Human Resources Generalist

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts • Kalamazoo, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts seeks an experienced, organized, and approachable Human Resources Generalist to support and strengthen the people practices of our museum and Kirk Newman Art School. This is a regular part-time position working approximately 20 hours per week and based at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. Reporting to the Senior Operations Officer, the HR Generalist will provide hands-on human resources support while helping the KIA build more consistent, effective, and sustainable HR systems. The KIA’s workforce includes approximately 130 employees and contract faculty combined across the museum and Art School, including approximately 75 contract teaching faculty. The position supports employees, supervisors, and organizational leadership in areas including policies and procedures, performance management, job descriptions, recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, benefits, compliance, and HR records. The ideal candidate brings sound judgment, discretion, strong knowledge of human resources practices, and the ability to move comfortably between day-to-day employee needs and longer-term projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• At least 3–5 years of progressively responsible HR experience, preferably in a generalist role.
• Working knowledge of employee relations, benefits, performance management, HR compliance, and employment practices.
• Experience developing or improving HR policies, performance processes, or job descriptions.
• Strong judgment, discretion, communication skills, and the ability to handle sensitive personnel matters professionally.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage both ongoing responsibilities and longer-term projects independently.
• A collaborative, service-oriented approach and ability to build trust with employees and supervisors.

Nice To Haves

• SHRM-CP, PHR, or comparable certification is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a resource to employees and supervisors on HR policies, benefits, workplace expectations, and other employment-related matters.
• Maintain and improve the KIA’s personnel policies, employee handbook, job descriptions, HR forms, and related resources.
• Coordinate performance management, recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, and other employee lifecycle processes.
• Support supervisors with employee relations, performance, attendance, and workplace concerns, escalating complex matters as appropriate.
• Coordinate benefits administration and partner with Finance on payroll, compensation, and employee changes.
• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records and support compliance with applicable employment requirements.
• Support employee leaves, accommodations, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and related HR processes.
• Track HR data and help identify trends and opportunities to improve workplace practices and organizational effectiveness.
• Coordinate training and professional development and recommend improvements to HR systems and processes.
• Perform other HR projects and responsibilities as needed.

Benefits

• retirement program with employer contribution available at the completion of 12 months of service
• paid time off including annual vacation, sick and personal business leave
• 11 museum holidays
• 3 floating holidays
• discounts in the Museum’s Gallery Shop
• a household membership to the institution
• a discounted course through the Kirk Newman Art School

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level