HR Generalist

Human Resources Generalist 

Department: Human Resources

Reports to: Director, Human Resources Operations

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The anticipated salary for this position starts at $57,800+. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity. 

Who we are and what we’re about:

KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity. You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends. This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university. We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited. Lives are changed.

What we are looking for:

This is a full-time position that supports core HR functions, including administrative tasks, payroll processing, employee onboarding and offboarding administrative processes, benefits administration, and compliance communication. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities. 

Hybrid Work Environment: 

Following the initial training period, this position offers a hybrid work schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. However, the role requires multiple days per week on-site at our Lawrence, KS office to ensure effective collaboration, team engagement, and alignment with organizational goals. 

What’s a typical day look like?

• Prepares and processes bi-weekly payroll accurately and on time. 
• Enters employee, position, salary and other changes; updates employee benefit elections; enters data for new and terminating employees; ensures accurate hours worked/paid; and verifies accurate leave accruals. 
• Verifies timekeeping records and resolve discrepancies. Acquires appropriate approvals prior to processing. 
• Runs all required payroll reporting as part of the regular payroll cycles. 
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Coordinates new hire onboarding, conducting portions of orientation, and ensuring completion of required documentation.
• Manages offboarding processes, including scheduling exit interviews and processing final paperwork.
• Updates HRIS and personnel files to reflect changes in employment status.
• Responds to employee inquiries regarding benefits and eligibility to include administering benefit plan eligibility, enrollment, and changes for employees and dependents. 
• Ensures timely and accurate processing of benefit-related employee status changes (e.g., new hire, termination, retirement, leave of absence, life events). 
• On a monthly basis, reconciles employee benefit billings and ensures timely payment. 
• Assists in the coordination of annual open enrollment activities, including preparing communication materials, coordinating system updates, employee information sessions, and ensuring accurate processing of election changes. 
• Helps maintain confidential employee files; HR database records; and compiles reports as needed and assists with audits as needed.
• Serves as back up for credit card submissions and expense management.
• Serves as back up for FMLA leave administration.
• Supports HR team with scheduling, correspondence, and other administrative tasks.
• Communicates HR policies and procedures to employees and supervisors.
• Assists in updating and distributing employee handbook and policy documents.
• Helps maintain internal HR related documents and intranet information.
• Serves as a point of contact for general HR inquiries.
• Provides guidance on routine HR matters and escalates complex issues as appropriate.
• Fosters a positive employee experience through timely and professional support.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

What’s required to be considered:

• High school diploma required. 
• One year of relevant HR experience, including payroll processing, data reporting, and/or HRIS, or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

What separates the best from the rest?

• A high level of interpersonal skills is essential. 
• Must demonstrate the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documents. 
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and conduct daily duties in a professional manner.
• Must have proficient computer skills, including word processing, computer systems (Word, Excel and Outlook), and databases. 
• Working knowledge of payroll, tax compliance, human resources and regulatory rules. 
• Must be proficient in English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and basic math (including some statistics); also prefer experience with database entry and retrieval. 
• Ability to implement and maintain HR software systems. 
• Must have good project management skills. 
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner. 
• Strong attention to detail is required with emphasis on accuracy and quality and the ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions. 
• Able to manage competing demands and changes in the work environment and deal with unexpected events. 
• Must exhibit a positive, team spirit, professional, and customer service attitude.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
• Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.

Physical Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Physical effort/lifting, medium-up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional travel requirements can include the following, evenings, weekends, and out-of-town overnights as a regular part of the job. 

KU Endowment is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job as regulated by ADA. If you require accommodation for any part of the application process or during employment, please contact View email address on jobs.jobcopilot.com to discuss your needs.

We’ve got you covered:

KU Endowment offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package including: 

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits 
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance 
• KU education assistance 
• Free parking

Sounds good, right? What’s next?

Please include your resume and cover letter when applying for this position on our website at

Questions regarding this vacancy may be addressed to:

Human Resources

KU Endowment

PO Box 928

Lawrence, KS 66044-0928

Email: View email address on jobs.jobcopilot.com

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors, KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants. By submitting your application, you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information. Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.