Human Resources Project Specialist

About the Organization

We are a mission-driven organization dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting change in the communities we serve. Through innovative programs, comprehensive services, and a commitment to excellence, we work to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and create pathways to long-term success.

Our impact is made possible by talented and passionate professionals who believe that strong internal systems, thoughtful collaboration, and operational excellence are essential to fulfilling our mission. We foster a culture grounded in accountability, continuous improvement, and a shared commitment to ensuring our people have the resources, support, and infrastructure needed to do their best work.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the HR Project Specialist plays a critical role in advancing the strategic and operational priorities of the Human Resources function. This individual serves as a central point of coordination across the HR leadership team, translating priorities into actionable plans, driving cross-functional initiatives, and ensuring important work moves from concept to successful execution.

Working across Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, Compensation & Reporting, and HR Operations, the HR Project Specialist brings structure, organization, and accountability to initiatives that strengthen the employee experience and improve organizational effectiveness.

This is a hands-on project management role designed for a proactive, resourceful professional who thrives at the intersection of people, processes, and projects. The ideal candidate is comfortable managing multiple initiatives, coordinating stakeholders, anticipating challenges, and creating the structure necessary to move work forward.

Success in this role requires sound judgment, exceptional follow-through, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to influence progress without direct authority.

The Opportunity

This position offers a unique opportunity to partner directly with the CHRO and HR leadership team while contributing to initiatives that shape the organization's people practices, operational infrastructure, and employee experience.

The HR Project Specialist will gain broad exposure to the full spectrum of Human Resources, supporting the implementation of new systems, strengthening internal processes, improving communication, and establishing the structures needed to support a dynamic and evolving organization.

For an experienced HR professional who enjoys bringing order to complexity, connecting teams, and translating ideas into measurable results, this role offers meaningful executive exposure, cross-functional collaboration, and opportunities to make a tangible organizational impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Project Management & Execution

• Partner with the CHRO to translate strategic priorities into clearly defined project plans, deliverables, timelines, milestones, and accountability structures.
• Manage and coordinate multiple HR initiatives simultaneously, ensuring projects remain aligned with organizational objectives and progress toward completion.
• Establish and maintain project tracking tools, status reports, and communication mechanisms that provide visibility into priorities, progress, risks, and outstanding decisions.
• Proactively identify barriers, dependencies, and competing priorities, escalating concerns and recommending practical solutions to maintain momentum.
• Coordinate activities across the HR leadership team, ensuring clear ownership of deliverables, timely follow-through, and accountability for commitments.
• Support HR leadership meetings by coordinating agendas, documenting key decisions, tracking action items, and ensuring timely follow-up.

HR Systems, Processes & Strategic Initiatives

• Lead project coordination for the implementation of a new Employee Relations case management system, including project planning, stakeholder engagement, milestone tracking, and implementation support.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive benefits calendar to support timely planning, communication, and execution of key activities.
• Create and manage an employee communications calendar to ensure consistent, coordinated, and timely HR messaging.
• Establish and maintain an integrated HR calendar capturing major initiatives, recurring activities, deadlines, and milestones across all HR portfolios.
• Support cross-functional projects spanning Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, Compensation & Reporting, and HR Operations as organizational priorities evolve.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve documentation, strengthen coordination, and increase operational efficiency.
• Leverage technology, automation, and artificial intelligence tools to improve project management, information sharing, and operational effectiveness while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and data security.

HR Leadership Coordination & Operational Infrastructure

• Serve as a central coordination resource for the HR leadership team, facilitating communication, alignment, and accountability across functional areas.
• Maintain accurate HR organizational charts, team materials, and internal resources that support organizational clarity and effective communication.
• Coordinate the processing and tracking of vendor invoices, payments, and related administrative documentation.
• Provide targeted scheduling and calendar coordination in support of the CHRO, HR leadership meetings, and priority initiatives.
• Develop and maintain organized project documentation, shared resources, and standardized tools to support consistent execution and knowledge sharing.
• Handle sensitive HR information with professionalism, discretion, and appropriate confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in Human Resources, including demonstrated responsibility for coordinating projects, managing initiatives, or supporting cross-functional operations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail, accountability, and timely execution.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including experience developing work plans, monitoring milestones, tracking deliverables, and coordinating stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and colleagues across organizational levels.
• Proficiency with productivity, collaboration, and project management tools.
• Demonstrated experience using artificial intelligence tools to improve productivity, streamline workflows, and support more effective execution.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, anticipate needs, and take initiative with limited direction.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Genuine commitment to contributing to a mission-driven organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting HRIS, Employee Relations case management, or other enterprise systems implementations.
• Formal project management training or professional certification.
• Experience working within nonprofit, education, community-based, or other mission-driven organizations.
• Experience supporting senior HR leadership or coordinating initiatives across multiple HR disciplines.

Core Competencies

• Execution & Accountability: Demonstrates ownership of commitments, follows through consistently, and drives initiatives to completion.
• Strategic Prioritization: Translates broad objectives into organized, achievable plans while navigating competing demands.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Builds productive relationships, connects stakeholders, and fosters alignment across teams.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Anticipates obstacles, identifies solutions, and addresses challenges before they compromise progress.
• Communication & Influence: Communicates clearly, manages expectations, and influences outcomes without relying on formal authority.
• Adaptability & Resourcefulness: Navigates shifting priorities and ambiguity with flexibility, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Technology & Continuous Improvement: Embraces emerging tools, including AI, to improve efficiency, strengthen processes, and support innovation.
• Discretion & Professionalism: Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and confidentiality when working with sensitive information and senior leadership.

Compensation

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $65,000–$75,000 , commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

The organization offers a competitive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, financial security, and professional growth.

Benefits may include comprehensive health coverage, paid time off, retirement savings opportunities, life and disability insurance, wellness resources, commuter benefits, and additional employee programs.

Specific benefits and eligibility will be discussed during the recruitment process.