First Free Church

First Free Church; Onalaska (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

First Free Church in Onalaska, WI is seeking a Human Resources Coordinator to support HR processes, staff, and records in alignment with the church's mission, vision, and values.

The role reports to the Executive Pastor of Operations and focuses on HR administration, onboarding, personnel support, payroll coordination, and volunteer screening to ensure compliant and smooth operations for a church family of 2500-3000 members.

Qualifications

• Composure under pressure; stay calm and effective.
• Initiative to take ownership and complete tasks.
• Discerning judgment for practical decisions.
• Creative problem-solving with flexibility.
• Detail-oriented with ability to see the big picture.
• Strong computer skills and tech capacity.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update employee handbooks, job descriptions, and HR docs.
• Administer HR Partner; manage records, time off, performance reviews.
• Support policy compliance; report concerns to leadership.

Skills

Composure

Initiative

Judgment

Resourcefulness

Attention to detail

Advanced computer skills

Communication

Confidentiality

Job description

Reports to: Executive Pastor of Operations

Church Size : 2500-3000

Full-Time : 30 hours per week

POSITION SUMMARY

To serve First Free Church by coordinating human resources processes, supporting staff, and maintaining accurate personnel records and practices in alignment with the church’s mission, vision, and values.

PERSONAL EXPECTATIONS OR REQUIREMENTS

• Growing relationship with Jesus.
• Godly marriage and family (if applicable).
• Contributes to the spirit of unity among the staff and congregation.
• Fully supportive of First Free Church’s Mission, Vision and Purpose.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Composure– Staying calm, poised, and effective in stressful or difficult situations; adjusting quickly to changing situations.
• Initiative – Recognizing and assuming responsibility for work that needs to be done; persisting in the completion of a task.
• Judgment – Discerning what is appropriate, practical, and realistic in a given situation; weighing the relative merits of competing demands.
• Resourcefulness – Formulating creative alternatives or solutions to resolve problems, showing flexibility in response to unanticipated circumstances.
• Attention to detail — In planning, organizing and multitasking in a productive manner. Working on detailed projects while being able to see the big picture.
• Advanced computer skills & strong technology capacity.
• Communication – The ability to communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing across multiple settings.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Human Resources Administration

• Maintain and update employee handbooks, job descriptions, and HR documentation at the request of pastoral leadership.
• Administer HR Partner, ensuring accurate employee records, forms, time-off tracking, and performance review processes.
• Support compliance with employment policies and applicable laws, communicating concerns and recommendations to pastoral leadership.

Hiring & Onboarding

• Coordinate recruitment processes, including job postings, applicant screening, interview scheduling, and communication with hiring managers.
• Facilitate new-hire onboarding, including required paperwork, orientation, employee records, and coordination with payroll and benefits providers.
• Support pastoral leadership and ministry directors in maintaining consistent hiring and employment procedures.

Personnel Support

• Serve as a resource for staff regarding HR policies, procedures, employment documentation, and general personnel questions.
• Process approved employee status changes, including position, compensation, hours, and employment separations, ensuring accurate records and communication with appropriate departments.
• Maintain confidential personnel records and assist pastoral leadership with documentation and coordination of employee-related matters.

Payroll Coordination

• Coordinate with Finance to ensure accurate employee information, timesheets, leave records, and approved compensation changes are reflected in payroll.

Volunteer Screening & Background Checks

• Coordinate and maintain First Free Church’s volunteer screening processes, including background checks and compliance with established Protection Policy Standards (PPS).
• Collaborate with ministry leaders to ensure volunteers complete required screening, documentation, and approvals before serving.
• Maintain accurate and confidential screening records, monitor renewal requirements, and communicate outstanding needs to appropriate ministry leaders.
• Manage volunteer screening platforms and assist with evaluating and improving screening procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance.