Human Resources Generalist II

About the role

The Human Resources Generalist II is responsible for fostering a positive, inclusive, and compliant work environment and provides advanced, client-centered support for day-to-day Human Resources (HR) operations. This role serves as a primary HR contact and trusted advisor to employees, supervisors, and leadership, supporting a broad range of HR functions including employee relations, retention, policy interpretation, and workforce support.

Responsibilities

• Support and implement Human Resources strategies, programs, processes, and policies across assigned departments, programs, and schools
• Provide day-to-day HR administration with a higher level of discretion and judgment; serve as an initial HR contact and appropriately triage inquiries
• Act as a liaison between employees and leadership to address concerns related to policies, procedures, and workplace practices
• Recommend, develop, and implement employee relations practices that foster a positive and productive work environment
• Coach and advise people leaders on performance management, employee relations, retention strategies, and career development
• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees, supervisors, and administrators on sensitive workplace matters
• Conduct or support workplace reviews and investigations, ensuring appropriate documentation and resolution
• Develop and maintain employee evaluation and development plans; monitor completion and coach managers on effective performance reviews
• Deliver training programs on workplace policies, compliance, conflict resolution, and performance management
• Maintain ongoing supervisor and leadership training initiatives aligned with University policies and employment laws
• Collaborate with HR functional areas (leaves, benefits, workers' compensation, recruitment) to provide comprehensive HR solutions
• Provide hands-on HR expertise in employee relations, onboarding, training, compensation, benefits, and organizational development
• Organize and facilitate training sessions and workshops; manage resources such as materials, budgets, and external vendors
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of departmental operations and proactively address workforce needs and challenges
• Assist HR leadership in ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain current knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
• Prepare and maintain records, reports, and HR-related documentation; analyze and present HR metrics and data
• Maintain employee personnel and recruitment records in accordance with legal requirements and confidentiality standards
• Partner with recruitment teams to ensure compliance with hiring practices and compensation guidelines
• Coordinate recruitment timelines, job postings, and interview processes as needed
• Liaise with internal University partners including Budget and Finance, Payroll, IT, and the Office of Equity and Title IX
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to HR policies, procedures, and operational practices
• Maintain physical and electronic employee records, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Collaborate with external vendors, leadership, and employees to support HR initiatives
• Provide support across HR functional areas when needed and ensure timely response to HR inquiries
• Monitor and audit HR system transactions to ensure accuracy and alignment with payroll and benefits processes
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in human resources, business, organizational development, or related field and/or Minimum of 4-6 years of progressive professional human resource experience, including relations and compliance
• Demonstrated experience handling complex and sensitive workplace issues
• Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Certified Professional (CP), Professional (PHR), or Senior Professional (SPHR) in Human Resources. Human Resources experience in an educational setting is highly desirable

Skills

• Analyzing, evaluating, and devising solutions to a variety of complex challenges and issues and recommending possible resolutions, and presenting detailed facts and recommendations verbally and in writing
• Sound, independent judgment in resolving problems and making decisions; having functional knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to human resource administration
• Thorough knowledge of University policies and procedures, knowledge of the functional area, and understanding of how work may affect other areas
• Managing complex situations/individuals effectively and with professionalism and compassion
• Active listening, critical thinking, and collaboration skills
• Maintaining discretion with sensitive and confidential information
• Collaborating and partnering with people leaders and individual contributors in areas of conflict resolution, employee relations, change management, and performance management
• Knowledge of administrative tasks and responsibilities
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Superior customer service skills
• Advanced computer skills, including data entry, data processing, communication tools, payroll, and human resources software, a plus
• Problem-solving skills and resourceful thinking
• Leadership and coaching skills
• Strong empathy and interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills
• Attention to detail and analytically driven
• Ability to work independently with interruptions and prioritize meeting deadlines
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization's HRIS and talent management systems (UKGPro)
• Aptitude to learn new technology, methods, and procedures
• Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the university
• Ability to use appropriate judgment when making decisions and recommendations
• Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff