Hybrid HR Generalist: Payroll & Benefits Expert

Institute for Justice; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Remote days option

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) with employer matches

PTO

HSA employer contributions

Job summary

The Institute for Justice is seeking an HR Generalist to lead benefits administration and payroll for about 200 employees across multiple states. You will process semi-monthly payroll, administer health and other benefit plans, and serve as a go-to resource for benefits questions.

You'll support open enrollment, compliance with state leave laws, maintain confidential records, and help communicate HR policies while ensuring accurate reporting to Finance and HR leadership.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of HR experience with at least 3 years in payroll and benefits administration.
• Experience with an HRIS/payroll system; ADP experience strongly preferred.
• Comfort with multi-state payroll compliance.
• Impeccable attention to detail when handling payroll calculations, benefits data, and compliance deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive, confidential information.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly payroll using ADP, including state tax registrations, withholding, and compliance in multiple jurisdictions.
• Administer employee health and benefit plans — enrollments, changes, qualifying life events, and terminations.
• Serve as a go-to resource for staff benefits questions, escalating complex compliance matters as needed.
• Support IJ's annual open enrollment process, from staff communications to enrollment logistics.
• Help administer leave programs, including FMLA and state-specific leave laws.
• Support onboarding and offboarding processes and maintain accurate, confidential employee records.
• Assist in reviewing and communicating HR policies to keep pace with changing employment law.
• Run payroll and benefits reports for Finance and HR leadership.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

HR experience

Payroll management

Benefits administration

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Discretion

Education

PHR/SHRM-CP certification

Tools

ADP

HRIS

Job description

The Institute for Justice is seeking an HR Generalist to lead benefits administration and payroll for about 200 employees across multiple states. You will process semi-monthly payroll, administer health and other benefit plans, and serve as a go-to resource for benefits questions.

You'll support open enrollment, compliance with state leave laws, maintain confidential records, and help communicate HR policies while ensuring accurate reporting to Finance and HR leadership.