Position Title:Human Resources Generalist Project Manager
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, with a track record of driving alignment and delivering successful outcomes
Experience working in a Human Resources environment, supporting HR programs, processes, or initiatives
Experience conducting data analysis to identify trends, support decision-making, and improve organizational processes
Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR
Job Description:
Summary
University Human Resources (UHR) is pleased to announce that they are currently accepting applications for a Human Resources Generalist Project Manager. This role will strengthen the department’s capacity to advance key HR initiatives and further support campus partners. This independent contributor will report directly to the Vice President (VP) for University Human Resources and primarily be working with the VP and UHR Cabinet members. The Human Resources Generalist Project Manager will support multiple UHR projects across the functional areas within UHR. They will be responsible for leading end-to-end management of HR projects in collaboration with UHR Cabinet members, including defining scope, developing timelines, coordinating resources, and proactively identifying and mitigating risks. They will collaborate closely with UHR leadership and divisional units to ensure alignment between HR initiatives. This role will support change-management efforts, including communication strategy, and help guide process improvements that enhance the overall experience for employees, leaders, and partners across the university.
Example of Duties
+ Develop project charters, business cases, and communication plans for HR initiatives tied to institutional priorities.
+ Monitor progress, manage dependencies, and ensure timely delivery of milestones using project management resources.
+ Support projects related to talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, compensation, benefits, and employe/labor relations.
+ Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and maintain clear communication with UHR senior leadership and project sponsors.
+ Prepare and present project status reports, dashboards, and post-project evaluations to leadership.
+ Analyze data to support the creation of business cases or trend information and to support decision making.
Level Guidelines- Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals- Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude- Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action- Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices- Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff- May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)- May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
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.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS810
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:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?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
Original Posting Date: February 25, 2026
Posting Close Date:March 10, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R18656
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university’s Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.