Human Resources Generalist

Goodwill of Central Iowa; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill of Central Iowa is seeking an HR Generalist to support managers with performance management, employee engagement, and HR programs at our Johnston headquarters. This role emphasizes confidentiality, collaboration, and adherence to employment laws.

Ideal candidates have strong communication, project management, and analytical skills, with experience in HR operations, onboarding, and policy implementation. Onsite role with competitive compensation and merit increases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or related field.
• At least two years of employee relations, recruiting, and HR related work experience.
• Access to reliable transportation and valid Iowa driver license with insurable vehicle.
• SHRM‑CP or PHR certification preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Guide managers on performance management, employee relations, and investigations.
• Support onboarding, benefits, leave programs, compliance, and recruiting.
• Enhance employee engagement and development in partnership with department managers.
• Ensure confidentiality and integrity in HR processes.

Skills

Coaching managers

Communication

Project management

Confidentiality

HR laws knowledge

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or HR

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Teams

AI tools

Job description

Position Location: Onsite at our Johnston, Iowa Headquarters

Goodwill of Central Iowa is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to support our managers with performance management and employee engagement. We are a people-focused team with a mission of making purposeful employment possible for all through our organization's values of love, kindness, and respect.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience coaching managers through performance management conversations, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities with working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite including Outlook and Teams; experience using AI technology.
• Ability to build and maintain trust and confidentiality.
• Target compensation range: $47,000 - $57,000 per year dependent upon relevant years of experience.
• Annual merit increase eligibility based on individual job performance.

The HR Generalist provides guidance and support in the following areas: employee engagement, performance management, employee relations, benefits, leave programs, compliance, recruiting, and onboarding. This role will influence employee growth and development, performance management, and employee engagement in partnership with department managers to contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Communication

• Serve as an approachable, empathetic advisor to employees and managers, delivering clear information in a timely, respectful manner.
• Assist with onboarding programs to influence positive retention and employee experience through GCI (Goodwill of Central Iowa) values of Love, Kindness, and Respect.
• Communicate and apply HR policies, programs, benefits, and leave provisions in plain language; assist in reviewing and responding to requests for reasonable accommodations.
• Prepare concise, timely communications on policy changes, compliance requirements, benefits changes, and organizational initiatives for stakeholders at all levels.

Collaboration and Partnership

• Act as a collaborative partner to department managers in driving employee engagement, performance management, talent development, and retention strategies.
• Collaborate with HR team members to deliver integrated HR services and seamless employee experience.
• Build trust through active listening, practical problem solving, and follow‑through on commitments.

Adaptability and Flexibility

• Respond to changing or evolving business needs with agility, adjusting processes and programs as needed.
• Manage multiple priorities with composure, maintaining confidentiality and quality in a fast‑paced environment.
• Pursue continuous learning—stay current on HR trends, laws, and best practices, and share relevant insights with the team.

Problem‑Solving and Decision Making

• Investigate employee concerns with fairness, confidentiality, and respect; identify root causes and recommend practical, policy‑aligned solutions; elevate as necessary and partner with appropriate management team members.
• Document decisions with clear rationale, ensuring alignment with regulations and organizational values.
• Participates in employee corrective action meetings, investigations, and terminations.
• Analyze HR data to identify trends and propose process improvements.
• Facilitate conflict resolution through GCI’s values of Love, Kindness, and Respect and provide guidance that preserves relationships and promotes a productive workplace.

Coaching, Leading, and Developing Others

• Coach managers on performance management, feedback, coaching conversations, and conflict resolution.
• Support targeted training, onboarding programs, and skill‑building initiatives to elevate team capabilities.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by modeling constructive feedback, recognition, and growth‑oriented conversations.

Strategic Analysis and Foresight

• Use data to forecast workforce needs, skills gaps, and turnover risk; translate findings into actionable plans.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, ability to be flexible to adjust for unexpected situations.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Proficient working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices; SHRM‑CP or PHR certification preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to communicate with a diverse workforce.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, current technology, and AI tools and related HR software.
• Preferred experience with HR analytics, workforce planning and coaching or training experience.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or related field preferred.
• At least two years of employee relations, recruiting, and human resources related work experience.
• Access to reliable transportation for regular participation in work
• Possession of valid Iowa driver license, a good driving record, insurable, and able to provide proof of personal vehicle insurance with a minimum of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident auto insurance liability coverage
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and a dependent adult and child abuse background check

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of performing stationary work at a desk and working on a computer.
• Intermittent periods of active work within GCI locations.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds regularly.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization facilities.
• Must be able to travel to and navigate all GCI locations occasionally.

Goodwill of Central Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability) and E-Verify Participant.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.