Inside Higher Ed
Overview
The University of Kansas, Human Resources (HR) at the Lawrence campus seeks a Senior HR Partner (Sr. HRP) to support the Office of Research and its designated research centers/institutes. The Sr. HRP will 1) ensure consistency in HR policies and practices within assigned units, 2) serve as a trusted Senior HR partner to unit leaders, and 3) provide high-level oversight of a future team of HR Partners within their area. The Senior HR Partner will report to the Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) of HR Partnerships, with day-to-day guidance from the Vice Chancellor of Research for KU Lawrence/Edwards campuses. They will be in-person on the Lawrence campus and collaborate with HR Partners at the University of Kansas Medical Center to align communication and integration under the One KU initiative. The Sr HRP serves as an extension of HR and is responsible for managing a broad range of human resources services in support of the University’s mission. The Sr HRP is the primary HR liaison to the unit(s) they support and the primary point of contact for HR Partners within those units. The Sr. HRP ensures compliance with University, State, Federal, and applicable guidance related to employment matters and collective bargaining agreements.
The Sr HRP works with Central HR as the strategic HR resource for HR Partners and unit leaders, providing guidance on employee relations, compensation, organizational structure, workforce planning, recruitment, employee retention and engagement, culture, and other HR functions while ensuring compliance with university policies, Kansas Board of Regents, Federal, State, and local laws and collective bargaining agreements (as applicable). Note: Sr HR Partners are typically deployed into large units with breadth or complexity requiring more than a single HR Partner. This position will have HR Partner(s) reporting to them and will have specific areas of responsibility. KU’s main campus is in Lawrence, Kansas, within commutable distance to Kansas City and Topeka. KU values learning, respectful dialogue, and a climate where people support each other’s success. The institution fosters a culture of care and belonging to help individuals reach their potential.
Job Description
Responsibilities
50% - Principal Liaison for KU Lawrence/Edwards (KULE) with the Office of Research Leaders, HR Partners, and HR Centers of Excellence
Serve as the primary HR point of contact for leaders and HR Partners in the designated area; ensure visibility and accessibility.
Provide advice on a wide range of HR matters, policies, and programs.
Consult with managers, supervisors, and HR Partners on workplace issues and conflicts.
Liaise between leaders/HR Partners and HR services; disseminate HR updates and policy changes.
Coordinate with Central HR on improvements to HR delivery and efficiencies.
30% - Employment Lifecycle Support for Employees, Supervisors, and Leadership (KULE)
Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding: develop strategic hiring plans; support reorganization efforts; ensure compliance with HR policies and processes.
Compensation: set within university framework; collaborate with HR for exceptions to guidelines.
Recruitment support for search committees; onboarding for new hires; coordinate with unit leaders on terms of employment.
Ongoing onboarding and orientation; ensure system access, compliance training, and benefits elections follow-up.
Employee Relations & Workforce Development
Address workplace concerns; guide day-to-day performance management and disciplinary actions; coaching for supervisors.
Navigate collective bargaining obligations and local employment laws; support offboarding as needed.
Assist with succession planning and organizational design; identify training needs and coordinate with HR.
Culture, Engagement, and Retention
Assess engagement levels and design unit-specific programs to improve retention.
Promote engagement programs, surveys, and results; inform broader unit strategies.
HR Compliance
Ensure unit compliance with HR policies; manage time and leave processes; ensure regulatory compliance.
Provide guidance on data collection for HR transactions; assist with transactional actions as appropriate.
Staff Supervision
Oversee and direct HR Partners; support professional development; may supervise HR Partner staff.
Other duties
Other duties as they pertain to HR and the unit; engage in ongoing professional development.
Qualifications This position will work primarily on the Lawrence Campus with collaborative engagement with the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field OR HS Diploma/GED and 4 years of HR experience in identified HR specialties.
5 years of progressive HR experience across three or more HR specialties (e.g., recruiting, compensation, employee relations, performance management, organizational design, training, HR counsel).
2 years of managerial or leadership experience.
3 years of experience as a Human Resources Business Partner.
Experience with HR systems (e.g., ATS, HRIS) and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently.
Preferred Qualifications
7+ years of progressive HR experience across the employee lifecycle, labor relations, investigations, training, or related areas.
5 years of experience as a Human Resources Business Partner.
3 years of executive-level managerial experience.
Advanced degree in HR or related field; higher education experience; union environment experience.
HR Certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR); knowledge of applicable employment laws.
Ability to handle confidential matters and manage multiple priorities with stakeholders; strong change management and facilitation skills.
Additional Information
Complete application packet includes resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references.
First review begins Monday, October 20, 2025; start date anticipated Monday, December 1, 2025.
Salary starts at 100,000; location: Lawrence Campus, with collaboration with KU Medical Center.
How to Apply
Refer to the job posting for application instructions and contact information.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The University of Kansas, Human Resources (HR) at the Lawrence campus seeks a Senior HR Partner (Sr. HRP) to support the Office of Research and its designated research centers/institutes. The Sr. HRP will 1) ensure consistency in HR policies and practices within assigned units, 2) serve as a trusted Senior HR partner to unit leaders, and 3) provide high-level oversight of a future team of HR Partners within their area. The Senior HR Partner will report to the Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) of HR Partnerships, with day-to-day guidance from the Vice Chancellor of Research for KU Lawrence/Edwards campuses. They will be in-person on the Lawrence campus and collaborate with HR Partners at the University of Kansas Medical Center to align communication and integration under the One KU initiative. The Sr HRP serves as an extension of HR and is responsible for managing a broad range of human resources services in support of the University’s mission. The Sr HRP is the primary HR liaison to the unit(s) they support and the primary point of contact for HR Partners within those units. The Sr. HRP ensures compliance with University, State, Federal, and applicable guidance related to employment matters and collective bargaining agreements.
The Sr HRP works with Central HR as the strategic HR resource for HR Partners and unit leaders, providing guidance on employee relations, compensation, organizational structure, workforce planning, recruitment, employee retention and engagement, culture, and other HR functions while ensuring compliance with university policies, Kansas Board of Regents, Federal, State, and local laws and collective bargaining agreements (as applicable). Note: Sr HR Partners are typically deployed into large units with breadth or complexity requiring more than a single HR Partner. This position will have HR Partner(s) reporting to them and will have specific areas of responsibility. KU’s main campus is in Lawrence, Kansas, within commutable distance to Kansas City and Topeka. KU values learning, respectful dialogue, and a climate where people support each other’s success. The institution fosters a culture of care and belonging to help individuals reach their potential.
Job Description
Responsibilities
50% - Principal Liaison for KU Lawrence/Edwards (KULE) with the Office of Research Leaders, HR Partners, and HR Centers of Excellence
Serve as the primary HR point of contact for leaders and HR Partners in the designated area; ensure visibility and accessibility.
Provide advice on a wide range of HR matters, policies, and programs.
Consult with managers, supervisors, and HR Partners on workplace issues and conflicts.
Liaise between leaders/HR Partners and HR services; disseminate HR updates and policy changes.
Coordinate with Central HR on improvements to HR delivery and efficiencies.
30% - Employment Lifecycle Support for Employees, Supervisors, and Leadership (KULE)
Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding: develop strategic hiring plans; support reorganization efforts; ensure compliance with HR policies and processes.
Compensation: set within university framework; collaborate with HR for exceptions to guidelines.
Recruitment support for search committees; onboarding for new hires; coordinate with unit leaders on terms of employment.
Ongoing onboarding and orientation; ensure system access, compliance training, and benefits elections follow-up.
Employee Relations & Workforce Development
Address workplace concerns; guide day-to-day performance management and disciplinary actions; coaching for supervisors.
Navigate collective bargaining obligations and local employment laws; support offboarding as needed.
Assist with succession planning and organizational design; identify training needs and coordinate with HR.
Culture, Engagement, and Retention
Assess engagement levels and design unit-specific programs to improve retention.
Promote engagement programs, surveys, and results; inform broader unit strategies.
HR Compliance
Ensure unit compliance with HR policies; manage time and leave processes; ensure regulatory compliance.
Provide guidance on data collection for HR transactions; assist with transactional actions as appropriate.
Staff Supervision
Oversee and direct HR Partners; support professional development; may supervise HR Partner staff.
Other duties
Other duties as they pertain to HR and the unit; engage in ongoing professional development.
Qualifications This position will work primarily on the Lawrence Campus with collaborative engagement with the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field OR HS Diploma/GED and 4 years of HR experience in identified HR specialties.
5 years of progressive HR experience across three or more HR specialties (e.g., recruiting, compensation, employee relations, performance management, organizational design, training, HR counsel).
2 years of managerial or leadership experience.
3 years of experience as a Human Resources Business Partner.
Experience with HR systems (e.g., ATS, HRIS) and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently.
Preferred Qualifications
7+ years of progressive HR experience across the employee lifecycle, labor relations, investigations, training, or related areas.
5 years of experience as a Human Resources Business Partner.
3 years of executive-level managerial experience.
Advanced degree in HR or related field; higher education experience; union environment experience.
HR Certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR); knowledge of applicable employment laws.
Ability to handle confidential matters and manage multiple priorities with stakeholders; strong change management and facilitation skills.
Additional Information
Complete application packet includes resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references.
First review begins Monday, October 20, 2025; start date anticipated Monday, December 1, 2025.
Salary starts at 100,000; location: Lawrence Campus, with collaboration with KU Medical Center.
How to Apply
Refer to the job posting for application instructions and contact information.
#J-18808-Ljbffr