The University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for a full-time, hourly HR Associate in the College of Communication and Information (CCI).

Position Summary: The College of Communication and Information (CCI) is seeking an aspiring Human Resources Associate who is eager to learn and contribute essential administrative support to a dynamic working environment. This entry-level position will assist with a variety of HR functions, including onboarding new hires, maintaining employee records, processing payroll, supporting compliance with relevant HR laws and regulations, and other duties as needed. The HR Associate will assist the HR Manager in ensuring that CCI faculty and staff have the resources and support necessary to effectively pursue their teaching, research, creative endeavors, and community engagement.

- Assist with the coordination of the hiring processes for faculty, staff, and students, initiating the onboarding journey as needed and completing I-9 verification with temporary and student employees.

- Support hiring managers and search committees by answering questions about recruitment processes at the university and providing them with resources, such as guidelines, templates, and training materials.

- Assist incoming employees who require sponsorship with the completion of necessary visa application paperwork.

- Record data for contingent employees and non-workers, including guests, friends, and travelers of the University.

- Enter termination requests according to university policy and coordinate with CCI IT and the employing unit on the exit process of departing employees.

- Process new hire paperwork and offer support throughout the onboarding process to ensure all documentation is completed accurately and timely.

- Enter individual compensation (additional pay) payments in the ERP system as needed.

- Complete position classification request forms and submit to HR Compensation.

- Initiate personnel transactions, such as salary changes, promotions, position transfers, and related.

- Provide basic information to employees regarding benefits options and eligibility, connecting employees with appropriate contacts within the UT System when necessary.

- Assist with the preparation of payroll data and ensure timely and accurate system processing.

- Respond to employee inquiries related to payroll information.

- Track employee leave balances and assist with the processing of employee leave requests in accordance with university policy.

- Assist with ensuring compliance with all relevant HR laws and regulations including employment eligibility verification, EEO laws, ADA, FLSA, etc.

- Complete various types of HR paperwork as needed, maintaining organized and accurate personnel electronic records for all CCI faculty, staff, and student employees.

- Consult HR policy and stay abreast of updates to relevant best practice protocols.

- Participate in department meetings and professional development opportunities.

- Other related duties as assigned by the HR Manager.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of relevant work experience including customer service, administration, or human resources.
• Eagerness and ability to learn and grow within the HR field.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and demands.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proactive and resourceful problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resource management, public administration, or related.
• Higher education experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic understanding of HR principles and practices.
• Familiarity with HR software and databases.
• General knowledge of employment laws.

Work Location: On-site in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Compensation and Benefits: The anticipated starting salary for this position is $42,000 to $45,000 depending on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and suitability. Find more information on UT Benefits here.

Application Process: Applications received within the first 7 days of job posting will receive priority review. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

For full consideration, applicants should attach a resume including 3 professional references. Cover letters are optional but appreciated. All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position.

The College:

CCI is part of a Land Grant Institution embedded in communities to make those communities a better place. Our alumni, students, faculty, and staff strive to positively impact the lives of people in our state through our teaching, scholarship, creative work, and through our engagement and service. CCI as a college is well poised to deliver upon all of those areas to become the most nationally distinctive but locally relevant College of Communication and Information in the country.