Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources SpecialistThe Human Resources Specialist manages full-cycle HR operations for a design-focused professional services firm, including recruiting, benefits administration, payroll, employee relations, performance management, and compliance. This role offers the opportunity to own key HR processes, shape HR strategy, and support a collaborative, design-driven culture while partnering closely with leadership and staff across multiple office locations.ResponsibilitiesManage full-cycle recruiting for architects, designers, and support staff, from drafting and posting job descriptions through candidate sourcing, interviewing, selection, and offer negotiation.Administer employee benefits enrollment, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all benefits elections, changes, and terminations.Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies, and ensure clear communication of benefits to employees.Serve as the primary point of contact with employee benefit providers and brokers, coordinating benefit-related questions, updates, renewals, and issue resolution.Oversee payroll processing in ADP and ensure accurate, timely payment for employees across all office locations.Coordinate timesheets and review reported work hours to ensure accuracy, alignment with policies, and proper integration with payroll systems.Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters, providing guidance to managers, addressing concerns, and resolving workplace issues in a fair and consistent manner.Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure a consistent, positive employee experience, including new hire orientation, documentation, and exit procedures.Maintain compliance with federal, Washington DC, and Dallas employment laws and regulations, and ensure HR practices and policies reflect current legal requirements.Manage performance review cycles and support managers in goal setting, feedback processes, and documentation of performance discussions.Maintain and update the employee handbook, HR policies, and procedures to reflect current practices, legal requirements, and company culture.Track key HR metrics, including turnover, time-to-fill, and employee engagement, and prepare reports and insights for firm leadership.Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the firm by partnering with leadership to implement programs and track progress.Manage ADP systems and maintain accurate employee records, ensuring data integrity across HR, payroll, and benefits modules.Coordinate professional development programs, including licensure support for design staff (AIA/NCARB) and tracking continuing education requirements.Collaborate with firm leadership to help shape HR strategy and improve HR processes, systems, and employee experience.Provide guidance on HR systems and tools, including ADP and Ajera, and support users with troubleshooting and best practices.Essential Skills5-10 years of experience as a Human Resources Specialist or Generalist.Experience working in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry or similar professional services environment.Demonstrated experience processing and administering payroll within ADP.Strong background in employee relations, including conflict resolution and workplace issue management.Hands-on experience with onboarding and offboarding processes.Proficiency in human resources systems and HRIS platforms, including ADP.Working knowledge of Washington DC and Dallas employment law and related regulations.Experience administering employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for documentation, reporting, and communication.Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail in managing HR records, processes, and deadlines.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and communicate effectively with employees and managers at all levels.Demonstrated discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential employee information.Additional Skills & QualificationsHigh school diploma required; bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.5+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally within architecture, engineering, or professional services environments.Experience using Ajera in conjunction with ADP platforms for HR and payroll-related activities.PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP certification preferred.Ability to interpret and apply employment laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions.Strong written and verbal communication skills for policies, employee communications, and leadership reporting.Ability to analyze HR metrics such as turnover, time-to-fill, and engagement, and present insights to leadership.Demonstrated ability to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.Interest in and ability to coordinate professional development, licensure support (AIA/NCARB), and continuing education tracking for design staff.Work EnvironmentThis role follows a hybrid work schedule, with three days onsite in Washington, DC and two days remote each week. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The environment is collaborative and design-driven, with close interaction among architects, designers, and support staff. The firm emphasizes professional development, including support for licensure and continuing education, and offers a competitive benefits package. The Human Resources Specialist works with modern HR technologies, including ADP and Ajera, and partners with leadership to shape HR strategy and foster an inclusive, engaging workplace culture.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Washington, DC.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $36.06 - $38.46/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Washington, DC.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.