
"Greater Happens HERE"
Title: Senior Human Resource Generalist
State Role Title: Human Resource Analyst II
Hiring Range: up to $80,000.00
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Virginia State University
Location: Virginia State University
Agency Website: www.VSU.edu
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Senior Human Resource Generalist serves as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, providing comprehensive human resources support across the employee lifecycle, including classification and compensation, recruitment and selection, employee relations, performance management, investigations, and compliance with federal and state laws and policies. This role applies advanced knowledge of FLSA, job analysis, organizational design, benefits administration, and HR systems to evaluate complex issues, conduct and resolve investigations, perform position and salary reviews, and deliver clear, well-supported recommendations to leadership. The position partners closely with managers and stakeholders to assess organizational needs, improve processes, develop and deliver training, analyze data to reach sound, legally defensible conclusions, and ensure consistent, effective human resource practices while working independently and collaboratively within a higher education and/or state government environment.
Job Duties:
- Employee Relations, Investigations
- Performance Management
- Classification
- Compensation and Recruitment Support
- Comprehensive HR Consultation
- Policy Interpretation
- Customer Service Coverage
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Extensive knowledge of human resource management principles and best practices across all functional areas, including employee relations, performance management, investigations, classification and compensation, recruitment and selection, benefits administration, and HR policy application.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, EEO, due process requirements, and related compliance standards.
• Advanced knowledge of investigative methods, documentation standards, and report writing for complex and high-risk employee relations cases.
• Job analysis methodologies, organizational structure, and compensation frameworks within a public sector or higher education environment.
• State government HR systems and processes, including HRIS platforms (e.g., Cardinal, PeopleSoft, PageUp) and data management practices.
• Benefits programs, including health care, retirement, leave, disability, and other state or agency-sponsored programs.
• Providing high-level HR consultation and advisory services to supervisors, managers, and leadership across all HR functional areas.
• Conducting, evaluating, and resolving complex investigations and employee relations cases involving sensitive and confidential matters.
• Analyzing complex data, facts, and circumstances to reach logical, legally sound, and well-documented conclusions.
• Applying classification and compensation standards to position reviews, FLSA determinations, and salary actions.
• Managing multiple competing priorities, maintaining service continuity, and filling coverage gaps to sustain high levels of customer service.
• Preparing clear, detailed written reports, findings, and recommendations for leadership and legal review.
• Delivering effective presentations and training to diverse audiences.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in resolving complex HR issues and advising leadership on risk and compliance.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with employees, supervisors, executives, and external stakeholders.
• Interpret and apply laws, policies, and procedures consistently across varied and complex situations.
• Build trust and credibility with stakeholders while managing conflict and sensitive situations.
• Work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team to ensure seamless HR service delivery.
• Adapt quickly in a high-volume, high-risk environment and proactively fill operational gaps to maintain excellent customer service.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Additional Considerations
Preferred/Additional Considerations:
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including substantial experience handling complex employee relations issues, investigations and compensation matters.
• Experience in a public sector or higher education environment.
• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Demonstrated experience working with state or enterprise HR systems (e.g., Cardinal, PeopleSoft, PageUp).
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY: Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (PageUp). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume, or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested persons must attach a cover letter and a current resume/c.v to the online application. Official transcripts will be required at the time of employment.
The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.
Employment-based visa sponsorship at Virginia State University (VSU) is not guaranteed and will be evaluated carefully on a case-by-case basis. Federal law does not require employers to provide immigration sponsorship, and VSU is not obligated to offer it. Employment at VSU does not permit an individual to work in the United States unless the appropriate employment authorization has been obtained and verified in accordance with federal immigration compliance requirements.
Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx , or call DARS at 800-552-5019.
Contact Information
Name: Dominique M. Fisher
Phone: 804-524-5075
Email: dfisher@vsu.edu
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.