Human Resources Generalist

University of Wisconsin-River Falls; Town of River Falls (WI); On-site; USD 49,500 - 60,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent health benefits

Paid leave

Retirement plan matching

Job summary

A midwestern university is seeking a Human Resources Generalist who will support various HR functions, manage student hiring, and ensure compliance with employment regulations. The successful candidate will work independently and collaboratively, communicate effectively, and handle confidential matters with discretion. This full-time position offers a starting salary of $55,000 along with exceptional benefits. The deadline for applications is January 5, 2026.

Qualifications

• Three years’ work experience in human resources.
• Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and Workers Compensation laws.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of student hiring and onboarding.
• Maintain personnel files and handle compliance matters.
• Serve as campus benefits liaison and manage employee leaves.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Workday

Job description

Join to apply for the Human Resources Generalist role at University of Wisconsin-River Falls

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF), one of the 13 prestigious Universities of Wisconsin, is located in scenic western Wisconsin, within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. UWRF serves approximately 5,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students who pursue degrees in over 70 programs offered through the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the College of Arts and Science, and the College of Education, Business and Allied Health.

The university provides an excellent environment for learning, emphasizing the importance of faculty‑student interaction in classrooms and laboratories, student‑centered academic advising and a broad range of engaging co‑curricular activities. UWRF is known for exceptional learning experiences, including undergraduate research, scholarly and creative activity, internships, and study abroad opportunities.

The campus also offers easily accessible year‑round arts, cultural, and recreational opportunities for the university and greater community. Consistently recognized as one of the Midwest's best regional universities, a Best Value university and one of America's Greenest Schools, UW‑River Falls helps students develop the skills for lifelong success.

POSITION SUMMARY

The HR Generalist provides support across multiple HR functions, including transaction processing, policy development, and personnel record management. This role oversees all student hiring at UWRF, serving as a subject matter expert and compliance advisor, while also acting as the campus benefits liaison to facilitate communication with UWSS and support employee wellness initiatives. The specialist administers all leaves of absence in compliance with FMLA and Wisconsin leave laws, manages Paid Parental Leave, Workers Compensation, and leads offboarding processes. Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintains them over time. Maintains a high customer service orientation with the employees for which this position serves and with other coworkers in the Office of Human Resources and the greater campus community. Maintains confidentiality of personnel matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides consultation, performs analytics, and maintains personnel files, communications, and materials for the work unit through various mediums.
• Maintains knowledge of employment and related statutes, laws, and regulations with emphasis on FMLA, ADA and Workers Compensation.
• Serves as the campus benefits liaison, escalating concerns and facilitating communication with UWSS benefits resources. Acts as the main point of contact for benefits‑related guests and activities on campus.
• Executes and audits HR transactions and changes in accordance with established policies and procedures to meet anticipated deadlines.
• Receives, responds to, and resolves employee questions and concerns related to HR processes.
• Represents the unit/program at institutional workshops, informational meetings, and training sessions.
• Serves on the Campus Safety Committee.
• Contributes to the development, implementation, interpretation, and revision of work unit HR policies and procedures in alignment with institutional and legal rules and regulations.
• Serves as backup to update and maintain the Human Resources website.
• Oversees all aspects of student hiring at UWRF, acting as a subject matter expert and advisor. Understanding of student federal work study and funding processes in Workday. Develops procedures, communications, and serves as the primary point of contact for compliance in student employment.
• Backup to student hourly HR Process Coordinator as needed.
• Promotes Well Wisconsin initiatives and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) to support employee wellness and engagement.
• Administers all leaves of absence, ensuring compliance with FMLA and Wisconsin state leave laws. Provides oversight and guidance as the campus subject matter expert for Paid Parental Leave.
• Manages all offboarding procedures for the campus, including processing terminations, maintaining accurate records, and gathering exit survey data.
• Leads continuous improvement efforts in data collection and reporting related to attrition. Partners with other departments to understand their needs, share timely feedback, and elevate concerns as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED)

• Three years’ work experience in human resources.
• Knowledge of employment and related statutes, laws, and regulations with emphasis on FMLA, ADA and Workers Compensation.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Ability to work independently, plan and organize complex tasks, problem solve, establish priorities and complete multiple tasks in stressful conditions under strict timelines.
• Effective organizational and task prioritization skills.
• Ability to perform conflict resolution and ability to deal with difficult and sensitive situations in a positive manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts and foster teamwork.
• Ability to read, analyze and comprehend information and make effective decisions.
• Ability to communicate succinctly, organize information and develop presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work, ensuring error‑free data entry, documentation, and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality integral to human resources practices; use discretion in responding to confidential matters.
• Proficient in the use of word processing (MS Word), spreadsheets (MS Excel), presentation software (MS PowerPoint), e‑mail, Internet and enterprise resource information systems such as Workday.

QUALIFICATIONS (PREFERRED)

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• Professional in Human Resources or SHRM certification.
• Experience administering FMLA leave.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:

• Resume
• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)

Inquiries should be addressed to:

Chief Human Resources Officer and Search Chair

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before January 5, 2026.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This position is a salary grade 20, starting at $55,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low‑cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.95%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf

UW‑River Falls does not offer H‑1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

Full‑time

JOB FUNCTION

Human Resources, General Business, and Customer Service

INDUSTRIES

Human Resources Services, Education, and Higher Education