Human Resources Specialist I

Job Type: Staff Job Description: The Human Resources Specialist I - Generalist Support provides broad, employee-facing Human Resources support across the employee life cycle and helps coordinate the day-to-day operational activities of the HR department. This position serves as a welcoming first point of contact for employees and visitors, supports HR events and communications, coordinates new employee orientation logistics, assists with employee wellness programming, and provides routine Time and Absence support. The HR Specialist works collaboratively with HR team members and campus partners to provide responsive service, accurate information, organized processes, and a positive employee experience across both KCU campuses. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: HR Specialist / Employee-Facing Generalist Services Provide employee-facing HR support throughout the employee life cycle, from hire through separationServe as an accessible first point of contact for routine employee and manager HR questions and connect individuals with the appropriate HR resource when additional expertise is requiredSupport employee transactions and maintain accurate employee information in WorkdayAssist with onboarding, employee changes, employment documentation, records, reporting, and separation activitiesRespond to routine questions regarding HR policies, procedures, benefits, time and absence, payroll-related processes, and Workday transactions within the scope of the positionPartner with HR II Generalists and other HR functional specialists to support timely resolution of employee needsProvide responsive, accurate, and employee-centered HR service while maintaining confidentiality and appropriate documentation New Employee Orientation Lead Coordinate and lead new employee orientation logistics for both campuses, ensuring a consistent and welcoming onboarding experienceSchedule orientation dates, rooms, speakers, food/catering, and other program logisticsCoordinate orientation materials, presentations, communications, and other support needsCoordinate new employee photographs, temporary badges, and required notifications to appropriate campus partnersPartner with HR team members and University departments to continually improve the new employee orientation experience HR Team Support Provide administrative and operational support to the HR team across both campusesAssist with HR purchasing, scheduling, materials, meetings, and other department operational needsProvide project and administrative support to HR functional leads during high-volume periods, annual processes, and special initiativesServe as backup support to other HR team members as needed Wellness Partner Provide operational and event support for KCyou Well-Being programs and activitiesCoordinate room scheduling and other event logisticsCoordinate purchasing of awards, supplies, and materialsAssist with scheduling, purchasing, and payment processes for wellness vendors and activities, including Lunch & Learns, wellness fairs, fitness activities, biometric screenings, therapy dog events, and similar programmingServe as an on-campus contact for vendors and assist with event setup and coordination Time & Absence Support Provide routine Time and Absence support to employees and managers, escalating complex questions to the Time & Absence Lead as appropriateSupport biweekly timekeeping review and administrative processesAssist employees and managers with Workday time entry, absence requests, corrections, and general process questionsIdentify recurring questions or issues and communicate trends to the Time & Absence Lead Supportive Functions: Assist with Leadership and Development trainings, working closely with the Associate Director of Human ResourcesAssist in the support of Internal Communications and Employee Engagement, working closely with the Internal Communications and Engagement Manager for Human ResourcesOther administrative tasks (i.e., filing, preparing documentation)Active participation in team and University meetingsFunction effectively in a team environmentParticipate in special projects as assigned Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Communications, or a related field preferredMinimum of one year of professional HR, administrative, employee services, or related experience preferredExperience with Workday or another HRIS and employee timekeeping platform strongly preferredFamiliarity with HR practices related to employee records, onboarding, benefits, timekeeping, employee communications, and general HR administrationStrong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with employees, managers, candidates, vendors, and campus partnersStrong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, events, and administrative detailsStrong written and verbal communication skills and attention to detailAbility to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive employee informationProficiency with Microsoft Office applications required Performance Expectations: All KCU employees are expected to model the University's Core Values: Excellence - Striving for quality, integrity, and innovationEquity - Supporting an inclusive and collaborative environmentEmpathy - Caring for our students, our colleagues, and our community Physical Requirements: Ability to perform repetitive tasks using hands and arms, including typing and using standard office equipment.Clear speech and hearing to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in group settings.Ability to remain seated at a computer workstation for extended periods (4+ hours).Ability to move throughout office and campus spaces and assist with routine event materials, supplies, and set-up activities.Mental acuity sufficient to collect and interpret information, organize details, identify routine issues, and make informed decisions within the scope of the role.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Equal Opportunity Employer KCU is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace. Equal opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information (GINA), physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, ancestry, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state or local law. Annual Security Report KCU is committed to providing a safe campus for students, faculty, and staff. Our annual campus security report lists campus crimes and statistics for the campus and public areas around campus for the last three years, in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Thank you for your interest in a career at KCU!