Human Resources Generalist

KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS

Human Resources Generalist

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.

Initial Priorities

During the first year, key priorities will include:

• Leading the review, revision, and completion of the KIA’s personnel policies and employee handbook.
• Developing and coordinating a consistent organization-wide employee performance review process, including tools, timelines, and guidance for supervisors.
• Reviewing job descriptions across the organization for clarity, consistency, accuracy, and alignment with organizational needs.
• Identifying additional opportunities to strengthen HR systems, documentation, and practices.

Who We Are

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) is a museum and community-based art school located in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. Our mission is to promote and cultivate the creation and appreciation of the visual arts in West Michigan. We believe the arts are for everyone; they inspire, fulfill, and transform.

The KIA holds more than 5,000 works of art in its permanent collection and presents changing exhibitions across 10 galleries. The Kirk Newman Art School offers hundreds of classes each year across a range of artistic disciplines. Together, the museum and Art School create opportunities for people of all ages to experience, learn about, and make art.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Senior Operations Officer, the HR Generalist will:

• 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.

Who You Are & Keys to Success

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

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

What Else You Should Know

Because the HR Generalist serves employees throughout the museum and Art School, regular onsite presence and availability to staff are important. Some scheduling flexibility may be available, and occasional work outside regular business hours may be required.

This position primarily involves computer and desk work, meetings, and movement throughout the museum and Art School. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

The hourly rate for this position ranges from $26.50- $31.25, with a starting rate based on experience and internal pay equity.

The KIA offers the following benefits to part time employees: 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, and a discounted course through the Kirk Newman Art School