Human Resource Officer

The Human Resource Officer serves as a trusted resource to applicants, employees, and campus leaders by providing responsive, professional, and solutions-focused HR support. The position assists in ensuring compliance with University policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable state and federal employment laws while promoting consistent and equitable HR practices. With a strong focus on employee experience, effective communication, and customer service, the Human Resource Officer contributes to a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture. This position works collaboratively across the University to help attract and retain talented employees, strengthen HR processes, and deliver high-quality human resources services that support the University's mission and its people.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide Guidance & Assist Hiring Managers: Offer routine guidance and human resources support to all departments in employment processes for assigned employment groups and positions.
  Recruitment & Onboarding: Implement effective recruiting processes, conduct applicant assessments and coordinate interviews, facilitate hiring procedures, develop and distribute onboarding materials, verify employment eligibility, and ensure a seamless transition for new EIU employees.
• New Employee Orientation & Training: Conduct employee orientation sessions, provide training on HR policies and programs, and assist in the development of training programs to support workforce development initiatives.
• Employee Data Management & Compliance: Accurately enter and maintain personnel data in the Banner HR system, Civil Service Registers, and other required programs to ensure compliance with HR policies, confidentiality and privacy, and employment standards.
• HR Information Systems & Data Analysis: Maintain and analyze HR information systems, generate reports to evaluate hiring and turnover trends, audit master data, and compile other data sets for internal and external reporting requests.
• Payroll & Compensation Accuracy: Review, reconcile, and enter pay-related updates to the personnel record to include applicable adjustments, ensuring pay accuracy; partners with the Payroll team on the review of bi-weekly and monthly payroll processes.
• Policy Interpretation & Employee Relations: Serve as a key resource for interpreting and communicating HR policies, where appropriate, employment procedures, and other questions related to Faculty, Administrative, and Civil Service regulations.
• Shared Mailbox & Public Contact Duties: Monitor and respond to inquiries in designated HR shared mailboxes, provide information on HR processes, and ensure timely responses to employee and applicant inquiries.
• HR Projects & Team Collaboration: Participate in HR and Employment Services team meetings, support HR projects, recommend and develop new or updated HR procedures, and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the success of the department and university's mission.

In accordance with the State Universities Civil Service System, to be considered for this position, you must meet the Minimum Acceptable Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any one or any combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories:

A. Course work in human resource administration, business administration or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:

• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

B. Progressively more responsible work experience maintaining, monitoring, and/or processing human resource records and reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in an HR Representative/Generalist/Specialist role.
• Proficient with computers to include Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint.
• Strong customer service focused mindset, with a proactive communication style.
• Keen attention to detail, ability to prioritize workload, and manage competing priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of customer service principles and office procedures.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and their applications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for a professional audience.
• Ability to work with frequent distractions and under tight deadlines.
• Experience writing, editing, and developing reports and other materials.
• Ability to direct the work of others in a professional and appropriate manner.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and interpret work-related policies.
• Ability to assist in the formulation/revision of human resource policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard principles and procedures used in human resource and ability to apply those used in complex technical operations in human resource.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and/or regulations related to public human resource administration; ability to learn those of Eastern Illinois University.

Work Hours:

The core work hours of this position are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Salary/Pay Rate Range:

The starting hourly pay rate for this non-exempt Civil Service position is $22-$24/hr commensurate with related education and experience.

Application Deadline:

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as this position will close on or before Friday, September 25, 2026.

Required Applicant Documents:

The Civil Service Examination for this classification is a credentials assessment. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from qualified applicants.

Please submit the following for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Transcript
• Three References

Benefits Overview:

Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals.

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs for this specific position class, please visit https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/newemployees.php

Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community:

Celebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois-ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented. The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation-alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU's Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. With its strong alumni network, sustainability efforts, and deep commitment to student success, Eastern Illinois University offers an exceptional environment to live, learn, and work.

Important Information for Applicants:

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. If would like to request assistance with the application/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (217)-581-3463 or employment@eiu.edu for assistance.