People & Operations Specialist

Pay starts at $18.00 per hour and up based on experience

Join Crossroads YMCA the People & Operations Specialist, where your organization skills and people-first mindset create lasting impact!

POSITION SUMMARY: The People & Operations Specialist is a vital member of the YMCA branch leadership team, providing comprehensive administrative and human resources support to ensure efficient branch operations. This role supports executive leadership, manages a range of people operations functions, and plays a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and mission-aligned work environment. The People & Operations Specialist not only supports staff-they embody the values of the YMCA. They serve as a trusted presence and mission-driven leader who helps create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to serve their community.
Why This Role May Be a Great Fit for You

• Enjoy being the person who keeps things organized, moving, and on track.
• Like balancing administrative work with people-focused responsibilities.
• Find purpose in supporting employees and creating a positive workplace culture.
• Are energized by solving problems, helping others, and handling a variety of tasks throughout the day.
• Appreciate meaningful work connected to community impact and the YMCA mission.
• Work well independently while also collaborating with leadership and staff.
• Can maintain professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive situations.
• Enjoy a role where no two days are exactly the same.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Build experience in human resources, operations, and nonprofit leadership.
• Work closely with executive leadership and gain exposure to branch operations.
• Support employee engagement, onboarding, recognition, and retention efforts.
• Make a direct impact on staff experience and community service delivery.
• Be part of an organization focused on healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Why This Role May Not Be the Best Fit

This position may be challenging for someone who:

• Prefers highly predictable or repetitive workdays.
• Dislikes balancing multiple priorities and shifting demands.
• Is uncomfortable handling sensitive employee matters confidentially.
• Prefers limited interaction with staff, leadership, or members.
• Struggles with follow-through, organization, or attention to detail.
• Becomes overwhelmed in fast-paced or service-oriented environments.
• Prefers strictly administrative work without people operations responsibilities.

At times, this role may involve:

• Managing competing priorities and urgent requests.
• Supporting difficult conversations or employee concerns.
• Handling time-sensitive administrative and HR processes.
• Navigating interruptions while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Assisting with incident documentation, investigations, and policy compliance.

What You'll Be Doing
Administrative & Operational Support

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Executive Director and branch leadership team.
• Coordinate meetings, agendas, notes, and follow-up actions.
• Organize schedules, records, reports, and communication materials.
• Support office operations and branch administrative functions.

People Operations & HR Support

• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Maintain confidential employee records and HR systems.
• Assist with payroll, timekeeping, benefits documentation, and employee status changes.
• Respond to employee questions regarding HR policies and procedures.
• Support staff training, recognition, and engagement initiatives.

Employee Relations & Workplace Culture

• Serve as a resource for employees and supervisors.
• Assist with documenting employee relations concerns and incident investigations.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and mission-aligned workplace.
• Support retention, communication, and employee engagement efforts.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Help support a safe environment for staff and members.
• Assist in implementing YMCA policies and employment law compliance practices.
• Support documentation and follow-up related to workplace incidents or concerns.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Successful People & Operations Specialists are:

• Dependable and highly organized.
• Approachable, professional, and solution-oriented.
• Comfortable balancing people support with administrative detail.
• Strong communicators who build trust across teams.
• Adaptable and calm under pressure.
• Passionate about supporting staff and community impact.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of administrative or HR experience required.
• Nonprofit, community service, or hospitality/service industry experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable using HR systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic backgrounds.

YMCA Core Values

The YMCA mission is:

"To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all."

This role is expected to model YMCA values through daily leadership and interactions:

• Caring - Supports staff well-being and fosters collaboration.
• Honesty - Builds trust through transparency and communication.
• Respect - Creates an inclusive and professional environment.
• Responsibility - Demonstrates accountability and supports growth.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a professional office environment and includes:

• Frequent computer and office equipment use.
• Sitting, standing, walking, and reaching throughout the workday.
• Regular verbal and written communication with staff and leadership.
• A fast-paced environment with changing priorities and frequent interaction with employees and members