HR Generalist

Details

Posted:

27-Mar-26

Location:

Knoxville, Tennessee

Type:

Full-time

Categories

Operations

Operations - Administrative Support

Sector

Collegiate Sports

Required Education

4 Year Degree

Job Description

The HR Generalist serves as a core member of the Athletics Human Resources \& Strategic Engagement team, supporting centralized workforce operations within a Division I Power 4/SEC athletics program. This role is responsible for delivering consistent, high-quality HR administration across recruitment, onboarding, employee relations support, performance management coordination, compensation processing, and compliance functions.

Operating in a fast-paced and highly visible athletics environment, the HR Generalist ensures operational accuracy, policy consistency, and timely execution of HR processes across full-time, contract, and part-time staff categories. This position requires strong organizational skills, sound judgment, discretion in handling confidential matters, and the ability to effectively support coaches, administrators, and campus partners.

Responsibilities

Recruitment \& Talent Acquisition:

• Administer full-cycle recruitment processes for the Athletics department, including drafting and updating position descriptions, posting vacancies, supporting search committees, and communicating with applicants.
• hiring documentation, offer materials, and onboarding paperwork in partnership with Athletics HR leadership and UTK HR.
• Ensure search processes are conducted in alignment with university procedures and equal employment standards.
• Support timely hiring during coaching transitions and peak sport seasons.

Performance Management \& Onboarding

• Coordinate onboarding processes for new hires, including required documentation and compliance training.
• Administer and track the probationary and annual performance evaluation process for Athletics staff.
• Ensure timely completion of required employment documentation and evaluations.

Compensation \& Classification Coordination

• Maintain and update job descriptions to reflect current responsibilities and organizational structure.
• Coordinate compensation actions including salary adjustments, stipends, title updates, and position classification reviews.
• Maintain current organizational charts and staffing records.

HR Systems, Compliance \& Reporting

• Maintain data accuracy within HRIS and applicant tracking systems.
• Assist with required reporting, audits, and workforce data requests.
• Ensure personnel files and documentation meet university and regulatory standards.

Employee Relations \& HR Support

• Serve as an HR resource to assigned departments by providing guidance on university policies, procedures, and workplace standards.
• Assist managers with performance documentation and corrective action processes.
• Support review and documentation of employee concerns in coordination with Athletics HR leadership.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling personnel matters.

Strategic Engagement \& Retention

• Coordinate mandatory/optional training, leadership programs, certifications, and individual development plans.
• Lead surveys, recognition programs, culture initiatives, turnover analysis, retention strategies, and departmental strategic planning.
• Drive hiring goals, employee growth and engagement initiatives, and equitable workplace metrics.

Offboarding \& Workforce Administration

• Coordinate employee separation processes, including required documentation and exit procedures.
• Support leave tracking and employment status updates in collaboration with UTK HR.
• Assist with contract tracking and employment lifecycle administration.

Required Qualifications

Other duties as assigned.

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Sport Management/Administration or related field.
• Experience: 1-3 years of professional experience in Human Resources or related administrative experience (can include graduate assistantships or full-time post-graduate internships).
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

+ Ability to independently research topics and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

+ Ability to manage confidential files and records.

+ Ability to work professionally and confidently with varying levels within the organization.

+ Ability to demonstrate respect for employees and confidential material.

+ Knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.

+ Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and basic knowledge of various database and software programs.

+ Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills.

+ Ability to follow directions and work effectively as part of a team.

+ Ability to work occasional nights and weekends, as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Sport Management/Administration or related field. Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP or PHR.
• Experience: Experience in a higher education and/or NCAA athletics environment. Experience working in a Division I or Power 4 environment. Experience with HRIS and applicant tracking systems.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

+ Skilled in project management and ability to work successfully in a fast-paced environment while balancing multiple competing responsibilities.

+ Knowledge and understanding of University of Tennessee, Tennessee Athletics, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and Southeastern Conference (SEC) policies and procedures.

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