Director of Library Human Resources

Director of Library Human Resources

Hiring Department: University Library

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1039910

Posting Close Date: April 10, 2026

Salary: The budgeted salary for this position is $120,000 - $125,000.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Job Summary

Reporting to the University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, the Director of Library Human Resources leads the human resources department in all areas of transactional and strategic activity which supports the mission and goals of the University Library. The individual will work in close collaboration with library leadership and will have HR responsibilities at two library sites in Chicago as well as two regional locations.

The director will have a broad range of experience in human resource strategies and practices and will provide oversight for all Library Human Resources services: HR operations, recruitment, training and organizational development, performance management, compensation, faculty affairs, employee relations and policy interpretation. The director will apply these strategies and practices in compliance with UIC Policy and the State of Illinois employment regulations.

The director will develop and implement programs that are consistent with the library’s strategic plan, and which support the vision and values of the library. The Director of Library Human Resources will provide appropriate counsel and expertise to library leadership, department heads, managers, and employees on various complex HR issues.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with library administrative leadership to develop long and short-term objectives for the Human Resources department in support of Library strategic and operational goals.
• Formulate and implement policies and procedures related to human resources operations in the library that are consistent with the campus and the university system. Ensure compliant, fair and consistent application of university guidelines, as well as state laws and regulations regarding personnel practices.
  
• Provide regular reports of internal and external data to library leaders and stakeholders related to compensation, position classification, recommendations, tracking of HR metrics and evaluation of HR programs and activities. Analyze data to guide strategic employment planning.
• Direct, oversee and manage the work of HR department team members to ensure deadlines and goals are met. Provide mentoring, guidance and feedback to staff to support increased knowledge and career development.
• Lead effort to sustain and enhance a culture of diversity, collaboration and teamwork. Develop and coordinate employee programs to support professional development and engagement and foster an inclusive work environment.
• Serve as the library representative and liaison to campus administrative offices which include the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Faculty Affairs, Office of Access and Equity, Benefits and Payroll, Labor & Employee Relations, and the Office of University Counsel.
• Provide faculty affairs-related support to the dean and Library faculty on HR matters.
• Provide counsel and expertise to managers and employees in all areas of human resources, including, but not limited to: employee and labor relations, professional development and engagement, recruiting, performance management, and compensation.
• Facilitate the recruitment and retention of faculty, academic professionals, and civil service staff. Direct the recruiting activities from initial outreach through onboarding.
• Oversee and continually improve operations and workflows for all Library HR processes (i.e. HRIS transactions, onboarding, offboarding, payroll, leaves of absence, etc.) Oversee leave of absence management and accommodation request processes for the University Library.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communication, Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Psychology or in a similarly related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of proven progressive experience in HR leadership experience, of which four (4) years were in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position.
• Strong knowledge of HR practices and employment law.
• Experience and skills in employee relations, performance management, training and development, workplace culture development, critical thinking, planning abilities, decision making, teamwork, collaboration, motivation and problem solving.
• The ability to clearly convey information, actively listen, and adapt communication style to different situations and audiences, both verbally and in writing and able to give and receive feedback effectively, and build rapport with others.
• Excellent organization, administrative, and project management skills to prioritize and address multiple tasks. Ability to identify organizational and business needs to lead continuous improvement.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate a high level of discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• HR experience at a public or private academic institution of higher education
• Master’s degree in a related field
• HR Certification (SHRM-P, PHR, HRCI)
• Experience with Human Resources Information System (HRIS) platforms

Application Instructions:
For fullest consideration, apply by April 3, 2026, with C.V., cover letter, and the name and contact information for at least three professional references. The position close date is April 10, 2026. All applicants must submit an online application through https://jobs.uic.edu/. Any applicant who does not submit all required materials will not be considered.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.