Bethany College Lindsborg, Kansas Bethany College
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
A cover letter and resume must be submitted for consideration.
FLSA Status:
SALARY, EXEMPT
Department: Human Resources Reports to: Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff Positions Managed: NA
Why Bethany:
Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, creativity, and service in a complex and changing world. Located in Lindsborg, Kansas - affectionately known as "Little Sweden" and celebrated for its vibrant arts community - Bethany offers a close-knit environment where faculty and staff know students by name and mentor them in a highly personalized setting. Education at Bethany is rooted in intellectual discovery and a deep sense of belonging, equipping students to think critically, lead ethically, and serve with purpose. As a small, private, rural college, Bethany plays an essential role in renewing civic life, expanding opportunity, and fostering community revitalization. We believe in the value of personalized liberal arts education, the power of community, and the promise of rural America. At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.
About Bethany College:
Founded in 1881, Bethany College is a dynamic liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas - known as “Little Sweden U.S.A.” Bethany provides a transformative educational experience grounded in faith, learning, and community. The College is dedicated to cultivating leaders who serve and inspire through integrity, creativity, and purpose.
Position Overview:
The Human Resources Manager oversees the day-to-day human resources functions of Bethany College, including employee recruitment, hiring and onboarding, benefits administration, employee relations, payroll coordination, student employment, personnel records, and employment compliance. This is a hands-on position for an organized, approachable professional who enjoys working with people and managing the varied responsibilities of human resources in a small organization. They serve as a trusted resource for employees and supervisors, help ensure consistent and fair employment practices, and work collaboratively with College leadership to address personnel needs. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, maintaining confidentiality, and knowing when to seek additional guidance. Experience in higher education is welcome but not required.
Essential Functions:
Human Resources Operations and Compliance
- Administer day-to-day human resources policies, procedures, and employment processes.
- Maintain accurate and confidential personnel, benefits, leave, and employment records.
- Support compliance with applicable federal and Kansas employment laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and equal employment opportunity requirements.
- Coordinate employee leave requests, workplace accommodation processes, and required documentation in consultation with appropriate College leadership.
- Maintain employment records and prepare and submit reporting information for institutional, state, and federal requirements, including IPEDS, workers' compensation, Kansas Independent College Association, Bureau of Labor Statistics, TIAA and other benefits-related areas, and accreditation-related requests.
- Maintain and improve HR forms, procedures, systems, and communication processes.
Recruitment, Hiring, and Employee Support
- Coordinate position postings, applicant communication, interviews, background checks, employment verification, and contracts and hiring documentation for faculty, staff, and student workers.
- Work with the Provost and Division Chairs on annual contracts for faculty.
- Coordinate employee onboarding, orientation, and separation processes.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for employee questions about policies, benefits, payroll, leave, and employment procedures.
- Assist supervisors with routine performance management, employee relations, attendance, and workplace concerns.
- Maintain performance evaluation schedules and related documentation. Refer sensitive or complex personnel matters to appropriate College leadership and support their resolution through consistent procedures.
- Conduct required checks of Motor Vehicle Registration for approved campus drivers.
Benefits and Compensation Administration
- Coordinate employee benefits enrollment, changes, annual open enrollment, and communication with benefit providers.
- Help employees understand their health, retirement, leave, and other employment benefits.
- Maintain accurate benefit records, payroll deductions, and related documentation.
- Coordinate benefits billing, reconciliation, and reporting with the Business Office and benefit providers.
- Maintain compensation records and process approved employment and compensation changes.
- Work with the Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff and the President annually on establishing health, retirement, and other employee benefits options.
Payroll and Student Employment
- Coordinate payroll information and employee timekeeping processes in collaboration with the Business Office and payroll provider.
- Maintain payroll-related employee information, including employment changes, deductions, and timekeeping records.
- Ensure federal compliance and reporting for the Affordable Care Act.
- Assist employees and supervisors with payroll and timekeeping questions.
- Coordinate student employment documentation, timekeeping, and payroll processes, including work-study requirements when applicable.
- Help identify and resolve routine payroll or employment record discrepancies.
Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
- Work closely with College leadership, the Business Office, academic departments, athletics, and other campus offices.
- Help supervisors apply employment policies and procedures fairly and consistently.
- Schedule annual required and optional health and safety trainings and required state and federal trainings to ensure compliance.
- Identify opportunities to simplify administrative processes, improve recordkeeping, and make HR services more efficient.
- Support a welcoming, respectful workplace consistent with Bethany College's mission and values.
The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or provide relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field and at least three years of relevant professional experience; or a high school diploma and at least five years of relevant experience.
- Experience in human resources or business management may come from any industry, including business, nonprofit, healthcare, education, or government, and must include substantive HR responsibilities.
- Working knowledge of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and basic employment practices.
- Some experience with several core human resources functions, such as hiring, onboarding, employee benefits, payroll, personnel records, or employee relations.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with employees in a variety of professional and academic roles.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, solve practical problems, and work independently while collaborating with others.
- Proficiency with common office software, including Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn payroll and HR information systems.
- Ability to communicate effectively in speech and in writing to a variety of audiences, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, and the community at large.
- Ability to handle multiple projects/assignments concurrently and be results-oriented.
- Highly motivated and works well both independently and in a team environment.
Preferred:
- Experience in an educational setting, including K–12 schools, community colleges, technical schools, public colleges or universities, or private higher education institutions.
- Experience administering employee benefits, payroll, and leave programs.
- Experience with VA benefits is a plus.
- Familiarity with ADP or other human resources software.
- SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar professional certification a plus.
- Bilingual in Spanish is a plus, or some knowledge of the Spanish language is a plus.
Working Conditions:
This is a full-time, on-campus position based in Lindsborg, Kansas. Regular business hours are expected, with occasional flexibility needed to support College operations. The position involves regular use of office technology, communication with employees across campus, and occasional movement between campus buildings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
- Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Tuition remission benefits
- Professional Development Funds
- Relocation Assistance
- Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
- Supportive, mission-driven community and a beautiful campus environment
How to Apply:
- Apply online at Employment
- Submit resume and cover letter
EEO:
Bethany College, an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy reflects Bethany College's mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. This commitment to equal employment opportunities strengthens our community and enhances our ability to fulfill our educational mission.