Senior Human Resources Generalist

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Senior HR Generalist

Administration

Full-time/Exempt Position

Reports to: Chief People Officer

Location: Washington, DC/Hybrid

Position Summary

The Senior HR Generalist plays a critical role in supporting and enhancing the organization’s human resource capabilities by delivering efficient and compliant HR services. This hands-on role is responsible for day-to-day HR operations, including employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, and talent acquisition. The HR Generalist will serve as a key resource for employees and managers, partner closely with the HR and OD Specialist to ensure a smooth onboarding experience, and act as a backup for payroll and benefits processing.

This position is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a generalist capacity, enjoys streamlining processes, and is passionate about building a best-in-class HR function in a growing, mission-driven financial institution.

Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee questions, concerns, and policy interpretation.
• Support employee relations by providing coaching to managers and ensuring consistent, legally compliant practices.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state labor laws; ensure compliance with employment regulations.
• Conduct investigations as needed and assist in resolution of workplace concerns.
• Benefits & Leave Administration
• Manage employee benefit programs including health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, and 401(k).
• Handle day-to-day benefits inquiries and coordinate open enrollment.
• Administer leave of absence requests in compliance with FMLA and state-specific regulations.
• Act as backup for benefits processing and carrier communications.
• Payroll Support
• Serve as backup for semimonthly payroll processing, including reviewing timesheets, entering data, and auditing payroll reports.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with policies and wage/hour laws.
• Recruitment & Onboarding Support
• Partner with hiring managers to coordinate full-cycle recruiting for open positions.
• Draft job descriptions and postings, screen applicants, schedule interviews, and manage offer letters.
• Main point of contact for outsourced recruiting support
• Assist in new hire onboarding and ensure smooth transitions for new employees.
• Manage temporary staffing needs for special projects.
• HR Operations & System Maintenance
• Maintain accurate, compliant employee records
• Support efforts to streamline and automate HR processes.
• Assist in the creation and updating of HR related policies and procedures
• Maintenance and updates HRIS, Performance Management system
• Assists with the annual performance review process
• Assist with HR metrics, reporting, and audit preparation.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

Requirements/Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a generalist or HR Manager role.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Experience administering benefits and supporting payroll processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.

Preferred:

• Experience in a financial institution or highly regulated industry.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR).
• Experience with Paylocity or similar HRIS/payroll systems.
• Familiarity with 401(k) administration and compliance practices.
• Spanish language proficiency.