Human Resources Generalist - People and Culture

Job Description

Description:

Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Through research-based programming and a supportive community, we equip girls with the skills and confidence to succeed in school, in careers, and in life. Our organization is growing rapidly across multiple sites and programs, supported by a passionate and dedicated team committed to equity, safety, and excellence.

The Human Resources Generalist - People and Culture plays a key role in supporting and strengthening our workforce as we continue to expand our reach and deepen our impact.

Position Summary

The Human Resources Generalist - People and Culture is responsible for supporting all aspects of human resources operations across the organization. This role ensures that Girls Inc. maintains strong HR practices, fluid year-round recruitment, compliance with employment regulations and policies, and a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture.

The HR Generalist - People and Culture will manage day-to-day HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, performance management support, and HR systems. The ideal candidate is both detail-oriented and people-centered, capable of balancing administrative excellence with thoughtful, relationship-based support for staff and leadership.

This position reports to the Director of Finance and Operations, and works closely with the Executive Director, leadership team, and external HR/benefits partners.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment & Onboarding

Coordinate full-cycle recruitment for open positions, including posting jobs on Paylocity, screening candidates, scheduling interviews, reference checks, and tracking receipt of all necessary onboarding items such as background checks, drug screening, and transcripts.

Support hiring managers in developing job descriptions and equitable hiring practices

Prepare and issue offer letters and onboarding materials

Lead and refine onboarding processes to ensure a welcoming and compliant start for all new hires

Maintain recruitment and applicant tracking systems

HR Administration & Compliance

Update and maintain employee handbook

Maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel files and HR records

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and nonprofit best practices

Support policy development, updates, and implementation

Track required trainings, certifications, and clearances (including Mandated Reporter, Anti-Harassment, CPR/First Aid, etc.)

Assist with audits, reporting, and risk management documentation

Benefits & Payroll Coordination

Administer employee benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies

Serve as liaison with payroll and benefits providers

Support staff with benefits enrollment and questions

Track PTO, leaves of absence, and required documentation

Ensure accurate employee data in payroll/HRIS systems

Employee Relations & Staff Support

Serve as a point of contact for staff HR questions and support needs

Promote a positive, inclusive, and mission-aligned workplace culture

Support conflict resolution and employee relations concerns with professionalism and confidentiality

Advise supervisors on performance management, documentation, and coaching practices

Help implement staff engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives

Performance Management & Professional Development

Support implementation of performance review processes, including annual reviews and check-ins

Assist with professional development planning and tracking

Help coordinate staff trainings and leadership development opportunities

Support leadership in cultivating a culture of feedback and growth

Organizational Growth & Culture

Contribute to strengthening organizational systems during a period of growth and expansion

Support initiatives related to staff wellness, equity, and retention

Help ensure HR practices reflect Girls Inc.’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Participate in cross-departmental planning and organizational development initiatives

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Health, dental, vision and life insurance

Retirement plan options

Professional development opportunities

Meaningful work in a mission-driven organization serving girls and familiesRequirements:

Required

HR certification (SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar)

Minimum of 5 years of HR experience, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization

Strong knowledge of California employment law and HR best practices

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust across all levels of staff

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment

Proficiency in HRIS/payroll systems, Paylocity and Microsoft Office

Preferred

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience in youth-serving organizations, education, or nonprofits

Experience supporting multi-site teams

Bilingual in English/Spanish

Core Competencies

People-Centered: Approachable, supportive, and committed to staff well-being

Organized & Systems-Oriented: Able to manage multiple priorities with strong follow-through

Equity-Minded: Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Collaborative: Works well across departments and with leadership

Discreet & Professional: Handles sensitive information with care and integrity

Flexible & Solutions-Oriented: Thrives in a growing, evolving organization

Full-time