Human Resources Generalist

Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Spence-Chapin, a nonprofit in New York City, seeks a Human Resources Generalist to support the Sr. Director of HR, manage a broad range of HR duties, and help drive recruitment, onboarding, and employee programs. The role emphasizes confidentiality, accuracy, and timely execution across multiple HR processes.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in recruitment, strong communication, and nonprofit experience. In‑person, full‑time position with a comprehensive benefits package and PTO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field required.
• 3-5 years’ experience in recruitment and knowledge across all areas of human resources preferred.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal and decision‑making skills.
• Proven success in conducting interviews using various methods (phone, video, in‑person).
• Non‑profit experience required; adoption, foster care systems and child welfare strongly preferred.
• HR certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Handle all administrative tasks for recruiting, onboarding, new hire orientation.
• Create and conduct virtual HR trainings including new staff orientation and other trainings as directed.
• Manage the recruitment process and partner with hiring managers to ensure clarity of qualifications and screening criteria.
• Create job descriptions and post job openings internally and externally.
• Respond to candidate inquiries, conduct resume reviews and initial employment screenings.
• Coordinate subsequent interviews with candidates and hiring managers.
• Communicate and collaborate with staffing agencies for temporary workers as needed.
• Draft and transmit employment offer letters.
• Process new hires for all required clearances and conduct reference checks.
• Oversee and manage employee team building activities, incentive programs and events.
• Represent employer at community and career fairs.
• Maintain and organize paper and digital employee personnel files in compliance with audits and laws.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in HR.
• Assist in interpretation and execution of personnel procedures and policies.
• Assist in administering and providing information on benefits & leaves, payroll, time and attendance.
• Assist in maintenance of personnel manual and org chart; contribute to policy development.
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Respond to employee questions; escalate to Sr. Director as needed.
• Attend disciplinary meetings and investigations; conduct exit interviews.
• Adhere to SOPs including internal communications.
• Perform other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed.

Skills

Recruitment experience

HR generalist

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in related field

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Word

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Primary Purpose

Spence-Chapin has an exciting opportunity to join the Human Resources Department as a Human Resources Generalist. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced candidate who will support the Sr. Director, Human Resources, perform a wide range of HR functions and handle a variety of administrative and analytical duties. The ideal candidate will have experience in recruitment; deep knowledge of the screening, interviewing, and hiring processes, and experience as a human resources generalist. This individual will be a pivotal part of the HR team, ensuring the smooth execution of daily processes. The ideal candidate is resourceful and detail/deadline-oriented and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously. This is a full-time, in-person position with an annual salary range of $80,000-$90,000 commensurate with experience.

Spence-Chapin is a non-profit organization based in New York City that has been providing adoption services and adoption support for more than 110 years. At Spence-Chapin, we believe that every child deserves a family, and we work tirelessly to advocate for children in need of a permanent, loving home. Over our history, Spence-Chapin has served more than 25,000 children, women, and families through our main program areas: Comprehensive Domestic and International Adoption Programs; Birth Parent Services; Well-being Services; and International Humanitarian Aid through programs like our Granny Program to support children living in orphanages overseas.

Our work is made possible by the dedicated individuals on our staff. At Spence-Chapin we find joy in celebrating each other, our co-workers, and our clients. Everyone is treated with respect and dignity to strengthen the vibrancy of our community. We celebrate a culture of excellence, inclusivity, compassion, flexibility, and support. Spence-Chapin offers a competitive benefits package that includes full health benefits, generous PTO and holiday schedule, HRA & FSA plans, life insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, paid maternity/paternity/adoption leave, commuter benefits, and more. Being part of the Spence-Chapin team is being part of a legacy, which for more than 110 years has provided critical services to children, women, and families around the world.

Responsibilities & Key Performance Indicators

• Handle all administrative tasks for recruiting, onboarding, new hire orientation
• Create and conduct virtual HR trainings including new staff orientation and other trainings as directed
• Manage the recruitment process and partner with hiring managers to ensure clarity of qualifications and screening criteria
  • Create job descriptions and post job openings internally and externally
  • Respond to candidate inquiries, conduct resume reviews and initial employment screenings
  • Coordinate subsequent interviews with candidates and hiring managers
  • Communicate and collaborate with staffing agencies for temporary workers as needed
  • Draft and transmit employment offer letters
  • Process new hires for all required clearances and conduct reference checks
• Oversee and manage employee team building activities, incentive programs and events including birthday celebrations, holiday party, etc.
• Represent employer at community and career fairs
• Maintain and organize paper and digital employee personnel files in compliance with licensing audits, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommend best practices; review policies and practice to maintain compliance
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources
• Assist in the interpretation and execution of personnel procedures and policies, and providing guidance for business operations
• Assist in administering and providing information on employee benefits & leaves, payroll, time and attendance
• Assist in the maintenance of employee personnel manual, organizational chart and contribute to the development of policies
• Ability to apply discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality when handling sensitive information
• Handle employment-related questions/concerns from employees, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the Sr. Director, HR
• Attend and participate in employee disciplinary meetings and investigations
• Conduct exit interviews
• Adhere to standard operating procedures including internal communications
• Perform any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field required
• 3-5 years’ experience in recruitment and knowledge across all areas of human resources preferred
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal and decision‑making skills
• Proven success in conducting interviews using various methods (phone, video, in‑person)
• Non‑profit experience required; adoption, foster care systems and child welfare strongly preferred
• HR certification is a plus

Technical Skills:

• MS Office – Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Experience with database platforms, particularly recruitment, training and payroll systems

Key Competencies:

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to prioritize workload, administer, and resolve problems
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong public speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
• Ability to multitask and demonstrate strong attention to detail
• Must be highly organized and possess a positive attitude

This job description is not intended to detail every aspect of your job or list every task you may perform. It is provided as a general overview of the responsibilities and skills required to do this job successfully.