Human Resources Assistant

NRECA; United States; On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

NRECA is seeking a punctual and detail-oriented HR Assistant to support the HR team in Arlington, VA. You will handle onboarding, orientation, payroll coordination with the HRIS system, and employee recognition activities while ensuring accurate records and compliance.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 2+ years in office/HR settings, with HRIS experience (Workday preferred) and strong MS Office capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience in office administration, human resources, or related field, with at least 1 year in Human Resources.
• HRIS experience required; Workday preferred.
• SHRM and/or HRCI certification preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Office and data management skills.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for HR inquiries and employment verification requests.
• Coordinate onboarding, orientation, and separation activities, including I-9 and E-Verify compliance.
• Support payroll processing through reconciliation, reporting, and issue resolution.
• Administer employee recognition and commuter benefit programs.
• Maintain HR records, reporting, audits, and data integrity.
• Support recruiting activities, candidate logistics, and special HR projects.
• Assist with departmental budget tracking, invoice processing, and operational support.
• Ability to report to the office when required.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

2+ years office/HR experience

Tools

HRIS (Workday)

MS Excel

HR software

Job description

Job Description NRECA is a unique national trade association providing advocacy, financial services and business support services to over 900 consumer owned electric cooperatives across the country. NRECA employees are united by our mission, inclusive culture, collaborative workplace and commitment to service excellence. As a “best place to work” employer, we operate with integrity, transparency and a spirit of innovation. Position is located in Arlington, Virginia and reports to the office five days a week. NRECA’s Human Resources (HR) Department strives to deliver Service Excellence as #oneHR. We work collaboratively to deliver programs and solutions as a caring business partner. We consult, advise and help managers and employees accomplish their goals, while supporting their individual needs. We provide the full scope of HR services and employment life cycle support to ensure we attract, retain and develop the best and brightest people to serve our mission.

Position Summary:

Few roles offer a clearer view of how a Human Resources department actually works.

The Human Resources Assistant supports every functional area of NRECA's HR team, from compensation and benefits to HR systems and talent management and serves as the initial point of contact for employees, managers, and service providers.

This role coordinates onboarding, orientation, and separation activities; partners with Payroll on biweekly processing accuracy; administers employee recognition and commuter benefit programs; and supports reporting, data audits, and records management that keep HR operations accurate and compliant.

The ideal candidate combines exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills.

After the first 90 days fully onsite at our Arlington headquarters, the position is eligible for a hybrid schedule which allows flexibility to optionally work from home on Fridays.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for HR inquiries and employment verification requests.
• Coordinate onboarding, orientation, and separation activities, including I-9 and E-Verify compliance.
• Support payroll processing through reconciliation, reporting, and issue resolution.
• Administer employee recognition and commuter benefit programs.
• Maintain HR records, reporting, audits, and data integrity.
• Support recruiting activities, candidate logistics, and special HR projects.
• Assist with departmental budget tracking, invoice processing, and operational support.
• Ability to report to the office when required.

Direct Reports to this Position:

N/A

Qualifications

Formal Education Required:

Bachelor's degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience.

Experience and Certifications Required:

2 or more years of experience in office administration, human resources, or related field, with at least 1 year in Human Resources.

HRIS experience required; Workday preferred.

SHRM and/or HRCI certification preferred.

Strong Microsoft Office and data management skills.

Excellent customer service, communication, and organizational abilities.

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Essential Physical Requirements:

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.

Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Salary Range:

$62,000–$76,000 annual salary Final compensation determined by individual qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Disclaimer Statement:

The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Additional Requirement:

The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail [e-mail] or call: 703-907-5992 - NRECA Arlington Human Resources. Please call 402-483-9275 - NRECA Lincoln Human Resources, for Lincoln, NE employment opportunities. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination.

NRECA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.

E-Verify.

As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E-Verify. For more information about life at NRECA please visit www.Electric.coop.

Learn more about who we are, career opportunities, employer awards and life at NRECA.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), with offices in Arlington, VA and Lincoln, NE is the trade association for over 900 consumer-owned electric cooperatives serving more than 42 million people. At NRECA, we work with people who are leaders in their fields. They are down-to-earth, hardworking professionals committed to helping our members serve their communities. Our work is interesting, constantly evolving, and requires new skills to meet the changing needs of a dynamic industry. Employees are united around the compelling purpose and history of electric cooperatives which allow teams and individuals to thrive as they collaborate and engage to accomplish great things in the pursuit of our mission. And topping it off, NRECA cares about each person’s overall well-being, encouraging health, financial security, and a sustainable work/life balance. Learn more about who we are at https://www.electric.coop/our-organization/careers.