Human Resources Generalist, Principal (Class & Comp)

DeKalb County Government; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 64,893 - 104,479; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County Government seeks an experienced HR Generalist Principal to provide professional human resources support to County departments. The role emphasizes advisory services on employment, classification, and compensation, with leadership in complex projects and policy interpretation.

You will conduct data analyses, develop job descriptions, assist in staffing and onboarding, and guide managers on pay practices while upholding regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field; four years of progressively responsible HR experience.
• Familiar with employment, classification and compensation processes.
• Ability to interpret laws and policies and provide advisement to managers and staff.

Responsibilities

• Advise County departments on employment, classification, compensation, and other HR issues.
• Provide information to employees and management about HR programs, policies and procedures and interpret laws and regulations.
• Assist in administering compensation and classification plans; conduct wage, salary, and benefits surveys; update class specifications; recommend salary changes.
• Review requests to fill positions; post job openings; screen applications; forward qualified candidates.
• Coordinate onboarding for selected candidates; provide start date and benefits information; draft and send offer letters.
• Develop, implement, and facilitate training on HR programs; assist with new employee orientation.

Skills

HR advisement

Data analysis

Policy interpretation

Employee relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Job description

Job Description

Salary Range: $64,893 - $104,479 Salary Grade: 21 FLSA: Exempt

Purpose Of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to provide professional human resources support to assigned County departments. Serves as a senior-level human resources generalist and provides expertise in support of a variety of human resources programs.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Advises County departments on employment, classification, compensation, and other human resources issues; provides a wide variety of information to employees, management and the public concerning human resources programs, policies and procedures and interprets laws and regulations; receives and responds to inquiries; conducts in-depth research; provides technical analysis and makes appropriate recommendations; and performs all assignments within established metrics.

Provides well‑researched advice to managers, supervisors, and employees regarding policies, procedures and resolution of complaints.

Assists in administering compensation and classification plan; conducts wage, salary, and benefits surveys; performs desk audits to validate job responsibilities; updates and maintains class specifications; makes recommendations regarding the allocation and reallocation of positions; and recommends and processes salary adjustments and increases as necessary.

Reviews requests to fill positions; posts job openings receives and screens candidate applications; and forwards qualified applications to appropriate staff.

Conducts internal equity assessments and recommends starting salaries; reviews salary requests and makes recommendations in accordance with regulations, policies, and laws; and reviews requests for and provides guidance on organizational restructuring and consults on succession planning.

Coordinates onboarding for selected candidates; contacts department heads to provide hiring and start date information; drafts and sends approved offer letters new hires to coordinate the pre‑employment process, orientation activities and official start dates; and provides related information regarding benefits, work locations and contact information.

Researches, compiles, and/or monitors administrative, statistical or other data pertaining to department operations; summarizes data, performs complex data analysis, and prepares reports; and conducts research of department files, database records, internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed.

Assists with new employee orientation and training, and explains, distributes, and gathers necessary onboarding documents; provides information regarding human resources policies and programs; and develops, implements, and facilitates training classes regarding human resources programs as assigned.

Serves as a team leader on special and more complex assignments; makes recommendations for process improvements; performs executive and specialized recruitment requiring active search for top candidates, which includes developing marketing materials, establishing interview panels, vetting candidates, and coordinating with executive management throughout the search process.

Maintains comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws/regulations, new products, methods, trends and advances in the profession, professional affiliations, and attends workshops.

Maintains confidentiality in performing job responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field; four years of progressively responsible experience in human resources; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License Certifications

PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, IPMA-CP, IPMA-SCP or CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), or attain any of these certifications within one year of employment in this classification.

Supplemental Information

In support of assigned County departments, the HR Generalist Principal performs professional-level work in the areas of classification and compensation. Responsibilities include:

Classification And Compensation Duties

• Conduct detailed job analyses to evaluate duties, responsibilities, competencies, and organizational structure.
• Develop, review, and update job descriptions to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with legal and policy standards.
• Participate in countywide classification studies and recommend appropriate job classifications.
• Research and analyze compensation data to support salary adjustments, reclassifications, and structural changes.
• Prepare written classification and compensation reports and recommendations for management review.
• Provide expert guidance to department managers on position management, staffing structure, pay practices, and classification processes.
• Assist in administering the County’s compensation plan by monitoring internal pay equity and market competitiveness.
• Support development and maintenance of policies and procedures related to classification, compensation, and job evaluation.