Human Resources Generalist II

About the role

Job Group: Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 3 years of related experience

About the role

Are you an HR professional who thrives on building relationships, solving complex people issues, and helping leaders achieve results through effective human resource practices?

University Human Resources is seeking a collaborative, customer-focused HR Generalist II to join our team. In this role, you will serve as a trusted HR resource to leaders and employees, providing professional guidance across a broad range of human resource functions. Working in partnership with HR Partners and central HR specialists, you will help managers navigate employee relations, performance management, staffing, compensation, policy interpretation, and organizational challenges.

This position is ideal for an HR professional who combines strong HR knowledge with excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to delivering high-quality customer service.

What You'll Do

• Build strong partnerships with managers and employees by providing timely, professional, and customer-focused HR consultation.
• Advise leaders on performance management, employee relations matters, policy interpretation, documentation, and corrective action processes.
• Conduct compensation and salary analyses and guide leaders through pay-related decisions.
• Analyze situations, identify underlying HR concerns, and recommend practical solutions that balance business needs, policy compliance, and employee experience.
• Apply working knowledge of HR policies, employment practices, and university procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Assist with employee relations investigations and support conflict resolution efforts.
• Deliver training and coaching to managers on HR programs, policies, and processes.
• Maintain data integrity and utilize HR systems, reports, and information to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with HR colleagues to provide seamless service and escalate complex issues appropriately.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strengths in

• HR Acumen and professional judgment
• Relationship building and customer service
• Written and verbal communication
• Conflict management and difficult conversations
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Consultation and influencing skills
• Data-informed decision-making
• Results orientation and accountability
• Organizational awareness and professionalism
• Adaptability and continuous learning

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting managers with performance management, employee relations, workplace conflict resolution, and corrective action processes.
• Experience implementing and administering HR policies and processes
• Experience conducting compensation reviews, salary analyses, or providing pay-related recommendations.
• Experience using data and reporting tools to support HR decision-making.

Additional information

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

For more information about the Human Resources team, please visit

HR Delivery - University Human Resources

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please Note: To receive full consideration, applications should be received by November 15, 2026.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email, or call or Toll Free:.

• Appointment Type: Regular
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
• Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade

PS808

Original Posting Date: November 6, 2026

Job Requisition Number: R20161

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.