Human Resources Generalist - Payroll/Recruitment (Full Time)

Aeon is a nonprofit developer, owner, and manager of affordable communities in the Twin Cities. For nearly 40 years, we have been at the forefront of creating housing that goes beyond shelter. Our housing serves as a platform for resilience, opportunity, and lasting impact. With a portfolio of almost 5,000 apartment homes, Aeon provides stability for thousands of residents each year.

We focus on bold, forward‑thinking solutions that address the need for affordable housing. Through innovation, collaboration, and an unyielding commitment to community, we help create opportunities for residents to build stronger, more sustainable futures. Join a mission‑driven team that is shaping the future of affordable housing and making a lasting impact. The Human Resources Generalist will serve as a trusted partner to managers and employees. This position is responsible for employee relations, performance management, recruitment, orientation, manager training, safety program administration, HR compliance reporting, compensation support, and a variety of Human Resources projects. The successful candidate is an experienced Human Resources professional with exceptional leadership coaching, communication, and problem solving skills. This position will partner closely with managers to strengthen their leadership effectiveness by coaching them through employee concerns, helping them analyze workplace issues, develop appropriate solutions, communicate effectively, and navigate difficult conversations with confidence. Strong writing and editing skills are essential, as this role will actively coach and support managers in drafting and refining documentation and other employee communications. This position also serves as a collaborative partner across the Human Resources team, providing operational support and back‑up assistance in other functional areas as needed.

This position will report to the Vice President of Human Resources.

Performance Management and Employee Relations

Partner with managers to assess employee performance, conduct, and workplace concerns by helping them identify root causes, distinguish between performance, behavioral, and skill‑related issues, evaluate options, develop effective action plans, and build leadership skills necessary to confidently address challenging employee situations.

Coach managers in preparing clear, accurate, and effective performance documentation, including written warnings and other employment‑related communications. Review, edit and provide feedback on documentation prepared by managers to ensure quality, consistency, and appropriate application of Human Resources practices.

Conduct prompt, objective, and well‑documented workplace investigations, gather and analyze relevant information, make recommendations, and prepare investigation summaries for leadership.

Own, continuously improve, and facilitate Aeon's Human Resources orientation program for all new employees by maintaining and enhancing orientation materials, delivering engaging monthly orientation sessions, and ensuring employees receive a positive and consistent orientation experience.

Own, continuously improve, and facilitate the Human Resources orientation program for newly hired and newly promoted managers by maintaining training materials, delivering manager orientation sessions, and equipping leaders with the knowledge and resources needed to be successful in their roles.

Partner with internal leaders and external training providers to coordinate, support and continuously improve Aeon's leadership development initiatives, including scheduling programs, preparing materials, tracking participation, and facilitating portions of the curriculum as appropriate. Partner with VP of HR to develop and distribute engagement or pulse surveys, analyze results, and support follow‑up actions.

Lead and administer Aeon's performance review process by coaching managers on how to prepare meaningful, accurate, and objective performance evaluations. Train managers to establish clear performance expectations, appropriately assess employee performance, provide specific and constructive written feedback, support performance ratings with meaningful examples, and conduct effective performance review conversations that promote accountability, development, and employee growth.

Ensure consistent application of Human Resources policies and practices by coaching managers and providing guidance on policy interpretation and implementation.

Lead and manage Aeon's Safety Program, by partnering with managers and the Director of Security to ensure consistent implementation of safety policies and procedures.

Participate as a member of Aeon's Safety Team, helping to identify risks, recommend improvements, and track follow‑up actions.

Recruitment and Orientation

Provide recruitment support and serve as back‑up to the Talent Acquisition Manager during periods of high hiring activity or staff absences. Responsibilities may include assisting with job postings, candidate screening and communications, and interview coordination, and other recruitment activities as assigned.

Extend job offers to selected candidates and coordinate offer details in alignment with Aeon's hiring practices.

Maintain and administer company‑wide job descriptions, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable laws.

Lead and participate in Human Resources projects and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance HR programs, processes, employee experience, and organizational effectiveness.

HR Compliance and Administration

Coordinate HR compliance reporting, including EEO‑1 reporting, unemployment claim administration, record retention, employment audits, and other federal, state and organizational reporting requirements.

Support compliance with employment laws by maintaining accurate documentation, records and Human Resources files.

Support the day‑to‑day administration and operations of the Human Resources department by coordinating administrative processes, maintaining employee records and documentation, tracking required employment information, and completing other operational responsibilities necessary to ensure efficient and effective Human Resources service.

Compensation and Payroll Support

Assist with annual compensation planning and salary benchmarking to ensure Aeon remains competitive.

Prepare compensation reports and analysis to support HR and organizational decision‑making.

Become fully cross‑trained in payroll administration and processing to serve as the primary back‑up during planned and unplanned absences, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll operations.

Five or more recent years of solid hands‑on generalist experience, with significant experience in performance management and employee relations.

Strong writing and editing skills, with experience drafting employee communications and disciplinary documents.

Broad HR knowledge, including recruitment, onboarding, compensation, compliance, and safety programs.

Position requires a high level of discretion, ability to appropriately and discreetly handle and protect confidential information.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines while exercising sound judgment and maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

Must be a resourceful, problem‑solving, relationship‑building, seeker of excellence, with a commitment to Aeon's mission.

Proficiency in HR‑related computer software and systems, which may include payroll, HRIS, performance management, time and attendance systems, etc.

Advanced proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and eager to learn new technology systems.

Must have a commitment to learning and participating in Aeon's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Aeon will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of this position.

Ability to work at a computer for extended periods while using HRIS, payroll, and Microsoft Office applications.

Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, by telephone, and in writing with employees, managers, applicants, and external partners.

Ability to move throughout office buildings and apartment communities to conduct meetings, orientations, investigations, trainings, and safety activities.

Ability to occasionally lift and transport materials weighing up to 15 pounds, including files, training materials, office supplies, and presentation equipment.

Ability to travel independently to Aeon properties throughout the Twin Cities as business needs require.

Aeon offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long‑term disability, retirement plan, generous paid time off and an employee assistance program.

This is a full‑time position, Monday through Friday, during daytime hours. This is a hybrid position based out of Aeon's Corporate Office in the North Loop of Minneapolis, with on‑site visits to Aeon properties across the Twin Cities as needed. The position requires in‑person presence at the corporate office at least two days per week as designated by Aeon. When working remotely, the HR Generalist must perform their work from within the state of Minnesota. In addition, the HR Generalist must be available to travel to Aeon properties for urgent or unplanned matters, as well as for trainings, employee relations support, and site‑based meetings. These visits may occur on any workday, including days when the HR Generalist is scheduled to work remotely or at the corporate office.

Because of these requirements, candidates must currently reside in the Twin Cities metro area or plan to relocate to ensure availability for both planned and unplanned on‑site needs.

Individuals with disabilities, persons from BIPOC communities, the LGBTQ+ community, and people from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Employees and residents are encouraged to apply.