Onboarding Human Resources Specialist
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by May 8, 2026.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- 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
Logo |
Posting Number | STA00308PO26
Job Family | Human Resources
Job Function | General Human Resources
USC Market Title | Human Resources Specialist
Link to USC Market Title |
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/138313Job Level | P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Onboarding Human Resources Specialist
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Development
Department | DEV Development Office
State Pay Range | G08
USC Market Range | MRE - $48,726 $59,689 $70,653
Anticipated Hiring Range | $48,726 - commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC **On-site**
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Human Resources/Legal
About USC
About University of South Carolina | 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. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | Under general supervision, the Onboarding Human Resources Specialist reports to the Senior Director of Human Resources & Finance and plays a critical role in advancing the Division of Development’s strategic goals by delivering a consistent, supportive, and engaging onboarding experience for new employees. This position is responsible for designing, coordinating, and maintaining a comprehensive onboarding program that equips new hires with the tools, resources, and guidance necessary for a successful transition into their roles and to promote long-term growth and retention within the division.
Serving as the primary point of contact and concierge for newly hired staff, the Onboarding Specialist manages both pre‑ and post‑hire onboarding activities, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience from offer acceptance through full integration into the organization. In close collaboration with hiring managers, division supervisors, and Human Resources team members, this role facilitates timely onboarding activities, tracks progress, and ensures employees achieve a quick and effective start.
The Onboarding Specialist also supports divisional operations by coordinating employee personnel changes, ensuring accurate and timely updates within HR and financial systems, and assisting the Senior Director with financial processes and transactional accuracy. Additionally, this position assists in the coordination of the Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) process for assigned programs, tracking employee review timelines and submissions. As a member of the University Development team, the Onboarding Specialist operates within established departmental systems and procedures to ensure consistent, efficient, and well-coordinated services across the division.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials |
Preferred Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree and 2 or more years of related experience in human resources or onboarding programs. Must have above average skills with Microsoft Professional Package, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Familiarity with or ability to learn USC policies, procedures, and systems.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
Knowledge of human resources principles and employee onboarding and offboarding practices, with a focus on employee engagement and retention Experience using HR systems such as PeopleAdmin, PeopleSoft, or similar applicant tracking and HRIS platforms Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and detailed processes Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a customer‑service approach and the ability to interact professionally with employees at all levels Ability to collaborate effectively with hiring managers, supervisors, HR partners, and senior leadership Working knowledge of employee performance management processes and review cycles Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and confidential personnel information Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and ability to learn new systems quickly Professional judgment, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality Must have the ability to think analytically and maintain complex filing systems. Willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout the university. Must be able to exercise diplomacy and tact in interactions with others.
Job Duties
Job Duty | 1. Onboarding and Offboarding Program Coordination:
Designs, implements, and continuously updates a comprehensive onboarding and offboarding program for Division of Development employees. Serves as a concierge and primary point of contact for new hires, ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition through pre‑hire and post‑hire stages. Coordinates and facilitates orientations, introductory meetings, and collaborative connections within the colleges, schools, and partner units. Acts as a liaison to address employee onboarding inquiries, providing guidance and resources to ensure a positive and engaging experience. Develops and maintains effective offboarding processes for employee transfers and separations. Provides consultative support to hiring managers throughout the onboarding lifecycle. Creates and administers structured 30/60/90‑day check‑in surveys for new hires and hiring managers to support engagement, performance alignment, and retention.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30%Job Duty | 2. Human Resources Systems, Staffing, and Personnel Actions:
Initiates and processes human resources actions using PeopleAdmin and PeopleSoft systems. Collaborates with the HR Service Team and Class & Compensation to update and align position descriptions with role‑specific requirements. Initiates pay actions, staffing changes, and employee updates as needed. Initiates I‑9 employment eligibility verification and tracks pre‑hire requirements for newly hired employees. Provides timely updates to senior budget analysis regarding HR actions to support fiscal alignment and planning. Maintains accurate and compliant position and employee personnel files in accordance with audit and records retention requirements. Initiates hire actions for hourly student employees, temporary staff, and affiliates as required.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25%Job Duty | 3. Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) Coordination:
Assists with tracking and monitoring the Division’s EPMS review process, including probationary review timelines and the Division’s universal annual review cycle. Reviews updates to institutional EPMS procedures and supports implementation of required changes. Assists in coordinating and delivering annual EPMS training and procedural updates for supervisors prior to the Division’s universal review date, promoting compliance, consistency, and effective performance management practices.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20%Job Duty | 4. Administrative and Financial Support:
Provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Senior Director. Prepares and distributes electronic correspondence, communications, and memoranda to new employees, existing staff, and business partners. Processes travel reimbursements, check requests, and other financial transactions in alignment with University and Division policies. Assists with tracking purchasing activities and processing invoices as requested. Schedules and coordinates meetings using Microsoft Teams or in person, prepares agendas as appropriate, and supports meeting logistics. Coordinates ordering of nameplates, business cards, and workplace aesthetics as needed. Maintains personnel and administrative files with accuracy and confidentiality.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15%Job Duty | 6. Other Job Duties as Assigned:
Performs other related duties as assigned in support of the Division’s human resources and operational objectives.
Essential Function | No
Percentage of Time | 5%Job Duty | 5. Employee Support, Systems Assistance, and Professional Development 5%
Supports employees and supervisors with PeopleSoft, Employee Self‑Service, Time and Absence, and other applicable systems. Serves as a resource for basic system navigation and process questions to enhance efficiency and user confidence. Participates in required workshops, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities to maintain current knowledge of HR practices, systems, and policies.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5%
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive | No
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1
Desired Start Date | 06/01/2026
Job Open Date | 05/01/2026
Job Close Date | 05/08/2026
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant | Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by May 8, 2026. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
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
Click
here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting |
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/205740EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have at least a bachelor's degree in a job-related field and 2 or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education and/or experience?
- * If so, please tell us how you qualify?
(Open Ended Question) - * Although we accept resumes for review, the application is the official hiring document maintained by the university. Offers of employment and starting salaries are based on the education and work experience (including beginning and end dates) included in the university application only, not your resume. Have you included all details for all education, volunteer and work experiences in your job application?
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents