About the role
Position Summary
This role supports all three of our organizations: Great States Construction, Great States Development, and Collective, offering a diverse and rewarding opportunity to make a broad impact across the construction, real estate development, and property management sectors.
The HR Generalist leads day-to-day payroll and benefits administration across multiple entities and serves as the primary point of contact for both functions, including ownership of all payroll- and benefits-related onboarding and offboarding tasks. Beyond payroll and benefits, this role provides foundational support across employee relations, compliance, recruiting, and partnering with the Human Resources Manager on department-wide initiatives. The HR Generalist reports directly to the Human Resources Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Administration (Lead)
* Lead end-to-end payroll administration and serve as the primary point of contact for all payroll inquiries * Process bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll accurately and on time * Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, reimbursements, deductions, and commissions * Own all payroll-related onboarding and offboarding tasks, including new hire setup, compensation changes, and final pay coordination * Maintain payroll records in compliance with federal and state retention requirements * Reconcile payroll reports, resolve discrepancies, and conduct routine payroll audits * Generate standard and ad-hoc payroll reports and partner with accounting on reporting and reconciliations * Administer garnishments, child support orders, and tax levies * Support payroll tax filings and audits; ensure timely preparation and distribution of annual W-2s
Benefits Administration (Lead)
* Serve as the primary point of contact for all employee benefits inquiries and issue resolution * Partner with the HR Manager to administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA, and FSA plans * Own all benefits-related onboarding and offboarding tasks, including new hire enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and benefit terminations in applicable systems * Ensure accurate and timely processing of benefit deductions through payroll * Partner with HR Manager, brokers, and benefit vendors on plan administration, escalations, and ongoing service needs * Support annual open enrollment planning, execution, and employee communication * Maintain accurate benefits records and data integrity across HRIS and benefits platforms; reconcile monthly benefit invoices with accounting
Employee Relations & Culture (Support)
* Support employee engagement, recognition, and culture-building initiatives across all entities * Assist with company events, employee communications, and the new hire onboarding experience * Refer employee relations concerns, complaints, and conflicts to the HR Manager
Compliance (Support)
* Maintain accurate personnel files, I-9 documentation, and required recordkeeping * Assist with labor law posting requirements, policy acknowledgments, and handbook administration * Support internal and external audit preparation and HR reporting requirements
Recruiting (Support)
* Post open positions, conduct phone screens, schedule interviews, and coordinate candidate communications * Coordinate background checks, offer logistics, and pre-employment steps * Support a smooth handoff from hiring into onboarding
Qualifications
* Associate's degree in HR, Accounting, Finance, or a related field OR equivalent experience * 2+ years leading end-to-end payroll administration required * Sales/commissions payroll administration experience required * Multi-state payroll experience preferred * Benefits administration experience preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
* Strong knowledge of payroll laws and compliance requirements * High attention to detail and accuracy * Strong organizational and time management skills * Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality * Proficient in HRIS platforms (BambooHR preferred) * Proficient in Microsoft Excel
Benefits and Perks
* Health, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options * Supplementary insurance * Eligibility the first of the month following 30 days * 401(k) with a 3% match * Flexible time off with 9 paid holidays * Paid volunteer hours * Professional development opportunities
Physical Demands
* Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer * Must be able to lift and/or move 20 pounds * Occasionally climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
Work Environment
This position requires regular office hours (8 am – 5 pm, Monday–Friday) along with availability for emergency situations outside of regular office hours.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Compensation: $65,000/yr+ DOE