Senior Human Resources Specialist

The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is seeking a detail-oriented and people-centered professional to serve as Senior Human Resources Specialist. This role provides essential support for day-to-day human resources operations and is critical to ensuring efficient processing, positive employee experiences, and compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

The Senior HR Specialist supports recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, HR data integrity, leave management, performance processes, and compliance for staff and student employees. This position also oversees timesheet administration and serves as a backup payroll representative to ensure continuity of operations.

The incumbent plays a key role in recruitment coordination, including interview scheduling, reference checks, reviewing feedback, and advising hiring managers on potential concerns. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Administration and Finance, this position partners with the central HR office on employee actions, HRIS transactions, and related HR matters.

BENEFITS (Exempt Regular)

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire.

Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave days, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland .

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Manage full-cycle recruitment in partnership with hiring managers and central recruitment, including job postings, applicant tracking, interview coordination, reference and background checks, and new hire onboarding processes for staff and student employment.
• Maintain accurate and compliant School of Law employee data by processing HRIS entries, employee actions, and documentation; prepare routine reports and coordinate with central HR on data-related matters.
• Support payroll and timesheet administration by coordinating processing, approvals, and reconciliations; monitor HR actions impacting payroll and serve as backup payroll representative during peak periods or staff absences.
• Interpret and communicate HR policies and procedures to managers and staff
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and organizational policies
• Track completion of performance assessments; provide tools and reminders to managers.
• Document and provide guidance regarding routine employee relations matters; escalate complex issues to Assistant Dean, Administration & Finance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes and enhance service delivery, including initiatives that improve employee experience.
• Develop and implement employee engagement initiatives that foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture. Assist in developing and disseminating internal communications that reinforce organizational values and celebrate accomplishments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field of study. Master's degree is preferred.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the human resource field. General knowledge of human resource laws, practices, and policies is required.

Supervisory Experience: One (1) year in work coordination, training, and daily oversight of staff, students, or volunteers.

Certification/Licensure: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.

Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience.

In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of state and federal employment laws, HR operations, and best practices.
• Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems; Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships, communicate with empathy and discretion, and handle sensitive matters with professionalism and sound judgment. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a thoughtful and people-centered approach to decision-making.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Hiring Range

$75,500 - $85,000 per year/ Commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request . You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu . Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.

Job:Reg or CII Exempt Staff