Human Resources Manager

Transylvania University; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Transylvania University in Lexington, KY is seeking a Human Resources Manager - Payroll (Staff) to oversee payroll operations for faculty, staff and student employees. The role serves as the HR/Payroll liaison, ensuring accurate processing and timely reporting, while maintaining data integrity in the HRIS.

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in HR or a related field with six years of progressive HR experience; PHR/SPHR or SHRM certifications are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related field.
• Six years of progressive HR experience.
• PHR/SPHR or SHRM certification preferred.
• Experience in a higher education environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees payroll operations for faculty, staff, and student employees.
• Liaises HR and Payroll to resolve discrepancies and complex payroll issues.
• Reconciles payroll data with Finance and aligns HRIS with financial systems.
• Processes and tracks leave requests (FMLA, ADA, personal leave).
• Ensures payroll practices comply with laws and maintains data integrity in HRIS.
• Coordinates employee training and generates HR reports to support decisions.

Skills

Payroll processing

HRIS

Employee relations

Data reporting

Training

Compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business/Org Development

Tools

HRIS systems

Payroll software

Excel

Job description

Human Resources Manager - Payroll (Staff)

Founded in 1780, Transylvania University is one of the nation’s oldest institutions, but don’t let our age fool you. Ranked in the Top 100 Best Liberal Arts colleges for 2025 by Niche, we’re a vibrant campus in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky full of curious minds, creative energy, and people who genuinely love what they do. We are mentors and community builders who help shape the next generation of thinkers, creators and leaders.

At Transylvania, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We seek enthusiasm, initiative, and a commitment to excellence to helping create a campus environment where students, faculty and staff thrive. As a member of our community, you’ll work alongside dedicated colleagues who value collaboration, independent thinking and shared success. We invite applications for this opportunity to not only belong but belong to Team Transy!

Position Title: Human Resources Manager
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Department: Department of Human Resources
Employee Type: Full Time
Position Classification (FLSA): Exempt
Position Type: Staff
Required License/Registration/Certification: None
Shift: M-F 8:00am – 5:00pm. Additional hours required as workload demands.
Posting Open Date: 10/7/2026
Posting Close Date: 10/19/2026

Overview

Manage and coordinate a broad range of human resources functions in support of faculty, staff, and administrative operations. Serve as a subject matter expert and operational lead across key HR functional areas including payroll, employee relations, talent acquisition, benefits administration, HR compliance, and workforce development; and performs other duties as required.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Oversees payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely processing for all faculty, staff, and student employees.
• Serves as the primary liaison between HR and Payroll, coordinating resolution of discrepancies, retroactive payments, and complex payroll issues.
• Partners with Finance to reconcile payroll data, support budget planning, and ensure alignment between HRIS and financial systems.
• Processes and tracks leave requests (FMLA, ADA, personal leave) in compliance with applicable law.
• Monitors and ensures university payroll practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintains accuracy and integrity of employee data within the university's HRIS platform.
• Identifies and implements improvements to payroll systems, workflows, and processes.
• Coordinates and facilitates employee training including new hire orientation, compliance training, and professional development programs. Assesses department-level training needs and connects employees and supervisors with relevant development resources.
• Generates HR reports and workforce analytics to support data-driven decision-making.

Education and Experience

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development or related field.

EXPERIENCE: Six years of progressive experience in human resources, project coordinator, operations and/or related experience.

• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in a complex, multi-unit organization.
• Experience in a higher education environment preferred.

Background Check Statement: Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V