Human Resources Partner (HR Partner)

POSITION TITLE: Human Resources Partner (HR Partner)

DIVISION: Administration

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

REPORTS TO: Vice President of People & Culture

PAY TYPE: Exempt

WORKER TYPE: Full-Time

UPDATED: May 2026

PAY: $60,000

The Human Resources Partner serves as a critical partner for managers, dedicated to solving business problems and managing people risk. This role acts as a direct HR consultant for departments and people managers to translate strategic goals into actionable unit-level results.

Essential Functional Responsibilities: 

• Serve as the direct HR consultant for all Directors and people managers (excluding executive staff), translating strategic HR goals into unit-level actions.


• Handle all significant employee relations issues, including conducting formal investigations, managing complaints, and facilitating complex conflict resolution.


• Own the full-cycle recruitment for professional and management roles, including active sourcing, interviewing, and negotiating job offers.


• Execute and extend formal job offers for all roles below the Director level.


• Design and lead the integration process for new professional staff and conduct exit interviews to analyze turnover trends and recommend improvements.


• Manage the day-to-day execution of the performance review cycle, goal setting, and individual performance improvement plans (PIPs).


• Design, facilitate, and manage training specifically for managers regarding performance management, interviewing, and coaching.


• Interpret and ensure compliance with federal/state laws and KCAI policies, advising managers on legal requirements and organizational design.


• Monitor and analyze HR metrics (such as turnover and engagement) to provide proactive solutions and insights to leadership.


• Collaborate with the HR team to champion a culture of creativity and belonging, implementing initiatives that improve employee satisfaction and retention.


• Other duties as assigned.

Supervises the following:

• N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of employee relations practices and employment law. 


• Proven ability to consult with leadership and influence organizational change. 


• Strong conflict resolution and investigative skills. 


• Expertise in full-cycle recruitment and talent sourcing strategies.

Required Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.


• 3 years experience in a Human Resources role 


• Extensive experience in employee relations and professional-level recruitment.

Preferred Experience/Education:

• PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP certification. 


• 3 years experience in a Human Resources role


• Experience working within an academic or non-profit administration environment.

Statement

Driven by exploration, curiosity, and passion, it is Kansas City Art Institute’s mission to educate artists and designers while honoring the distinct journeys of students. We create a community that equips students to become leaders who leverage the creative process to transform the future. Our excellence is integrated in our community, rich with varied experiences and perspectives from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We invest in continuous growth by cultivating a culture of creativity, care and belonging—a climate where respectful dialogue thrives and individuals are seen, valued, and encouraged to achieve their full potential and accomplish remarkable things.

KCAI is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates for employment without regard to any characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online system and require accommodation due to a disability, contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to KCAI’s Human Resource Administrator.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.