HR Generalist

Wastateshrm; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

403(b) plan

Job summary

MOHAI is seeking an HR Generalist to support people and culture operations at the MOHAI McQuaid Resource Center in Georgetown. You will handle recruitment, onboarding, compliance, HR systems, employee relations, and volunteer program oversight, partnering with the Director of People & Culture to translate strategy into daily practice.

Ideal candidates have 4+ years of HR experience across multiple functions, a Bachelor’s degree, and a commitment to inclusive, accessible work practices in a

Qualifications

• 4+ years of progressive HR experience across multiple functions (nonprofit experience preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Admin, or related field; PHR a plus.
• Experience with volunteer/intern programs is a plus.
• Knowledge of employment laws, compliance, and HR best practices.
• Experience coordinating recruitment, onboarding, and lifecycle processes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across diverse teams.
• Commitment to inclusive, equitable, accessible workplace practices.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to data accuracy.
• Bilingual/multilingual language skills valued.

Responsibilities

• HR Operations, Policies & Compliance: maintain policies; ensure fair, accessible practices.
• HR Systems & Data Management: maintain records and HR data integrity.
• Recruitment & On/Offboarding: manage postings, screening, onboarding.
• Employee Experience & Engagement: support surveys, events, recognition; internal comms.
• Employee Relations Support: be first contact for questions; escalate as needed.
• Volunteer Program Management: recruit, onboard, track volunteer hours and recognition.

Skills

HR generalist experience

Volunteer program experience

Compliance knowledge

Recruitment & onboarding

Employee relations

Communication skills

Diversity & inclusion

Data accuracy

Discretion with sensitive information

Bilingual/multilingual skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

PHR certification a plus

Job description

Museum Vision and Mission:

MOHAI is treasured locally and respected nationally as a vibrant resource where history inspires us to build a better future. To serve our region, we bridge the past, present, and future by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories through compelling, innovative exhibits and community engagement.

Position Title: HR Generalist

Reports to: Director of People & Culture

Location: MOHAI McQuaid Resource Center in Georgetown

Classification: Non-exempt; Full-time (30 hours/week); Hourly

Schedule: Monday – Friday, as agreed

Rate of Pay: $33 – $41 per hour

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; holiday, vacation, and sick pay; FSA; 403(b) plan

Position Description:

The HR Generalist plays a key role in supporting MOHAI’s people and culture practices by ensuring consistent, compliant, and people-centered HR operations. This role manages core HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, compliance, and HR systems, while also supporting employee relations and overseeing the volunteer program. Working closely in partnership with the Director of People & Culture, this role helps translate strategy into day-to-day practices and supports the delivery of a consistent and positive employee and volunteer experiences across the organization. This role helps embed Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) into everyday practices, contributing to a workplace that is welcoming, respectful, and reflective of the diverse communities MOHAI serves.

Key Responsibilities:

HR Operations, Policies & Compliance

• Maintain HR policies, procedures, and practices to support consistency and fairness.
• Ensure policies and practices are applied consistently and in a culturally responsive, accessible, and respectful manner.
• Respond to employee questions related to compensation, benefits, leave, and timesheets.
• Support compliance with employment laws and regulations, including leave management (FMLA, PFML) and workplace accommodation processes.
• Coordinate workplace accommodations, including equipment and workspace needs.
• Maintain compliance postings, certifications (e.g., CPR), and personnel records in alignment with record retention practices.
  

HR Systems & Data Management

• Maintain accurate employee records and personnel files.
• Administer and maintain HR systems and employee data integrity.
• Record and track HR data and metrics.
• Compile and organize data to support reporting, transparency, and informed decision-making.
• Support salary surveys and data collection efforts.
• Administer demographic surveys and support organization and tracking of IDEA-related data.
  

Recruitment & On/Offboarding

• Draft and update job descriptions in partnership with hiring managers, ensuring clarity, consistency, and inclusive language.
• Coordinate job postings, candidate sourcing, applicant tracking, and interview scheduling.
• Support equitable and accessible hiring practices, including inclusive outreach, consistent evaluation processes, and a positive candidate experience.
• Screen resumes, conduct background and reference checks, and support interview processes (excluding senior leadership roles).
• Coordinate onboarding processes including scheduling, arrival, and new hire experience.
• Maintain onboarding resources and support a welcoming, inclusive onboarding experience that helps employees feel connected and set up for success.
• Facilitate new hire setup (equipment, access, tours, safety briefings, and orientation).
• Conduct 30-day check-ins and support offboarding processes, including asset retrieval and exit.
  

Employee Experience & Engagement

• Support employee engagement efforts including surveys, events, and recognition activities.
• Coordinate employee appreciation initiatives, celebrations, and milestone acknowledgements.
• Maintain staff communications tools such as organizational charts and staff directories.
• Co-monitor HR and Volunteer inboxes and respond to general inquiries.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive work environment through clear and thoughtful communication.
• Coordinate performance appraisal process, including timelines and scheduling.
• Research and share professional development opportunities with staff. Track participation in learning and development activities.
• Devise, schedule and support internal training sessions and cross-training opportunities.
• Attendance at museum-sponsored events may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Employee Relations Support

• Encourage early identification and reporting of workplace concerns.
• Serve as initial point of contact for employee questions/concerns and document key details appropriately.
• Escalate employee relations issues to the Director of People & Culture as soon as possible to ensure timely, consistent, and appropriate handling.
• Support the Director by gathering information, coordinating meetings, and maintaining documentation as needed.
  

Volunteer Program Management

• Manage and support MOHAI’s volunteer program, including recruitment, onboarding, and engagement.
• Coordinate volunteer onboarding processes, background checks, and training.
• Track volunteer participation and hours.
• Support volunteer recognition and appreciation efforts.
• Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for volunteers and community partners through clear, respectful, and culturally responsive communication.
• Serve as main point of contact for volunteer-related inquiries and communication.
• Opportunity to participate in Puget Sound Volunteer Managers professional group.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of progressive experience in HR across multiple functional areas. Nonprofit experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. PHR certification a plus.
• Experience working with or supporting volunteer or internship programs a plus.
• Knowledge of employment laws, compliance requirements, and HR and volunteer best practices.
• Experience coordinating recruitment, onboarding, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and communicate effectively across diverse teams and communities.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace practices.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Bilingual and multilingual language skills valued.
• Enthusiasm for MOHAI’s exhibits, programs, and mission.
  

Museum Overview:

For 70 years, MOHAI has been dedicated to enriching lives by preserving, sharing, and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region, and the nation. With a collection of 6.5 million artifacts, photographs, oral histories and archival items, and an expansive schedule of exhibits and programs, MOHAI is the region’s premier history center. MOHAI operates a dramatic and award-winning museum in Seattle’s vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood and a resource center in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. MOHAI also hosts the Bezos Center for Innovation, focusing on the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. MOHAI is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and has been selected by USA Today as one of the Top Ten History Museums in the nation. For more information, please visit mohai.org.

MOHAI is a 501(c)(3) organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team and an organizational culture that foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, LGBTQIA2S individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those from communities historically underrepresented in cultural institutions.