Human Resources Generalist

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HR Generalist - YMCA of Montclair

Make a community-wide impact as the go-to HR Generalist for a mission-driven YMCA, blending hands-on HR operations with meaningful, people-centered work every day.

Job Highlights

Title: HR Generalist (Human Resources Generalist) Location: Montclair, NJ (local travel up to 20%) Pay: $60,000-$65,000/year Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Reports to: Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Why this role?

• Lead HRIS, benefits, compliance, and full-cycle recruitment for a mission-driven, non-profit YMCA.
• Visible HR business partner to staff and leaders across multiple locations.
• Great fit for someone with 3-5 years HR Generalist experience who wants ownership and variety

Top candidate profile (3-5 years):

• BA/BS in HR, Business, or related field .
• 3-5 years broad HR Generalist experience (benefits, HRIS, recruiting, compliance, employment law).
• Strong employee relations , communication, and organization skills.
• Solid knowledge of New Jersey employment law ; experience with HRIS (ideally ADP Workforce Now ).
• Values youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility .

Overview

The Human Resources Generalist is a key HR business partner for the YMCA of Montclair , a non-profit charitable organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility . This role owns day-to-day HRIS management, benefits administration, HR compliance, and full-cycle recruitment , and plays a critical part in employee relations, engagement, and HR operations across multiple YMCA locations.

About the YMCA of Montclair

At the YMCA of Montclair , we strive to be the Employer of Choice , provide world-class service , and be the Charity of Choice in our community. We empower staff, prioritize employee engagement, and ensure members and participants experience customer-centric, individual attention every day, in alignment with YMCA core values.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR contact for employees on benefits, HR policies, and procedures.
• Manage HRIS / HR systems and employee records (hires, changes, terminations) with accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality.
• Lead benefits administration : enrollments, changes, open enrollment, COBRA tracking, and vendor coordination.
• Support full-cycle recruiting : job descriptions, postings, offers, and onboarding in partnership with hiring managers and the CHRO.
• Prepare and maintain required HR reports and metrics (e.g., headcount, EEOC, OSHA, DOL, unemployment).
• Ensure HR compliance with federal, state, and New Jersey employment law (EEOC, FMLA, ADA, wage & hour, OSHA).
• Handle leaves of absence , workers' compensation, accommodations, and unemployment/DOL claims with professionalism and empathy.
• Help drive employee engagement, performance reviews, and career development initiatives aligned with YMCA values.
• Support the YMCA's Abuse Risk Management and risk/safety policies through proper training, feedback, and response to concerns.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments and support special HR projects as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education:
  • BA/BS in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (required).
• Experience (3-5 years target):
  • 3-5 years of Human Resources experience in an HR Generalist or similar role with broad exposure to:
    • Benefits administration and open enrollment
    • Recruiting / talent acquisition and onboarding
    • HRIS / HR data management
    • HR compliance and employment law
    • Basic compensation and pay practices
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint .
  • Experience with HRIS platforms ; ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred.
• Knowledge & Competencies:
  • Solid understanding of New Jersey employment law and HR best practices.
  • Strong organizational, time management, attention to detail, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
  • Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, reliability, and trustworthiness .
  • Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced, changing, mission-driven environment .
• Other Requirements:
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation ; able to travel locally up to 20% of the time between YMCA locations.
  • CPR/AED and First Aid certification , or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.
  • PHR/SPHR certification and non-profit HR experience are a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily office-based with extended computer and phone use; frequent sitting, reaching, and movement around the work environment.
• Local travel between YMCA of Montclair locations and within the service area.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary: $60,000-$65,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• Complimentary YMCA membership .
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance .
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Enrollment in the Y's retirement program (after eligibility; employer contribution subject to plan rules).
• 75% discount for SACC (before/after care), Early Learning Center, and Summer Camp programs.
• Professional growth, HR career development , and advancement opportunities in a challenging, rewarding, mission-driven environment.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your HR Generalist experience (3-5 years) and interest in the YMCA of Montclair. Candidates are encouraged to apply directly through Indeed (including updated contact information and work history) or via the YMCA of Montclair's careers page, if linked from the posting.