Senior HR Generalist

Description

The Office of Human Resources is seeking a skilled and versatile Senior HR Generalist to join our team. This position will lead and support multiple core HR functions—such as recruitment and onboarding, employee experience, payroll, benefits administration, performance management, or compliance—based on the candidate’s experience and interests. The role will also include cross-training across all HR areas to foster collaboration, increase team adaptability, and ensure seamless coverage.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional who values both focused responsibilities and broader teamwork, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement. 

Key Responsibilities

The Senior HR Generalist will be assigned core functional areas within Human Resources, with duties including but not limited to:

• Managing day-to-day processes within assigned HR functional areas (e.g., recruitment and onboarding, payroll, benefits, performance management, or compliance).
• Serving as a resource to employees and managers, offering guidance on HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Supporting the full employee lifecycle—from hiring through separation—for staff, faculty, adjuncts, and student workers.
• Participating in or leading projects that enhance HR systems, processes, compliance, and employee engagement.
• Providing cross-functional support to ensure consistent service delivery and team coverage.
• Maintaining accurate personnel records and job descriptions while ensuring data accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Staying up to date on employment laws, regulatory requirements, and HR best practices, and recommending updates to internal policies and procedures as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Some evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Occasional lifting of items up to 25 pounds.

Employee Benefits Overview

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Financial assistance for educational expenses, enabling professional growth and development.
• Protection for you and your loved ones with employer-sponsored life insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off includes holidays and sick leave to ensure work-life balance.
• Retirement benefits eligible on the 1st day of employment and matching contributions after 6 months of employment
• Access to confidential counseling and support services for mental health and personal matters through the Employee Assistance Program

Requirements

Education & Experience

One of the following is required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field and 5 years of progressive HR experience, with deep expertise in at least one core HR functional area; or
• Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field and 7 years of progressive HR experience, with deep expertise in at least one core HR functional area.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency with HR and payroll systems (Paylocity preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and employee relations.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Work with Purpose at Keuka College

Keuka College, founded in 1890, is a liberal arts-based, private college located in the heart of New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes.  Our picturesque lakeside campus is more than just a place to work – it’s a vibrant, close-knit environment where collaboration, innovation, and personal growth are valued as much as academic excellence.   

Why Keuka College?

Mission-Driven: Join us in empowering students to lead, serve, and succeed. Our founder Dr. George Harvey Ball’s mission to “bring strength to our nation and help humanity” is still at the heart of what we do.

Experiential Learning: Our immersive approach to education means you’ll work in an environment that values hands-on experience and innovation.

Core Values:

· Create a Strong Sense of Community: Foster a caring, respectful, and diverse environment, emphasizing integrity, leadership, and personal connections.

· Prioritize the Success of Each and Every Student: Focus on stu