Multi-State HR Generalist: Compliance & Onboarding Lead

Talentfoot Executive Search; Somerville (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Talentfoot Executive Search in Somerville, New Jersey, is seeking an HR Generalist to own the HR function for a well established creative agency, reporting to the Head of Finance.

You'll manage the full talent lifecycle, maintain I-9s and compliance across eight states, administer benefits, lead onboarding, and collaborate with our outsourced HR partner to drive payroll accuracy and workforce planning.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of HR experience in a small agency/startup or solo role
• Solid knowledge of federal and multi-state employment law (FMLA, ADA, NJLAD, wage & hour, I-9)
• Experience administering benefits and supporting open enrollment end-to-end
• Comfort with HRIS/payroll systems; Paychex experience is a plus
• Strong project management instincts and ability to communicate progress
• Exceptional attention to detail with discretion for sensitive information

Responsibilities

• Maintain and audit I-9 records, employee files, and regulatory documentation across eight states
• Ensure compliance with federal, multi-state, and local employment laws (FMLA, ADA, wage & hour, workers' compensation)
• Support HR audits, compliance reporting, and diversity initiatives
• Coordinate multi-state leave administration (FMLA, NJ Family Leave Act) and balance tracking
• Administer benefits programs and support open enrollment, including communications and vendor coordination
• Verify employee data and update payroll/time-tracking systems
• Liaise with outsourced HR firm and align on deliverables
• Partner with Finance on payroll inputs and discrepancies
• Serve as first contact for HR policies, benefits, and procedures
• Support employee relations with discretion (performance docs, ADA accommodations)
• Build rapport with distributed employees; remote doesn't mean disconnected
• Support managers in navigating HR processes and accountability
• Assist full-cycle recruiting (postings, resumes, interviews, offers)
• Lead onboarding from paperwork to first-week check-ins
• Maintain updated job descriptions and support workforce planning
• Own and improve HR processes, templates, and systems
• Update Director of Finance on HR project status and risks
• Identify gaps in HR infrastructure and propose solutions

Skills

Project management

Attention to detail

Discretion with information

Communication skills

Tools

Paychex

Job description

Talentfoot Executive Search in Somerville, New Jersey, is seeking an HR Generalist to own the HR function for a well established creative agency, reporting to the Head of Finance.

You'll manage the full talent lifecycle, maintain I-9s and compliance across eight states, administer benefits, lead onboarding, and collaborate with our outsourced HR partner to drive payroll accuracy and workforce planning.