Human Resources Senior Generalist

Shenandoah University; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Shenandoah University is seeking a Human Resources Senior Generalist to join the Office of Human Resources on campus in Winchester, Virginia. The role focuses on employee training, leave processing, and regulatory compliance to support the campus community.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of HR experience, strong Excel skills, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion. This is a full-time on-campus position with benefits and opportunities for process improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Associate’s degree; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years in higher education or HR setting.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to handle sensitive leave.
• Advanced Excel and familiarity with Ellucian Colleague and HRIS platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee training initiatives and provide supervisors with resources.
• Oversee FMLA/PMLA and disability program administration.
• Support regulatory audits and reporting, including payroll and benefits.
• Coordinate leave processing and ensure compliance across programs.
• Serve as primary contact for EAP and lead new employee orientations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Advanced Excel

Discretion

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

HRIS platforms

Job description

Shenandoah University’s Office of Human Resources is accepting applications for a Human Resources Senior Generalist. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.

If you are an HR professional who brings a collaborative spirit, an analytical mindset for compliance, and the discretion needed to handle sensitive employee situations with professionalism, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact across our campus community. Shenandoah University is seeking a highly organized Senior Generalist to collaborate with our team. In this in-person (on campus) role, you will lead impactful employee training initiatives, oversee specialized leave and disability programs, and champion our regulatory compliance and auditing efforts. Successful candidates will possess 3 to 5 years of professional experience, advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, and a proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with utmost professionalism.

Essential Functions

Employee Training and Development

• Serves as the primary point of contact for the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), setting up, promoting training sessions for employees, and managing access to all EAP platforms.
• Develop and facilitate quarterly (or otherwise directed) HR training programs and in-person professional development opportunities. Provide supervisors with resources including publications and management templates.
• Develop and lead new employee orientations.
• Identify University-wide training needs and coordinate the logistics for relevant programs.
• Build trust and open communication with supervisors. Lead open community forum conversations with supervisors and staff.

Specialty Leave Processing

• FMLA/PMLA Management: Oversee the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) process, including determining eligibility and providing official notices; implement Virginia PMLA in 2028.
• Parental Leave: Administer the Parental Leave policy, in accordance with university policy.
• Disability Programs (STD/LTD): Act as the liaison for short-term (STD) and long-term (LTD) disability claims through the vendor. Guide employees and ensure all leave plans (medical/vacation) are exhausted as required.
• General leave support: Process administrative requirements for Jury Duty, bereavement, and other miscellaneous leave types to ensure accurate payroll and benefit reporting.

Auditing And Compliance

• Workers' Compensation Audit: Lead the annual WC audit by compiling summarized payroll reports, job duty summaries, and quarterly tax records.
• Fiscal Year and Fringe Audits: Support the fiscal year audits by preparing accrued salary reports, and lead the retirement audits for SU benefit programs.
• Regulatory Reporting: Complete required annual reporting, including PCORI fees, US Census Bureau reporting, and other assignments as assigned.
• Service Awards: Track employee eligibility for service awards based on cumulative years of service.

Job duties and tasks will be assigned at any time in response to the growing needs of Human Resources and Shenandoah University.

Required Skills

• Minimum: Associate’s degree. Preferred: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3-5 Years in higher education or a Human Resources setting. Specific type of work: training and development, knowledge of employer-paid benefits.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to handle sensitive employee leave situations with empathy and professionalism, are required.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (for auditing) and familiarity with HRIS systems such as Ellucian Colleague and recruiting/onboarding platforms.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 10 lbs.

Work Environment

• General office setting.
• The office is on the 3rd floor and has no elevator access.

Employment Mandates

• Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.
• Authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas.

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.