HR Specialist

Job Title: HR Specialist Location: New Canaan, CT (Onsite) Position Summary Our client, a mission-driven nonprofit organization, is seeking an HR Specialist to join its Human Resources team. This is a hands-on role supporting a broad range of HR functions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, compliance, and HR systems. This opportunity is ideal for an HR professional who values collaboration, strong customer service, and being actively involved in day-to-day HR operations within a purpose-driven environment. Responsibilities Employee Relations & HR Support Serve as a trusted resource to employees and managers on HR policies, procedures, and employment practices Support employee relations matters with professionalism, discretion, and empathy Ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with employment laws Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Support full-cycle recruiting, including job postings, screening, interviews, reference checks, and onboarding coordination Coordinate onboarding and orientation programs to ensure compliance and successful employee integration Benefits & HR Administration Assist with benefits administration, including enrollments, life events, vendor coordination, and open enrollment Maintain accurate and confidential employee records within the HRIS Prepare HR reports and metrics to support leadership decision-making Compliance & Process Improvement Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and internal policies Support audits, regulatory requirements, and risk mitigation efforts Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of HR programs, processes, and systems Team & Structure Reports to the HR Director Works closely with senior HR leadership Collaborative team culture where everyone contributes Qualifications & Skills Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field 3–5 years of progressive HR experience (Specialist, Generalist, or Coordinator level) Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices Recruiting and end-to-end HR process experience required Strong communication skills and customer-service mindset Comfortable working onsite and being hands-on Experience with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office HR certifications (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) and/or a Master’s degree are strongly preferred. Compensation Salary range: $70,000 – $90,000 Potential flexibility for candidates with advanced credentials and experience Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.aa415a4b-8b21-40fc-a65c-70d2b25ca29a