Job Details

HR Specialist - Digital Learning at UT - UTK

Position Number: 6295043
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Human Resources

HR Specialist - Digital Learning at UT - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 3429
Job Category: Human Resources
Posting Date: 06/12/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1331 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US

Job Description
The University of Tennessee's Digital Learning team is seeking an experienced Human Resources Specialist to support the university's mission of delivering high-quality, accessible online education. The Human Resources Specialist supports the mission and goals of Digital Learning by serving as an expert resource in a specialized functional area of HR. Operating under general supervision and in alignment with institutional policies and state/federal regulations, this position plays a critical role in executing HR processes, interpreting complex scenarios, supporting compliance efforts, and contributing to functional strategy.

The HR Specialist reports to and collaborates closely with the Director of Human Resources and Employee Engagement as well as University-wide stakeholders to ensure consistent, data-informed, and policy-compliant HR practices. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented and analytical professional who thrives in a dynamic academic environment and has the expertise to independently manage complex HR tasks within established guidelines.

Responsibilities
Operational Execution & Decision-Making

Work independently with general supervision, using sound judgment to apply HR policies in collaboration with Employee Relations.
Make decisions on how to handle HR processes, answer employee inquiries, or escalate issues when needed.
Manage HR processes such as reference checks, hiring paperwork, leave tracking, and employee data updates.
Review payroll reports and process supplemental pay, service awards, and other personnel transactions by set deadlines.
Enter timesheets and reconcile payroll for undergraduate student workers.
Coordinate with the Graduate School on performance or exception issues related to graduate assistantships.

Compliance & Application Processing

Ensure all HR practices comply with university policies and federal/state regulations.
Process employment, leave, and classification applications with careful attention to deadlines and legal guidelines.
Keep HR records accurate and up-to-date for audit readiness.
Work with CGE to manage immigration paperwork (H-1B, J-1, and permanent residency).
Review wage comparisons for immigration cases and manage timelines for work authorization renewals or exits.

Research, Reporting & Analysis

Analyze HR data to create reports, dashboards, or summaries that support strategic decisions.
Research complex HR situations and provide well-informed, evidence-based recommendations.
Support department planning efforts by delivering meaningful workforce insights.

Training & Employee Support

Create and deliver training on compliance, onboarding, policies, and employee engagement.
Gather feedback and track participation to measure training effectiveness.
Provide in-depth answers to HR questions from staff and managers, ensuring clarity and policy alignment.

HR Expertise & Collaboration

Serve as a go-to HR expert in a specific area, advising Digital Learning teams and staff.
Act as a liaison between the department and central HR offices to ensure coordinated efforts.
Draft job postings from position descriptions and submit classification or reclassification requests.
Lead search committees when needed and maintain thorough documentation throughout the hiring process.
Supervise student workers or junior staff, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education

High school diploma with 3-4 year of human resource experience
Bachelor's degree in HR, business or related field and 1 year of human resource experience.

Experience

6+ years experience in a human resources role related to recruiting, hiring, or employee relations
Experience in an academic environment
Professional certification: SHRM, PHR, PMP
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Work Location

Knoxville, TN

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR 08
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applicants must attach a letter of interest, resume, and the name, address, email, and phone number of three professional references, in addition to completing the applicant file to the Human Resources online application system, Taleo. This position does have the potential for a hybrid working capacity.
Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. DL_UT

About The College/Department/Division

Digital Learning at UT, is a unit charged with advancing UT's commitment to discovery, creativity, learning, and engagement, specifically for online learners. Using advanced and innovative technologies, Digital Learning at UT will provide scalable solutions that enhance the online learning experience and reduce barriers to student access and success, providing a tremendous impact to online learners across the state and the nation. At Digital Learning, we want to be bold and impactful, transforming the future of online education through innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Join our dynamic and inclusive Digital Learning team where we take pride in teamwork, excellence, and a shared commitment to shaping the future through education and innovation.

About Us
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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

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!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/3429/?mode=location