Hr associate - office of human resources - utk

The Human Resources Associate serves as a key member of the UTK Human Resources Compensation team, providing exceptional customer service and operational support in leave administration, position management, and compensation processes. This position plays a critical role processing Family Medical Leave requests, maintaining data integrity within HR systems, and supporting departments across campus with HR-related processes and guidance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leave Administration: Serve as the first-tier administrator for FMLA, Paid Parental Leave, and Organ Donation Leave programs by determining eligibility, processing leave requests, and maintaining compliance with applicable policies and regulations. Provide guidance to employees and departments, coordinate with internal partners, and identify opportunities to improve leave administration processes.
• Position Management and DASH Administration: Review, validate, and approve position transactions in HRIS (DASH) while ensuring data integrity, compliance, and proper position setup. Provide departmental guidance, troubleshoot workflow issues, and support position management processes.
• Customer Service and Administrative Support: Manage shared inboxes and respond to employee and departmental inquiries by providing accurate information, resolving issues, and delivering exceptional customer service. Support administrative processes, maintain tracking systems, and assist with research, reporting, and special projects.
• Compensation Operations Support: Administer compensation-related tracking, review, and workflow processes, including position updates and salary changes in DASH. Support compensation projects and continuously identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery within Compensation operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor's degree plus applicable HR experience gained on the job or as part of an internship experience – OR – Diploma and Minimum two years of office/administrative experience primarily focused on HR responsibilities.
• Experience: Experiences to include applying knowledge to enter complete processes such as entering information into HRIS systems, maintaining complex spreadsheets, explaining policies and procedures, and providing excellent customer service.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and capable of learning new software and enhancing existing software skills.
  • Confidentiality: Ability to maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
  • Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to communicate effectively and compassionately.
  • Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Time Management: Exceptional time management skills essential for meeting deadlines and managing workloads efficiently.
  • Attention to Detail: Detail-oriented approach to ensure accuracy and thoroughness in all responsibilities.
  • Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to provide outstanding customer service to a variety of audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Experience with leave administration such as Family Medical Leave.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Knowledge of human resources practices, principles and applicable federal/state laws/regulations particularly leave administration is preferred.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: 07
• Anticipated hiring range: $42,000 - $46,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

If you’re ready to make an impact in a role that combines technical expertise with meaningful human connection, we encourage you to apply today! Please submit an application with the noted attachments below. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before November 5, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• Three references

About

The Office of Human Resources is more than a support function, it is a collaborative, innovative, and people-focused team dedicated to helping employees and departments achieve their goals. We serve as a trusted partner to the university community, providing expertise in recruitment, employee success, compensation, employee relations, and HR operations while creating meaningful connections across campus.

Our team is passionate about delivering exceptional service and fostering a workplace where employees can thrive. Guided by our core values of Collaboration, Innovation, Excellence, Connection, and Trust, we work together to solve challenges, drive positive change, and make a lasting impact on the success of the university and the people who make it great. If you're looking for a fun, energetic, and supportive environment where your ideas are valued and your work makes a difference, you'll find your place here.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!