HR Generalist

Academic Staff, Regular position within the Department of Human Resources.

About the role

The HR Generalist provides Human Resources support to college(s) and/or work unit(s) in recruitment, payroll, benefits, and employment relations. This position ensures compliance, timely and accurate HR processing, and offers strategic support as a human resources business partner. The role may also assist with campus and/or work unit operational policy development and involves collaboration within a highly supportive team.

Responsibilities

• Receives, responds to, and resolves employee questions and problems.
• Executes and audits work transactions and changes adhering to established policies and procedures to meet anticipated deadlines.
• Provides consultation, performs analytics, and maintains personnel files, communications, and materials for the work unit through various mediums.
• Contributes to the development, implementation, interpretation, and revision of work unit Human Resources policies and procedures according to institutional and legal rules and regulations.
• Represents the unit/program at institutional workshops, informational meetings, and training sessions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field (minimum degree required).
• Past work experience in Human Resources or a related field.
• Previous experience with HRIS (preferably Workday or similar software systems).
• Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively with various groups and individuals.
• Ability to maintain discretion and the highest ethical and professional standards while dealing with confidential information.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and team-oriented environment with quickly shifting priorities.
• Strong initiative and ability to remain adaptable to different situations and changes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of experience in Human Resources or a related field.
• Previous work experience in a college or university setting.
• Previous work experience with HRIS systems.
• Related HR certifications such as PHR or SHRM-CP.
• Current knowledge and application of HR best practices and regulatory compliance including, but not limited to, DOL, FLSA, EEOC, ADA, HR policy, and process.

Benefits

• Health plans starting at $45 per month (2026 rates).
• 176 hours of vacation per year (prorated for start date).
• 36 hours of personal holiday and 9 legal holidays (prorated for start date).
• 176 hours of sick leave for the first 18 months; after this period, employees can earn up to 96 hours per fiscal year. Sick leave accumulates without limit and does not expire.
• Paid parental leave after six months of continuous employment.
• Wisconsin Retirement System (pension) with a 7.2% employer contribution for 2026.

All employment benefits are subject to change. Hybrid remote work may be available after the successful completion of the initial training period, subject to change at the discretion of the department or university.

Pay

Starting at $52,000, commensurate with experience.