Senior HR Partner

The University of Kansas, Human Resources (HR) at the Lawrence campus is excited to recruit a Senior HR Partner (Sr. HRP) to serve the Office of Research and its designated research centers/institutes. The Sr. HRP's role is designed to carry out three important objectives: 1) ensure consistency in the delivery of HR policies and practices within assigned unit(s), 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 assigned area. The Senior HR Partner will report to the Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) of HR Partnerships with day-to-day oversight and direction from the Vice Chancellor of Research for KU Lawrence/Edwards campuses. They will be integrated into the unit with a deep understanding of the unit's unique culture and strategic mission, vision, goals, and needs. The Senior HR Partner will be in-person at the Lawrence campus location but will also engage and collaborate with HR Partners assigned at the University of Kansas Medical Center to provide aligned communication and integration activities aligned with the One KU initiative.

The Sr HRP serves as an extension of Human Resource (HR) and is responsible for managing a broad range of human resources services in support of the University's mission. The Sr HRP serves as the primary HR liaison to the unit(s) in which the Sr HRP is assigned and is the primary point of contact to the HR Partners within the unit(s) that report to them. The Sr. HRP ensures compliance with University, State, Federal, and uniformed guidance principles for sponsored research activities as it relates to employment matters and collective bargaining agreements.

The Sr HRP will need to have a strong understanding and communication with the Central Human Resources Team as they serve as the strategic HR resource to both, HR Partners who report to them as well as to unit leaders they support. The Senior HRP will provide guidance on a wide range of HR matters including employee relations, compensation, organizational structure, workforce planning, recruitment, employee retention and engagement, culture, and other essential HR functions while enhancing 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 in which the breadth or complexity of HR matters cannot readily be addressed with a single HR Partner. This Sr HR Partner position will have HR Partner(s) reporting to them in addition to having specific areas of responsibility.

KU's main campus in Lawrence, Kansas is located within a commutable distance between Kansas City and Topeka. KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

50% - Principal Liaison for KU Lawrence/Edwards (KULE) with the Office of Research Leaders, HR Partners, and HR Centers of Excellence

• Serves as the HR primary point of contact for all leaders and HR Partners within the designated area (KULE). Ensures they are visible and accessible to leaders and HR Partners.
• Provides advice and counsel on a wide range of HR matters, issues, policies, and programs.
• Provides consultation and advice to managers, supervisors, and HR Partners on workplace issues and conflicts.
• Serves as a liaison for leaders and HR Partners into services provided by HR.
• Serves as the primary conduit for disseminating HR related updates, information, policy changes, and programs to assigned unit(s) and HR Partners.
• Serves as a liaison with Central HR, bringing forward ideas and recommendations in regard to areas of improvement on HR challenges impacting the unit. Identifying and working on efficiencies in conjunction with Central HR to improve delivery of services as needed.

30% - Employment Lifecycle Support Employees, Supervisors, and Leadership (KULE)
Based on the needs of the unit and its employees, the Senior HR Partner may participate in any of the following activities to ensure that the university provides the best possible people support at the individual and leadership level.

• Recruiting, Hiring and Onboarding
  • Works with leadership on developing a strategic hiring plan to meet unit and university goals, following university processes and deadlines for requests.
  • Works with leadership on development and navigation reorganization efforts as arises with One KU One Research model.
  • Serves as a liaison with budget and finance resources within the unit(s) to ensure compliance with HR policies and practices.
  • Provides advice and guidance on job descriptions and leverages available job description templates.
  • Sets compensation within the University salary framework and collaborates and consults with HR for compensation requests that exceed guidelines as defined.
  • Assists search committees with the recruitment process, as needed, and provides training, guidance, and oversight to search committees.
  • Works with unit(s) leader to generate the terms of employment offer.
  • Engages with new hires and assigned supervisors to develop, coordinate, and oversee unit(s)-specific new employee onboarding and orientation including system access, compliance training, and benefits elections follow-up.
  • Serves as an ongoing resource for employees during their transition into the organization.
• Employee Relations & Workforce Development
  • Serves as a resource to leaders and HR Partners addressing workplace concerns and issues within the unit(s).
  • Provides oversight and guidance to the day-to-day application of performance management policies and procedures within unit(s), including appropriate documentation such as disciplinary actions and performance improvement plans.
  • Offers guidance to supervisors for appropriately utilizing performance management tools including performance coaching, setting goals, and the annual performance review process.
  • Provides guidance on collective bargaining agreement obligations including those related to employee discipline and working conditions in alignment with Central HR.
  • Provides coaching to unit(s) supervisors on addressing employee relations matters at levels consistent with established protocol.
  • Supports leaders on navigation of employee relations activities, including conducting fact-finding conversations and reviewing disciplinary documentation.
  • Supports leaders and employees in the offboarding process.
  • Provides guidance and ensures compliance with state and federal laws and regulations (e.g., time and leave).
  • Engages in unit(s) succession planning in collaboration with the unit(s) leader(s).
  • Provide unit(s) leader(s) guidance and advice on organizational design
  • Identifies training needs within the unit and collaborates with HR to facilitate training.
• Culture, Engagement, and Retention
  • Assesses levels of employee engagement and designs unit(s)-specific programs and efforts to support high levels of employee engagement and retention.
  • Communicates and promotes engagement and recognition programs and activities, including engagement surveys and results, and 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 the off-boarding and exit interview processes.
• HR Compliance
  • Ensures unit(s) comply with University HR policies and practices.
  • Works to support HR with timely compliance of time and leave activities.
  • Enhances 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 as appropriate.
  • Works to support HR communication efforts with supported unit(s). Aids with deadlines, has an understanding of the application of new policies, procedures and processes.
  • Works with unit(s) to comply with University requirements, including mandatory employee trainings.

15% - Staff Supervision

• Provides oversight of, and direction to, HR Partners within the area of assigned responsibility.
• Works with HR Partners to address issues or concerns that are raised.
• Promotes professional development opportunities for HR Partners.
• May be responsible for the direction and supervision of HR Partner support staff.

5% - Other duties

• Other duties as they pertain to HR and the unit.
• Engage in on-going professional development and continuing education opportunities.

This position will work primarily on the Lawrence Campus but will be engaged with collaborative measures with the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS.

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 Monday, October 20, 2025 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants has been obtained. #LI-HR1

Brett Goedeke
HR Partner
brettgoe@ku.edu
(785) 864-3192

Starts at 100,000

Monday October 20, 2025

Monday December 1, 2025