Payroll & Benefits Generalist — Hybrid, Multi-State

instituteforjustice; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Remote weeks annually

Health insurance (IJ pays 100%)

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Life insurance

HSA contributions

401(k) with employer matches

Casual dress code

Generous PTO

Job summary

The Institute for Justice, a national public interest law firm, seeks an HR Generalist focused on benefits administration and payroll to support nearly 200 employees across multiple states.

You will process semi-monthly payroll using ADP, administer health and other benefit plans, manage open enrollment, and handle leave programs while maintaining strict confidentiality in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly payroll using ADP, including managing 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

Benefits administration

Multistate payroll

Attention to detail

Communication

Discretion

Education

PHR/SHRM-CP certification

Tools

ADP

Job description

The Institute for Justice, a national public interest law firm, seeks an HR Generalist focused on benefits administration and payroll to support nearly 200 employees across multiple states.

You will process semi-monthly payroll using ADP, administer health and other benefit plans, manage open enrollment, and handle leave programs while maintaining strict confidentiality in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.