Specialist, Workforce Management (UHR)

The Workforce Management Specialist manages and responds to workforce design and management inquiries such as reorganizations, layoffs, and terminations by interpreting and applying university policies and guidelines. This role provides expert guidance to ensure alignment with university standards as well as labor, legal, and compliance requirements.

The Specialist gathers and analyzes data, collaborating with appropriate offices as needed to identify trends and insights across the university. In partnership with key stakeholders, the role evaluates existing practices and workflows and helps design programs and initiatives that drive continuous improvement, operational effectiveness, and positive client relationships.

Job Responsibilities:

The candidate for the position of Workforce Management Specialist will be responsible for:

• Manages and tracks workforce management and redesign requests (e.g., reorganizations, terminations) within a case management system, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate escalation. Conducts intake meetings, analyzes requests, and consults with the Office of General Counsel and key stakeholders as needed. Communicates recommendations clearly and prepares written responses as required.

• Provides guidance to university stakeholders on workforce management policies and best practices, ensuring alignment with university standards, employment and labor laws, and regulatory requirements. Supports the development of standard workforce management and redesign communications. Monitors organizational and operational changes to identify risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies.

• Designs and implements programs, policies, and procedures to enhance the workforce management function and client experience. Analyzes and reports on workforce data to identify trends and drive proactive solutions that improve workflows, reduce risk, and minimize reactive work. Partners with stakeholders to identify process and technology improvements, resolve issues, and implement effective workplace practices.

• Coordinates and delivers workshops and trainings for university stakeholders. Supports organizational change initiatives by identifying risks and developing proactive mitigation plans. Maintains current knowledge of employment laws, labor practices, and relevant policy trends.

• Builds and maintains strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders. Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements to minimize organizational risk and liability.

• Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for the position of Workforce Management Specialist has the following qualifications:

• Seven or more years' experience in higher education, employment law, and/or employee and labor relations.

• Advanced degree in human resources, psychology, communications, employment law, industrial relations, or another related field, and/or law degree.

• SHRM (Human Resource Certification) or similar human resource management certification.

• Knowledge of best-practice procedures used to investigate and resolve employee/labor concerns and grievances.

• Knowledge of the leading philosophies and best practices around managing employee performance related to employee/labor relations and corrective actions.

• Experience ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

• Ability to analyze data to look for trends and patterns.

• Demonstrable record of positive influence of department culture during change through trust-building and welcoming.

• Ability to train and educate staff on new, existing, or emerging policies, practices, laws, and industry trends, and ensure quality baseline of department knowledge.

• Ability to identify knowledge, skill and resource gaps and recommend relevant solutions utilizing industry trends.

Minimum Qualifications:

The candidate for the position of Workforce Management Specialist must meet the following qualifications:

• Five years' experience in human resources, compliance and risk management, or related field.

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, psychology, communications, employment law, industrial relations, or another related field.

• Experience using a case management system (e.g., i-Sight) and data analysis. Sound judgment, high integrity, and problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge of current major employment laws (e.g., ADA, FMLA).

• Experience establishing collaborative initiatives with multiple departments.

• Demonstrated experience providing high-level customer service.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to handle complex, highly sensitive and confidential information.

• Excellent facilitation skills, with a proven track record of building strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all levels of an organization.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks and work independently.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

The annual salary range for this position is $100,000 to $108,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

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