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HR Partner - Student Affairs Units
role at
Inside Higher Ed
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Position Overview The University of Kansas, Human Resources at the Lawrence campus is excited to recruit an HR Partner to serve Student Affairs, which includes the departments of Counseling & Psychological Services, Office of Family Engagement, Health Education Resource Office, Housing and Residence Life, KU Recreation Services, Legal Services for Students, Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Center, Sorority and Fraternity Life, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Student Engagement Center, Student Support and Case Management, and Watkins Health Services. The role is designed to build strong relationships with assigned unit leaders and employees, provide consistency in the delivery and application of HR policies and practices, and maintain strong communication with Central HR.
The HR Partner serves as an extension of the Central HR team and manages a broad range of human resource services to support the University’s mission. This includes guidance on employee relations, compensation, organizational structure, workforce planning, recruitment, employee retention and engagement, culture, onboarding, and other essential HR functions while ensuring compliance with university policies, Kansas Board of Regents, Federal, State, and local laws, and collective bargaining agreements (as applicable).
The HR Partner reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor of HR Partnerships and has day‑to‑day oversight from the leadership team(s). The role is in‑person, located on the Lawrence campus, and may occasionally require evenings and weekends. HR partners for One KU Offices will also engage and collaborate with the University of Kansas Medical Center HR Partner to support the One KU initiative.
Job Description 50% – Principal Liaison with Unit‑Based Leaders, Employees, and Central HR
Serves as the HR primary point of contact for all leaders and employees within the designated unit(s) and coordinates with the appropriate centralized HR team. Ensures visibility and accessibility to the unit(s) assigned.
Provides advice and counsel on a wide range of HR matters, issues, policies, and programs to leadership, supervisors, and employees.
Serves as a resource and key contact for ensuring HR compliance within the unit, providing information and updates regarding key HR activities, program changes, deadlines, new initiatives, and disseminating HR‑related updates.
Engages and participates with HR to stay fully informed of new processes, procedures, initiatives, or activities and enhances communication efforts across the served unit(s). May participate in the design, development, implementation, or testing of new technology for enhancing process activities or reporting.
Coordinates with HR on key employee initiatives that improve time and leave reporting outcomes, university‑required training activities, benefit enrollment (as applicable), etc.
40% – Employment Lifecycle Support (Employees, Supervisors, and Leadership)
Recruiting, Hiring and Onboarding
Provides advice and guidance on job description development, compensation ranges, search activities, and best practices.
Works with leadership on developing a strategic hiring plan to meet unit and university goals, following university processes and deadlines for requests.
Engages with new hires and assigned supervisors to develop, coordinate, and oversee unit‑specific onboarding and orientation activities; answers benefit and perk information as appropriate.
Engages and informs employees of programs and activities focused on wellness, appreciation, recognition, engagement, and community building.
Serves as an ongoing resource for employees during their transition into the organization and throughout the employee’s lifecycle; works with HR and employees to ensure communication and completion of annual activities (e.g., open enrollment, time and leave reporting, training, evaluation activities).
Employee Relations & Workforce Development
Serves as a resource to employees experiencing workplace concerns and issues within the unit(s). Provides guidance to supervisors to address employee relations matters at levels consistent with established protocol.
Offers guidance to supervisors for appropriately utilizing performance management tools, including performance coaching, setting goals, and the annual performance review process.
Supports leaders on navigation of employee relations activities, including conducting fact‑finding conversations and reviewing disciplinary documentation.
Provides guidance on collective bargaining agreement obligations, including those related to employee discipline and working conditions coordinating through central HR resources.
Provides coaching to unit(s) supervisors on addressing employee relations matters at levels consistent with established protocol.
Supports leaders and employees in the off‑boarding process.
Coordinates with HR regarding employee leave programs.
Identifies unit(s) workforce planning, organizational design, and training needs in coordination with HR and unit(s) leadership; uses workforce planning data and analytics to inform unit‑specific strategic plans.
Engages in unit(s) succession planning in collaboration with the unit(s) leader(s) as needed.
Culture, Engagement, and Retention
Assesses levels of employee engagement and designs unit‑specific programs and efforts to support high levels of engagement and retention.
Communicates and promotes engagement and recognition programs and activities, including engagement surveys and results; identifies and implements best practices.
Monitors engagement and morale and helps inform broader unit(s) strategies and programs.
Reinforces and supports programs and communications from HR.
Participates in HR workgroups and teams to actionize suggested efficiencies and improvement.
Participates in the off‑boarding and exit interview processes and ensures compliance with HR policies.
HR Compliance
Ensures unit(s) comply with University HR policies and practices.
Works to support HR with timely compliance of time and leave activities.
Supports unit(s) compliance with federal, state, Kansas Board of Regents, and local employment laws and regulations.
Provides guidance on data collection required for HR transactions; assists with transactional HR actions, as applicable, through the employee lifecycle.
Works to support HR communication efforts with supported unit(s); aids with deadlines and understanding new policies, procedures, and processes.
Works with unit(s) to comply with University reporting activities and tracking of activities and tasks, including mandatory employee trainings.
10% – Other
Other duties as they pertain to HR and the unit(s).
Engages in on‑going professional development and continuing education opportunities.
Position Requirements This position will work primarily on the Lawrence Campus.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field OR HS Diploma/GED and 4 years of experience in HR specialties (as identified in next bullet)
3 years of progressive increasing in responsibility experience in two or more HR specialties such as recruiting and hiring, compensation, employee relations, performance management, organizational design, training, providing HR advice or counsel to leaders and employees, etc.
Experience with various HR systems and platforms (e.g., Applicant Tracking Systems, HRIS)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Experience working collaboratively within a team and independently.
Preferred Qualifications
5 or more years of experience providing strategic and consultative HR services across the employee lifecycle, labor relations, employee discipline, supervisor guidance, conducting employee investigations, training, benefits or other HR specialties.
Prior experience as a Human Resource Business Partner
Advanced degree in HR Management or similar disciplines
Experience working in a Higher Education environment or similar to the assigned unit(s)
HR Certification (e.g., SHRM‑SCP, SPHR)
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Previous experience handling multiple priorities with multiple stakeholders
Experience with effective change management practices.
Ability to facilitate difficult conversations.
Experience with navigation and providing guidance for conflict resolution
Experience in handling confidential matters
Experience in building collaborative relationships/partnerships
Highly organized and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
Strong customer‑service orientation.
Additional Candidate Instructions A complete application packet will consist of a resume, a cover letter detailing how you meet the required qualifications, and 3 professional references.
First Review of applications will begin Friday, December 12, 2025 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants has been obtained.
Information to Applicants
Rebecca Terry
Associate Vice Chancellor for HR Partners
rreiling@ku.edu
785‑864‑0461
Advertised Salary Range Starts at 80,000
Application Review Begins Friday December 12, 2025
Anticipated Start Date Monday January 26, 2026
Apply to Job
#J-18808-Ljbffr
HR Partner - Student Affairs Units
role at
Inside Higher Ed
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Position Overview The University of Kansas, Human Resources at the Lawrence campus is excited to recruit an HR Partner to serve Student Affairs, which includes the departments of Counseling & Psychological Services, Office of Family Engagement, Health Education Resource Office, Housing and Residence Life, KU Recreation Services, Legal Services for Students, Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Center, Sorority and Fraternity Life, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Student Engagement Center, Student Support and Case Management, and Watkins Health Services. The role is designed to build strong relationships with assigned unit leaders and employees, provide consistency in the delivery and application of HR policies and practices, and maintain strong communication with Central HR.
The HR Partner serves as an extension of the Central HR team and manages a broad range of human resource services to support the University’s mission. This includes guidance on employee relations, compensation, organizational structure, workforce planning, recruitment, employee retention and engagement, culture, onboarding, and other essential HR functions while ensuring compliance with university policies, Kansas Board of Regents, Federal, State, and local laws, and collective bargaining agreements (as applicable).
The HR Partner reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor of HR Partnerships and has day‑to‑day oversight from the leadership team(s). The role is in‑person, located on the Lawrence campus, and may occasionally require evenings and weekends. HR partners for One KU Offices will also engage and collaborate with the University of Kansas Medical Center HR Partner to support the One KU initiative.
Job Description 50% – Principal Liaison with Unit‑Based Leaders, Employees, and Central HR
Serves as the HR primary point of contact for all leaders and employees within the designated unit(s) and coordinates with the appropriate centralized HR team. Ensures visibility and accessibility to the unit(s) assigned.
Provides advice and counsel on a wide range of HR matters, issues, policies, and programs to leadership, supervisors, and employees.
Serves as a resource and key contact for ensuring HR compliance within the unit, providing information and updates regarding key HR activities, program changes, deadlines, new initiatives, and disseminating HR‑related updates.
Engages and participates with HR to stay fully informed of new processes, procedures, initiatives, or activities and enhances communication efforts across the served unit(s). May participate in the design, development, implementation, or testing of new technology for enhancing process activities or reporting.
Coordinates with HR on key employee initiatives that improve time and leave reporting outcomes, university‑required training activities, benefit enrollment (as applicable), etc.
40% – Employment Lifecycle Support (Employees, Supervisors, and Leadership)
Recruiting, Hiring and Onboarding
Provides advice and guidance on job description development, compensation ranges, search activities, and best practices.
Works with leadership on developing a strategic hiring plan to meet unit and university goals, following university processes and deadlines for requests.
Engages with new hires and assigned supervisors to develop, coordinate, and oversee unit‑specific onboarding and orientation activities; answers benefit and perk information as appropriate.
Engages and informs employees of programs and activities focused on wellness, appreciation, recognition, engagement, and community building.
Serves as an ongoing resource for employees during their transition into the organization and throughout the employee’s lifecycle; works with HR and employees to ensure communication and completion of annual activities (e.g., open enrollment, time and leave reporting, training, evaluation activities).
Employee Relations & Workforce Development
Serves as a resource to employees experiencing workplace concerns and issues within the unit(s). Provides guidance to supervisors to address employee relations matters at levels consistent with established protocol.
Offers guidance to supervisors for appropriately utilizing performance management tools, including performance coaching, setting goals, and the annual performance review process.
Supports leaders on navigation of employee relations activities, including conducting fact‑finding conversations and reviewing disciplinary documentation.
Provides guidance on collective bargaining agreement obligations, including those related to employee discipline and working conditions coordinating through central HR resources.
Provides coaching to unit(s) supervisors on addressing employee relations matters at levels consistent with established protocol.
Supports leaders and employees in the off‑boarding process.
Coordinates with HR regarding employee leave programs.
Identifies unit(s) workforce planning, organizational design, and training needs in coordination with HR and unit(s) leadership; uses workforce planning data and analytics to inform unit‑specific strategic plans.
Engages in unit(s) succession planning in collaboration with the unit(s) leader(s) as needed.
Culture, Engagement, and Retention
Assesses levels of employee engagement and designs unit‑specific programs and efforts to support high levels of engagement and retention.
Communicates and promotes engagement and recognition programs and activities, including engagement surveys and results; identifies and implements best practices.
Monitors engagement and morale and helps inform broader unit(s) strategies and programs.
Reinforces and supports programs and communications from HR.
Participates in HR workgroups and teams to actionize suggested efficiencies and improvement.
Participates in the off‑boarding and exit interview processes and ensures compliance with HR policies.
HR Compliance
Ensures unit(s) comply with University HR policies and practices.
Works to support HR with timely compliance of time and leave activities.
Supports unit(s) compliance with federal, state, Kansas Board of Regents, and local employment laws and regulations.
Provides guidance on data collection required for HR transactions; assists with transactional HR actions, as applicable, through the employee lifecycle.
Works to support HR communication efforts with supported unit(s); aids with deadlines and understanding new policies, procedures, and processes.
Works with unit(s) to comply with University reporting activities and tracking of activities and tasks, including mandatory employee trainings.
10% – Other
Other duties as they pertain to HR and the unit(s).
Engages in on‑going professional development and continuing education opportunities.
Position Requirements This position will work primarily on the Lawrence Campus.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field OR HS Diploma/GED and 4 years of experience in HR specialties (as identified in next bullet)
3 years of progressive increasing in responsibility experience in two or more HR specialties such as recruiting and hiring, compensation, employee relations, performance management, organizational design, training, providing HR advice or counsel to leaders and employees, etc.
Experience with various HR systems and platforms (e.g., Applicant Tracking Systems, HRIS)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Experience working collaboratively within a team and independently.
Preferred Qualifications
5 or more years of experience providing strategic and consultative HR services across the employee lifecycle, labor relations, employee discipline, supervisor guidance, conducting employee investigations, training, benefits or other HR specialties.
Prior experience as a Human Resource Business Partner
Advanced degree in HR Management or similar disciplines
Experience working in a Higher Education environment or similar to the assigned unit(s)
HR Certification (e.g., SHRM‑SCP, SPHR)
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Previous experience handling multiple priorities with multiple stakeholders
Experience with effective change management practices.
Ability to facilitate difficult conversations.
Experience with navigation and providing guidance for conflict resolution
Experience in handling confidential matters
Experience in building collaborative relationships/partnerships
Highly organized and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
Strong customer‑service orientation.
Additional Candidate Instructions A complete application packet will consist of a resume, a cover letter detailing how you meet the required qualifications, and 3 professional references.
First Review of applications will begin Friday, December 12, 2025 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants has been obtained.
Information to Applicants
Rebecca Terry
Associate Vice Chancellor for HR Partners
rreiling@ku.edu
785‑864‑0461
Advertised Salary Range Starts at 80,000
Application Review Begins Friday December 12, 2025
Anticipated Start Date Monday January 26, 2026
Apply to Job
#J-18808-Ljbffr