HR Representative/Asst. to the Chair

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate, and Beaufort.

About the role

The HR Representative and Assistant to the Chair for the Department of Political Science provides comprehensive human resources and administrative support to ensure efficient departmental operations. The role coordinates personnel processes, including hiring, onboarding, payroll actions, faculty evaluations, tenure and promotion activities, and performance management, while ensuring compliance with university policies. The position also supports the Department Chair with scheduling, correspondence, events, and daily operations; serves as a liaison with faculty, staff, and university offices; maintains departmental records and reports; processes scholarships and tuition abatements; and provides guidance and support to administrative staff.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate personnel processes, including hiring, onboarding, payroll actions, faculty evaluations, tenure and promotion activities, and performance management
• Support the Department Chair with scheduling, correspondence, events, and daily operations
• Serve as a liaison with faculty, staff, and university offices
• Maintain departmental records and reports
• Process scholarships and tuition abatements
• Provide guidance and support to administrative staff

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of personnel procedures and policies
• Efficient and independent office management skills
• Proficiency in word processing and database applications
• Knowledge of University mainframe software (IMS and OnDemand) and University web-based applications (Data-warehouse, Intranet, etc.)
• Knowledge of University fiscal procedures, practices, policies, and grant funding requirements

Skills

• Proficient in personal computer operation
• Working knowledge of MS Word and Excel
• Proficient in database applications for use in development and refinement of databases
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain good working relationships with diverse university personnel, faculty, staff, students, and the public
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of subordinate personnel
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Benefits

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Application deadline: October 1, 2026. Full-time position.