Human Resource Specialist

Job Description

Pittsburg State University is accepting applications for a Human Resource Specialist that is responsible for developing, administering, and overseeing human resource programs for PSU employees. The HR Specialist will work with an assigned group of departments and provide a wide range of services and support to employees for HR programs. Programs include, but are not limited to, new employee orientation and onboarding, benefits, performance management, disciplinary action, position classifications, and retirement. The HR Specialist must have a thorough understanding of federal and state laws and regulations, Kansas Board of Regents policies and procedures, University policies and procedures, and Memoranda of Agreements. The position also determines, designs, and implements business processes as needed.


Duties and Responsibilities

1. HR Representative - 35% (Essential)

Advises University employees, including supervisors, on HR policies and procedures, including but not limited to, supervisory best practices, discipline and documentation, conflict resolution, leaves, FLSA, and FMLA. Administers benefit programs, including signups for new participants, and for all university support staff and unclassified employees. Administers health insurance for graduate assistants, including determining eligibility and overseeing premium payments. Monitors completion of new hire paperwork and ensures deadlines are met. Counsels and works with employees on benefits planning and coordination. Assists employees in solving problems with benefits providers. Establishes local policies to maintain compliance with rules and regulations.

1. Administers HR Programs - 35% (Essential)

Administers and oversees human resource programs for PSU employees by interpreting applicable statutes, regulations, memoranda of agreements, and policies or procedures to establish a defined set of procedures to maintain compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, and guidelines. Determines operational needs for University HR procedures and formulates policies and procedures needed to ensure timely preparation of each phase of the human resource operation. Establishes dates and deadlines to follow to ensure accurate and timely HR transaction processing. Controls and maintains all information on employees relating to their electronic and paper personnel files. Directs the university support staff employment process and personnel actions, including performance reviews, position descriptions and classifications, promotions, transfers, separations and disciplinary actions. Directs and assists with unclassified performance reviews and position descriptions. Directs graduate assistant appointments. Coordinates HR functions and processes with other University departments, including the President Office, Provost Office, Payroll, Budget and Institutional Equity as well as other State of Kansas agencies. Ensures accurate information regarding compensation, benefits, and personal information is maintained in GUS Cloud. Uses appropriate reporting functionality to pull information from GUS Cloud. Updates PPMs as necessary.

1. Miscellaneous/Employee Initiatives - 20%

Participates in a campus-wide Employee Initiatives Team subcommittee. (Performance Management, Professional Development, Kudos and Recognition, Onboarding/Offboarding, Employee Wellness and Well-being) Plans and executes 2-3 employee activities per year, depending on the subcommittee assigned. Assists other HR team members with their initiatives as requested. Directs updates to the HR web page. Participates in other campus committees as requested.

1. GUS Cloud System Maintenance - 5%

Identifies processing issues and troubleshoots possible solutions in order to resolve problems in an orderly, timely, and accurate manner to allow for continuous and uninterrupted processing of GUS Cloud transactions. Coordinates activities with the assigned Functional Analyst from Information Technology Services. Coordinates with Oracle Support via Service Requests (SR's) for possible solutions and/or assistance. Creates and updates Job Aids and other training materials for campus as needed.

1. Other duties as assigned - 5%

Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor, Director of HR, VP, Division Head, or President, including the formulation of University policies and procedures and interpretation of same based on the strategic plan.


Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire

• High School diploma
• One year of experience in an office setting
• Two years of experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Office 365 products

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field
• One year of experience in a higher education institution
• One year of experience with a modern cloud-based HR system (e.g. Oracle Cloud, Workday, etc.)

Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and sex offender check.

Salary Range: $42,000.00 - $45,000.00, annually

Job Type: Unclassified

Appointment Duration: 12 months

Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, other times as needed

Application Documents Required*:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Names and Contact Details for three (3) Professional References

*Consolidate into two documents to upload.

Open Until Filled with a first consideration date of June 2nd, 2026.

Search Committee Chair: Rachel Reardon, View email address on click.appcast.io

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.

Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

About Us

About Pittsburg State University

Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State's 373-acre campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art athletics, arts, and research facilities.


Its residential and online undergraduate and graduate student population of nearly 6,000 is guided by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrative team.


Pitt State's hands-on learning environment and engagement by alumni working in a variety of professional sectors creates incredible academic, internship, and employment opportunities for students. Academic programs often bring home national honors.


The university enjoys a close relationship with Pittsburg residents as well as city and business leaders. Throughout town, you'll see gorilla statues in front lawns and red and gold Gorilla spirit at local businesses. Students, faculty, and staff are highly engaged in the local school district and with service projects, and in turn the community is highly supportive of and engaged in university activities.


Faculty, staff, and students have access to many amenities, including discounts and free access to concerts, plays, athletic events on campus as well as discounts on meals and services off campus.


Pitt State has developed unique partnerships in downtown Pittsburg, 1.4 miles north of the main campus. There, Block22 and the historic Hotel Besse offer innovative student housing options and the new Kelce College of Business building, scheduled to open in July 2026, will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and space for professional development and public events.


The university has earned institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and two elite classifications from the Carnegie Foundation.