Human Resources Generalist - Faith Based Organization

HR GeneralistOur client believes their people are essential to advancing their mission and serving others with excellence. Our client is seeking a relational, service-minded HR Generalist to support employees and leaders across multiple ministry locations while helping cultivate a Christ-centered workplace culture.This hybrid role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through recruiting, employee relations, talent development, and day-to-day HR support. If you are passionate about people, committed to excellence, and excited to use your HR expertise in a faith-based organization, we invite you to join their team and help advance the mission.The Human Resources Generalist is a key member of the Human Resources function and provides HR guidance and operational leadership across three mission driven entities located in Halethorpe, Hunt Valley, and Manchester, MD.Serving as the primary in-person HR presence, this position independently administers and evaluates core HR programs, interprets and applies organizational policies and employment practices, advises employees and leaders on HR matters, and exercises discretion and independent judgment in addressing employee, compliance, benefits, payroll, and workforce matters. The position works in partnership with the HR Manager while independently managing assigned HR responsibilities and escalating matters that require higher-level organizational or policy decisions.ResponsibilitiesMission & MinistryRecognize role and responsibilities as part of the overall mission and ministry of and the ongoing work of Jesus Christ.Represent the HR function in a manner consistent with the mission, values, and culture of the ministry.Payroll & CompensationAdminister and oversee payroll processes for all entities, ensuring accurate and timely processing for full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.Evaluate and resolve payroll and compensation issues, including discrepancies, deductions, timekeeping concerns, status changes, and employee questions, exercising independent judgment within established organizational parameters.Maintain the payroll calendar and coordinate compliance with applicable payroll tax, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements.Administer approved salary adjustments, employment status changes, and employee reimbursements while identifying and communicating potential issues or inconsistencies to HR leadership.Respond to employment verification requests and unemployment claims and exercise judgment in determining appropriate organizational responses within established guidelines.Serve as a resource to employees and leaders regarding compensation, payroll, and timekeeping practices and provide guidance on the interpretation and application of related policies.Benefits AdministrationManage the day-to-day administration and ongoing effectiveness of employee benefit programs, including medical, retirement, disability, and ancillary plans.Interpret benefit plan provisions and organizational policies and provide guidance to employees and leaders regarding eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, and benefit-related issues.Evaluate benefit administration issues and independently determine appropriate courses of action within plan provisions and organizational policies.Manage relationships with benefit vendors and brokers and resolve escalated enrollment, eligibility, billing, and administrative issues.Lead assigned components of annual open enrollment and identify opportunities to improve employee understanding, utilization, and administration of benefit programs.Oversee voluntary benefit programs, including Aflac, and ensure accurate enrollment, deductions, reconciliation, and vendor administration.Talent Acquisition, Onboarding & OffboardingManage assigned recruitment processes from position opening through onboarding, partnering with hiring leaders to ensure appropriate staffing practices and candidate experiences.Consult with hiring managers regarding recruiting strategy, candidate qualifications, selection processes, and employment practices.Oversee applicant tracking, pre-employment screening, background checks, I-9 processes, and other pre-employment requirements, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and organizational practices.Evaluate onboarding needs and recommend improvements to orientation, new-hire processes, documentation, and employee integration.Provide HR guidance throughout the employment lifecycle, including onboarding, transfers, promotions, status changes, and offboarding.Independently manage and resolve routine employment lifecycle issues, escalating matters requiring significant policy, legal, or organizational decisions to the HR Manager.HR Operations & ComplianceManage assigned HR compliance programs and processes and monitor adherence to applicable federal, state, and local employment requirements.Interpret and apply employment policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements within the scope of the position and provide guidance to employees and leaders.Conduct periodic HR compliance audits and identify gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement, making recommendations to the HR Manager.Maintain oversight of employee records and HRIS data integrity and establish appropriate practices to ensure accurate, complete, and confidential HR information.Monitor required HR documentation, reporting, and recordkeeping and take appropriate corrective action when deficiencies are identified.Research HR compliance questions and provide recommendations to the HR Manager and organizational leaders regarding appropriate courses of action.Participate in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of HR policies, procedures, and practices.Employee Relations & Site SupportServe as a trusted HR advisor to employees and leaders across all entities providing guidance regarding employee relations, workplace practices, policies, and organizational expectations.Assess employee relations concerns, conduct preliminary fact-finding, and determine appropriate next steps within the scope of the position and established organizational practices.Investigate and resolve routine employee relations matters, escalating complex, high-risk, or significant matters to the HR Manager as appropriate.Provide guidance to managers regarding performance management, employee conduct, attendance, workplace concerns, and application of HR policies.Partner with managers to address employee performance and workplace issues and recommend appropriate courses of action.Maintain appropriate confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee matters.Identify recurring employee relations trends and make recommendations to HR leadership regarding potential policy, training, communication, or organizational improvements.Secondary ResponsibilitiesPerform other related duties and special projects as assigned in support of the ministry's mission and organizational needs.QualificationsAgreement with Statement of FaithAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college/university; equivalent experience will be considered.A minimum of three (3) years of recent & progressive HR experience, including hands-on payroll and benefits administration.Human Resources certification preferred, including: (a PHR/SHRM-CP).Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS/talent management systems.Ability to travel in the Baltimore area amongst 3 different sites; valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.Experience in nonprofit or faith-based environments a plus.Experience interacting with vendors or service providers.Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and sound judgment in handling confidential information.ProficienciesStrong verbal and written communication skills.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and consistent documentation habits.Strong customer service mindset with a welcoming, approachable presence.Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines, particularly during peak camp season.Adaptable, receptive to feedback, and able to work effectively both independently and within a team structure.Ability to work independently, manage established processes, and exercise sound judgement while knowing when to seek guidance and escalate issues.Work EnvironmentThis position will require:A commitment to the mission and core values of all entities.Multiple work locations per week, including our main financial offices in Hunt Valley, MD, the BRIGHT-FM broadcast studios in Halethorpe, MD, and River Valley Ranch in Manchester, MD.A primary in-person presence supporting all entitiesIncreased workload and occasional extended hours during the summer camp season (June–August) and open enrollment.Occasional evening or weekend availability to support staff events, hiring events, and seasonal onboarding.Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a workplace that reflects our faith,