including Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Work Connections, Shared Services, Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX, MHealthy, and Organizational Learning.

• Prepare and analyze HR data and reports to support workforce planning and inform Institute leadership decision-making. 

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of HR transactions, including Personnel Action Requests, appointment changes, approvals, and related tracking for recruitment, compensation reviews, and employee changes.

• Partner with University and Institute stakeholders to foster a positive, inclusive, and productive workplace culture.

We'd like to hear from you if you have: 

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources (HR), Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. 

• Minimum of five years of progressive HR generalist experience demonstrating increasing responsibility in areas such as talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, and training and development.

• Strong compensation knowledge with prior experience in job analysis, reviewing promotion/reclassification requests, knowledge of general compensation practices, and experience administering merit increases.

• Working knowledge and previous experience with implementing employment laws, principles, practices, and procedures, with the ability to apply them consistently and effectively in a professional setting.

• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential employee and organizational information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.

• Proven ability to manage time, assignments, and projects effectively, including consistent follow-up to keep stakeholders informed about progress.

• Experience with HR information systems (HRIS/ERP platforms) such as PeopleSoft or Workday, along with familiarity with applicant tracking systems and electronic personnel processes.

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret HR data, identify trends, and communicate findings to support decision-making. 

• Proficient with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite applications, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and collaborative tools.

We are especially interested in whether you also have:

• Master's Degree in Human Resources (HR), Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field

• Professional HR certification, such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR. 

• Experience supporting HR operations within complex, decentralized, or mission-driven organizations, such as higher education, healthcare, government, research, or nonprofit environments. 

• Experience working with HR reporting and workforce analytics tools, dashboards, and data visualization platforms. 

• Demonstrated experience supporting employee engagement, workplace culture, and employee well-being initiatives in a multi-cultural environment.

• Experience developing or facilitating employee and leadership training programs.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Vision, dental, and life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Learning resources and tuition reimbursement

Learn more about U-M benefits.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, working at least three days per week on-site in Ann Arbor, MI after an initial training period. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.

The requirements listed reflect an HR Generalist Senior level expectation with a salary range of $80,000 - $93,000.  Candidates with lesser experience are encouraged to apply and may be considered if the primary goal is not met, as an HR Generalist Intermediate. Candidates with 3-5 years of related experience will have a salary range of $70,000 - $78,000. Factors used to determine salary include experience, knowledge and skills for the position.

• Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.  
• Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.
• Relocation will not be offered for this position.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.