Senior Human Resources Generalist

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Job summary

A leading research institution in Cold Spring Harbor is seeking a Senior Human Resources Generalist. This key role provides strategic and operational HR support in employee relations, compliance, and development while managing complex HR initiatives. The ideal candidate will have 5–8 years of HR experience with strong communication and coaching skills. A competitive salary range of $65,000-$75,000 is offered alongside exceptional health benefits and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of progressive HR experience with strong employee relations expertise.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and advising management.
• Knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead resolution of complex employee relations matters.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and internal policies.
• Oversee administration of learning platforms.
• Plan and execute organization-wide events.
• Develop clear internal communications on HR topics.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Coaching skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Emotional intelligence

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Master’s degree in Human Resources or related field

HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP)

Job description

Position Description

Senior Human Resources Generalist to serve as a key partner to managers and employees, providing strategic and operational HR support across employee relations, performance management, compliance, learning and development, and internal communications. This role leads complex HR initiatives, ensures regulatory compliance, and enhances employee engagement through programs, events, and effective communication strategies.

Position Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Leadership Support

• Lead the resolution of complex employee relations matters, including investigations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Provide expert guidance to managers on performance management, employee development, and leadership best practices.
• Coach and mentor managers to enhance employee engagement, team effectiveness, and leadership capability.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as internal HR policies and institutional standards.
• Implement and monitor completion of required training programs, including state-mandated anti-harassment training.

Learning & Development

• Oversee administration of the LinkedIn Learning platform, including user access, content curation, reporting, and promoting employee engagement with learning resources.

HR Programs & Initiatives

• Lead or support complex HR projects and cross-functional initiatives aligned with organizational priorities.
• Assist with the development and execution of HR programs that enhance the employee experience.

Employee Engagement & Events

• Plan and execute large-scale, organization-wide events (e.g., seasonal celebrations, employee appreciation events).
• Manage the on-site Summer Children’s Program, ensuring a safe, engaging, and well-organized experience.

Communications

• Develop, write, edit, and proofread clear, engaging, and consistent internal communications across a range of HR topics, including benefits, policies, recognition, recruiting, diversity and inclusion, and wellness.
• Distribute communications through multiple channels (email, intranet, social media) and evaluate effectiveness through feedback and analytics.
• Maintain and update the HR intranet site, HR social media platforms, and other communication tools.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support ongoing HR initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) is preferred but not required.

Experience

• 5–8+ years of progressive HR experience, with strong employee relations expertise.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and advising management.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Managing HR programs, projects, and events in an academic, research, or healthcare environment is preferred but not required.

Skills

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and coaching skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and internal communication platforms is preferred but not required.
• Key Competencies
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Emotional intelligence and sound judgment
• Communication and influence
• Project and program management
• Organizational and time management

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $65,000-$75,000. Competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, paid time off and a range of wellness programs. CSHL is an EO Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.