People & Operations Specialist

Crossroads-Ymca-; Gary (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Crossroads YMCA is seeking a People & Operations Specialist to provide administrative and HR support to ensure efficient branch operations.

The role supports executive leadership, handles confidential employee records, onboarding, payroll inquiries, and staff engagement initiatives in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of administrative or HR experience.
• Nonprofit, community service, or hospitality/service industry experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Executive Director and branch leadership team.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes; maintain confidential employee records.
• Assist with payroll, timekeeping, benefits documentation, and employee status changes.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Independent worker

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

HR systems

Job description

Join Crossroads YMCA the People & Operations Specialist, where your organization skills and people-first mindset create lasting impact!POSITION SUMMARY: The People & Operations Specialist is a vital member of the YMCA branch leadership team, providing comprehensive administrative and human resources support to ensure efficient branch operations. This role supports executive leadership, manages a range of people operations functions, and plays a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and mission-aligned work environment. The People & Operations Specialist not only supports staff—they embody the values of the YMCA. They serve as a trusted presence and mission-driven leader who helps create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to serve their community.Why This Role May Be a Great Fit for YouEnjoy being the person who keeps things organized, moving, and on track.Like balancing administrative work with people-focused responsibilities.Find purpose in supporting employees and creating a positive workplace culture.Are energized by solving problems, helping others, and handling a variety of tasks throughout the day.Appreciate meaningful work connected to community impact and the YMCA mission.Work well independently while also collaborating with leadership and staff.Can maintain professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive situations.Enjoy a role where no two days are exactly the same.This role offers the opportunity to:Build experience in human resources, operations, and nonprofit leadership.Work closely with executive leadership and gain exposure to branch operations.Support employee engagement, onboarding, recognition, and retention efforts.Make a direct impact on staff experience and community service delivery.Be part of an organization focused on healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.Why This Role May Not Be the Best FitThis position may be challenging for someone who:Prefers highly predictable or repetitive workdays.Dislikes balancing multiple priorities and shifting demands.Is uncomfortable handling sensitive employee matters confidentially.Prefers limited interaction with staff, leadership, or members.Struggles with follow-through, organization, or attention to detail.Becomes overwhelmed in fast-paced or service-oriented environments.Prefers strictly administrative work without people operations responsibilities.At times, this role may involve:Managing competing priorities and urgent requests.Supporting difficult conversations or employee concerns.Handling time-sensitive administrative and HR processes.Navigating interruptions while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.Assisting with incident documentation, investigations, and policy compliance.What You’ll Be DoingAdministrative & Operational SupportProvide day-to-day administrative support to the Executive Director and branch leadership team.Coordinate meetings, agendas, notes, and follow-up actions.Organize schedules, records, reports, and communication materials.Support office operations and branch administrative functions.People Operations & HR SupportCoordinate onboarding and offboarding processes.Maintain confidential employee records and HR systems.Assist with payroll, timekeeping, benefits documentation, and employee status changes.Respond to employee questions regarding HR policies and procedures.Support staff training, recognition, and engagement initiatives.Employee Relations & Workplace CultureServe as a resource for employees and supervisors.Assist with documenting employee relations concerns and incident investigations.Promote a respectful, inclusive, and mission-aligned workplace.Support retention, communication, and employee engagement efforts.Risk Management & ComplianceHelp support a safe environment for staff and members.Assist in implementing YMCA policies and employment law compliance practices.Support documentation and follow-up related to workplace incidents or concerns.What Success Looks Like in This RoleSuccessful People & Operations Specialists are:Dependable and highly organized.Approachable, professional, and solution-oriented.Comfortable balancing people support with administrative detail.Strong communicators who build trust across teams.Adaptable and calm under pressure.Passionate about supporting staff and community impact.QualificationsAssociate or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.Minimum of 1 year of administrative or HR experience required.Nonprofit, community service, or hospitality/service industry experience is a plus.Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.Comfortable using HR systems and Microsoft Office Suite.Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic backgrounds.YMCA Core ValuesThe YMCA mission is:“To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”This role is expected to model YMCA values through daily leadership and interactions:Caring — Supports staff well-being and fosters collaboration.Honesty — Builds trust through transparency and communication.Respect — Creates an inclusive and professional environment.Responsibility — Demonstrates accountability and supports growth.Work EnvironmentThis role operates primarily in a professional office environment and includes:Frequent computer and office equipment use.Sitting, standing, walking, and reaching throughout the workday.Regular verbal and written communication with staff and leadership.A fast-paced environment with changing priorities and frequent interaction with employees and members