Senior HR Generalist

Senior HR Generalist The VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs invites applications for a Senior Human Resources Generalist. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and Operations, the hire for this position will demonstrate significant knowledge of operational and technical tasks related to Human Resources. Applicants must have the ability to strategically identify options and develop solutions for unique or unprecedented situations; and the judgment, resourcefulness, and ability to identify issues and/or areas that should be addressed via sound decision-making. They will be a resource for others, participating in mentoring, coaching, and training. This position will also support Wilder School facility operations, serving as a secondary liaison/contact between the unit and Facilities Management and SRM. Unit: L D Wilder Sch of Govt & Pub Affrs Department: L D Wilder Sch of Govt & Pub Affrs Department Summary: The Wilder School's mission is to: Engage, teach and inspire students and leaders to understand and solve challenges in our world. Advance research that informs public policy and decision-making to improve our communities. Collaborate with communities through innovative partnerships to enhance the quality of life. The Wilder School's vision is to be the premier resource for public policy expertise in public safety, governance, and economic and community development. The 2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings confirm the Wilder School among the top 15% of graduate schools of public affairs at No. 36 and tied for No.1 in Virginia. The School is also ranked No. 6 in Homeland Security Programs, and No. 33 in Public Management and Leadership. The Wilder School has over 1,400 students and more than 12,000 alumni, with an established environment where diverse perspectives thrive and where a common interest in public service and the betterment of society unites these perspectives together. Our academic excellence attracts the highest quality faculty, staff, and students, and our graduates are leaders in their professions. Our location in Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, combined with our proximity to Washington, DC, provides numerous opportunities for engaged scholarship, teaching and community engagement activities. A creative, interdisciplinary School with both academic programs and training/research centers in the social sciences and professional arenas, we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, providing students and faculty with the knowledge, skills, opportunities, and experience necessary for success. Duties & Responsibilities: Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and Operations, this position will demonstrate significant knowledge of operational and technical tasks related to Human Resources. Applicants must have the ability to strategically identify options and develop solutions for unique or unprecedented situations; and the judgment, resourcefulness, and ability to identify issues and/or areas that should be addressed via sound decision-making. They will be a resource for others, participating in mentoring, coaching, and training. This position will apply a knowledge of applicable policies, procedures and legal compliance to support multiple HR functional areas including recruitment, onboarding, employee orientations, professional development and training, retention, separation, leave, timekeeping, performance management, policy document and handbook development, and general guidance on policies, procedures, and regulations. The position will exercise independent judgment for routine to moderately-complex issues while referring unprecedented issues to a higher level for resolution. This position will also support Wilder School facility operations, serving as a secondary liaison/contact between the unit and Facilities Management and SRM. Core Duties and Responsibilities: Must have a strategic grasp of, and regularly perform, HR functions across multiple areas of HR, such as: recruiting, employee relations, compensation, benefits, timekeeping, leave, payroll, employee record maintenance, training, performance management, and employee recognition. Utilizing HR systems, process accurate and timely employee actions, as well as confidential forms and records pertaining to applications, employment, enrollment, pay changes, and other sensitive HR materials. Exercise some level of independence and autonomy, collaborating with senior HR leadership on areas of greater complexity. Advise managers on performance management, long term planning, compensation, recruitment, and onboarding activities using a demonstrated breadth and depth of HR expertise. Work closely with university Global Education Office to process international hires and renewals across all eClasses. Upload School HR transaction documentation to Central HR Image Now as needed. Provide timely information, direction, and advice when requested by employees and managers. Keep abreast of changing regulations and trends related to HR. Identify HR issues and recommend strategic solutions. Serve as recruitment coordinator, advising managers on employment and position recruitment. Provide guidance to hiring managers and search committees/panels to ensure search process policy compliance with University standards. Manage onboarding and new hire process including; processing new employee documentation, verifying employment eligibility, completing PAFs, etc. Participate in University-wide HR initiatives and events. Serve as the backup for lead HR Professional within organization. Work with senior HR team members to identify HR issues and support strategic solutions. Serve as a resource for HR generalists, coordinators and assistants. Provide support and guidance on general leave policies and procedures. Assist as needed with annual faculty and Executive and Senior Leader contract issuance process and multiple adjunct and affiliate contract issuance cycles. Participate in quarterly ARMICS HR activity and transaction audits. Respond to internal and external HR related inquiries/requests providing assistance as needed. Participate in HR Associate group meetings and trainings. Communicate with full-time faculty and staff and provide answers to human resource questions and inquiries. Assist with records management. Serve as backup Timekeeper, processing timekeeping, reviewing and tracking time and leave submissions and payroll processing utilizing Realtime software. Serve as backup to other human resources team members as needed. Other duties as assigned. Facility responsibilities include: Serve as the secondary point of contact for the school with Facilities Management. Submission of school work requests on behalf of building occupants via the Facilities Self Service as needed. Communication as needed with the Facilities Operations Center to request emergency services or obtaining non-emergency services via FSS. Support for the provision of facility services, as necessary. Communication (as a backup) of the status of building issues and updates to building occupants. Assistance with other facilities-related tasks to help maintain a safe and healthy work environment for Wilder School employees, students, and guests. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years professional HR experience or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Significant knowledge of HR policies, principles, and procedures related to multiple areas, such as: benefits, compensation, employee relations, compliance, recruitment, succession, HRIS, with the ability to perform these functions. Proven ability to clearly articulate HR information; complex, specific information in area of subject matter expertise. Demonstrated ability to maintain sensitive/confidential information appropriately and with discretion. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Apps, and DocuSign. Previous experience with HR information systems and an understanding of university systems. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate HR information and communicate at all levels of the organization. Excellent organizational, problem solving skills and an ability to exercise strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. Outstanding customer service skills and a high degree of professionalism. Advanced knowledge of university, state, and federal policies and regulations. Ability to serve as a resource to others regarding HR processes and procedures. Ability to apply policies and procedures for recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, and information systems. Ability to manage multiple competing priorities, meet deadlines, and effectively prioritize assignments. Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team, complete tasks without immediate supervision, and to lead and train others. Ability to synthesize information, solve problems independently and use available resources. Ability to conduct activities and make decisions according to ethical standards. Ability to analyze and present information and maintain accurate and detailed records. Ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership to develop strategic initiatives and monitor progress towards meeting strategic goals. Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Created: 2026-03-06