Human Resources Generalist

American Retirement Association; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Hybrid Work Arrangement

Job summary

American Retirement Association is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to partner with the Chief HR Officer and shape the employee experience. You will manage talent, compensation practices, benefits programs, and engagement initiatives while maintaining HR records and policy compliance.

You will support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and learning opportunities, helping the team grow in a mission-driven nonprofit environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of HR principles, practices, and administration.
• Competencies in business acumen, strategic partnerships, and labor law awareness.
• Experience with HRIS and benefits administration.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Own benefits programs end-to-end—including open enrollment planning and vendor coordination.
• Manage recognition programs and service awards for employees.
• Serve as BambooHR administrator; keep records accurate and secure.
• Support hiring, onboarding, performance management, and learning initiatives.

Skills

Interpersonal

Communication

Presentation

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Multitasking

Project management

Planning

Organization

Customer service

Analytical thinking

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or equivalent

SHRM-CP preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Acrobat

BambooHR

Job description

Job Title: Human Resources Generalist
Organization: American Retirement Association
Location: Hybrid (On-site 3+ days/week, Arlington, VA)
Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Reports To: Chief Human Resources Officer

About Us

At the American Retirement Association (ARA), we are dedicated to empowering retirement professionals to help all Americans achieve a secure retirement. We do this through education, advocacy, and innovation. Join our collaborative, mission-driven team and help shape the future of retirement in America.

Position Summary

Are you an HR all-rounder who loves variety? We’re looking for a Human Resources Generalist to partner closely with our Chief Human Resources Officer and help shape the employee experience from day one. In this high-impact role, you’ll touch nearly every part of HR: finding and welcoming great talent, managing competitive pay practices and benefits programs, supporting employees through challenges, creating opportunities to learn and grow, and championing engagement and wellness. You’ll also keep the records that hold it all together. If you want to see your work make a real difference across an organization, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Own our benefits programs from end to end. Manage and administer health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and ancillary benefits plans so employees get real value from them. Lead annual open enrollment, from planning and vendor coordination to clear, engaging communications that help employees make confident choices. Serve as the go-to expert for benefits questions, resolve issues with carriers and providers, and look for ways to improve our offerings and the employee experience.
• Celebrate our people. Manage service awards and other recognition programs that show employees their contributions matter.
• Be the HRIS expert. Serve as system administrator for BambooHR, our Human Resource Information System, keeping data accurate and secure. Maintain employment, benefits, and other records across HRIS and benefits platforms. Recommend and roll out new features and workflows that make HR faster and easier for everyone.
• Support the full employee journey. Help attract and hire great talent, make onboarding welcoming and offboarding smooth, and support performance management, training, and development so people can grow here.
• Shape how HR works. Help develop and put in place HR best practices, explain our policies and programs clearly, and keep us compliant with labor laws and regulations.
• Be a trusted partner. Answer employee HR questions and work closely with leaders across the organization to deliver the support their teams need.

Qualifications

• Skills Requirements: Interpersonal, communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Multitasking, project management, planning, organization, and customer service skills. Analytical and problem-solving skills. Time management skills.
• Knowledge Requirements: Knowledge of the principles, practices, and administration of Human Resources. Competencies in business acumen, consultation, critical evaluation, strategic partnerships across all levels of employment, navigation, ethical practice, relationship management, and communication. Expertise in human resources functional areas of knowledge, including talent acquisition and retention, total rewards, employee engagement, training and development, organizational effectiveness and development, workforce management, employee relations, technology and data, risk management, U.S. employment law and regulations, and business and human resources strategy.
• Technology Requirements: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and BambooHR or other Human Resources Information Systems. Proficiency in a variety of benefits and compensations portals and platforms. Proficiency in leveraging digital tools and technologies to drive organizational success.
• Experience Requirements: 3 to 5 years of Human Resources experience. At least 2 years of experience working in a small team environment. Experience in a non-profit or mission-driven organization is preferred.
• Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in human resources or equivalent experience. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) preferred.
• Supervisory Requirements: None
• Travel Requirements: Local travel via motor vehicle. Domestic overnight travel.
• Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, both in a home and office environment. Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, phones, and printers. Visual acuity to view and analyze information on a computer screen for extended periods. Occasional light lifting (up to 10 lbs) for transporting a laptop or office materials between work locations. Ability to commute to the office as required (i.e., at least 3 days per week). Ability to participate in virtual and in-person meetings, presentations, or team collaborations.

Why Join Us?

We’re a purpose-driven organization that values innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact. As the Human Resources Generalist, your work will directly support our mission and enhance the way we connect with our community.

We offer:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits
• Hybrid workplace

Employee Benefits

ARA offers its full-time employees a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Eleven Paid Holidays
• Eighteen Days of Paid Time Off
• Two Hours of Personal Leave Per Month
• Parental Leave
• Hybrid Work Arrangement (Telework on Mondays and Fridays)
• Commuting/Telework Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Membership in Experian My Financial Expert
• Membership in Calm App
• Spot Pet Insurance Discount
• Worldwide Travel Assistance Program
• Will Preparation Services

Equal Opportunity Employer

American Retirement Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. American Retirement Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.