Human Resources Specialist

About the role

Provide comprehensive HR support across the employee life cycle for approximately 150 staff and researchers. Serve as a key resource for faculty, staff, postdoctoral associates, visitors, and temporary employees while ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient HR operations.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary contact for HR-related inquiries and policy guidance.
• Manage 150+ specialized appointments, including Postdoctoral Associates, Visiting Scientists and Scholars, Research Specialist Limited appointments, temporary employees, and non-student appointments.
• Coordinate visa and immigration processes (J-1, H-1B, F-1 OPT, and STEM OPT) in partnership with the International Scholars Office.
• Process HR transactions, including appointments, reappointments, employee changes, and terminations.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities, background checks, compliance requirements, and employee records.
• Monitor appointment and visa deadlines, prepare employment verification letters, manage departmental access requests, and support process improvement initiatives.
• Provide backup support for the Human Resources Administrator and assist with special projects.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• A minimum of five years of relevant HR or administrative experience.
• Advanced knowledge of HR processes and policies.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain strict confidentiality.

Qualifications

Preferred: Experience with immigration processes, higher education administration, and MIT systems and a Bachelor’s degree.

Schedule

This position is on site 4 days a week in Cambridge, MA with the possibility of working remotely 1 day per week.