Human Resources Generalist (Full-Time)

Explorers Federal Credit Union; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Explorers Credit Union in Yankton, SD is seeking a full-time Human Resources Generalist to lead day‑to‑day HR operations and enhance the employee experience as the credit union grows.

You’ll own onboarding and offboarding, benefits administration, recruiting coordination, employee relations, performance management, training support, HR records, and policy administration, partnering with the PEO and leadership to ensure compliant, consistent practices.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience across employee relations, benefits, recruiting, onboarding/offboarding, and performance management.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive employee matters with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills; independent work style.

Responsibilities

• Lead onboarding and offboarding programs to create a welcoming, consistent employee experience.
• Coordinate the full employee lifecycle: recruiting, hiring, orientation, development, internal changes, leaves, and separations.
• Administer benefits, enrollments, changes, vendor communications, renewals, and employee inquiries.
• Serve as liaison with the PEO for HR administration and compliance support.
• Manage performance review cycles, goal tracking, coaching documentation, and improvement plans.
• Advise employees and managers on policies, procedures, and workplace expectations.

Skills

HR experience

Communication

Organization

Discretion

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business Admin

SHRM certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

HR systems

Job description

Human Resources Generalist

Location: Yankton, SD

Full-Time | On-Site in Yankton | 40 hours per week

At Explorers Credit Union, we believe financial empowerment and meaningful connections start with our people. We’re looking for a full‑time Human Resources Generalist to lead the day‑to‑day HR function and strengthen the employee experience as our Credit Union grows.

This is a high-impact, hands‑on role serving as the primary internal HR resource for a team of 30+ employees. You’ll own onboarding and offboarding, benefits administration, recruiting coordination, employee relations, performance management, training support, HR records, and policy administration. You’ll also partner closely with our Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and leadership team to support compliance, consistency, and a positive workplace. The ideal candidate is experienced, approachable, organized, and confident managing a broad range of HR priorities independently.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and continuously improve onboarding and offboarding programs that create a welcoming, consistent, and well‑organized employee experience.
• Coordinate the full employee lifecycle, including recruiting, hiring, orientation, development, internal changes, leaves, and separations.
• Administer employee benefits, including enrollments, eligibility changes, employee questions, vendor coordination, annual renewals, and employee communications.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the PEO for HR administration, compliance support, payroll‑related employment changes, leave coordination, and employee documentation.
• Manage performance management processes, including review cycles, goal tracking, coaching documentation, and performance improvement plans.
• Advise employees and managers on policies, procedures, workplace expectations, and day‑to‑day employee matters.
• Address employee relations concerns and support fair, timely conflict resolution in partnership with leadership and the PEO.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, monitor required documentation, and support compliance with applicable employment requirements.
• Coordinate recruiting activities, including job postings, applicant communication, interview scheduling, pre‑employment steps, and offer documentation.
• Coordinate and track employee training in partnership with compliance and department leaders, including required and role‑specific learning.
• Review HR practices, policies, and workflows; recommend improvements that strengthen efficiency, communication, culture, and the employee experience.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Five or more years of progressive, hands‑on HR experience spanning employee relations, benefits, recruiting, onboarding and offboarding, and performance management.
• Strong working knowledge of employment practices, HR documentation, confidentiality standards, and compliance responsibilities.
• Experience working with a PEO, benefits provider, or external HR partner preferred.
• Proven ability to serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and handle sensitive employee matters with discretion.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and recurring processes independently.
• Ability to independently manage a standalone HR function, balance recurring responsibilities with emerging needs, and follow through on commitments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR systems.
• SHRM certification or equivalent is a plus.

Why Explore With Us?

Build the Foundation:

Take ownership of a growing HR function and help shape the systems, practices, and employee experience that support our future.

Make a Meaningful Impact:

Influence employee experience, leadership effectiveness, culture, and consistency across the organization every day.

Join a People-First Culture:

Be a trusted partner to leadership and an approachable, reliable resource for employees.