Human Resource Generalist

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) is the collective spirit and unifying voice of our nation's tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). AIHEC supports American Indian and Alaska Native higher education through dedicated research and programmatic initiatives designed to strengthen Native languages, cultures, and Tribal communities. By leveraging its unique position, AIHEC serves as a collaborative partner, providing essential services to member institutions and emerging TCUs. Additionally, AIHEC produces the Tribal College Journal (TCJ), a premier national publication sharing insights on American Indian education.

Position Summary
The Human Resources Generalist supports the organization's human resources operations by administering key functions, including recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, payroll support, performance management, and HR compliance. Working closely with leadership and staff, this position helps ensure consistent application of HR policies and practices while fostering a positive, compliant, and employee-focused workplace.

This position reports to Chief of Staff. 

Key Responsibilities
Employee Relations & HR Administration
• Serve as a resource to employees and managers on HR policies, procedures, and employment practices. 
• Support employee relations by addressing workplace concerns and maintaining accurate, confidential personnel records. 
• Maintain HRIS data and employee records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational and legal requirements. 
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. 

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
• Coordinate the full-cycle recruitment process, including job postings, sourcing, screening, interviewing, selection, and onboarding.
• Lead new employee orientation and support a positive onboarding experience. 

Benefits & Payroll Administration
• Administer employee benefits programs and serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries.
• Assist with performance documentation and employee development planning. 
• Partner with the Finance Department to support payroll processing and resolve payroll related issues. 

Performance Management & Employee Engagement
• Support performance management, employee development, and training initiatives. 
• Assist with employee engagement activities and other HR programs that promote a positive workplace culture.

Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in an HR Generalist or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws and HR best practices.
• Experience and full competency in administering HRIS systems, specifically ADP Workforce Now NextGen.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience working in a nonprofit environment and understanding nonprofit operations

Preferred
• Understanding of American Indian and Alaska Native higher education issues, Tribal communities, and Tribal Nations.
• Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR).
• Familiarity with applicant tracking systems and talent management tools.
• Experience in organizational development or change management.
• Experience working in a mid-to-large-sized organization.

Core Competencies
• Communication & Relationship Building: Builds trust and communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Analytical & Problem Solving: Interprets HR data, identifies issues, and implements solutions.
• Organization & Time Management: Balances multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Compliance & Accuracy: Ensures adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Cultural Competence: Demonstrates respect for and understanding of Indigenous communities and values.
• Technical Proficiency: Utilizes HR systems and tools to improve efficiency and data integrity.

Job Location & Travel
• This position operates in a hybrid work environment. Required onsite at the organization’s headquarters in Alexandria, VA, three (3) days per week, with the remaining two (2) days per week working remotely.
• Sporadic travel (up to 20%) for meetings and conferences. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $80,000-$105,000 
• 401(k) with 6% matching
• Premium medical insurance for employees and dependents paid for by the organization
• Dental, vision, life, accident, hospital indemnity, and disability insurances offered at low cost
• Holidays and Paid time off

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform sedentary work for extended periods.
• Frequent use of a computer, including repetitive hand, wrist, and finger movements.
• Ability to prepare and analyze documents, enter data, and use standard office equipment.
• Ability to maintain close visual acuity for reading, reviewing documents, and working on a computer monitor for extended periods.

Important Notes
You must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work.  Final employment offers are contingent upon a Final Candidate’s successful completion of a Background Verification, and a determination by AIHEC that the information derived from the Background Verification does not disqualify the individual under FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting 
Agency).

Accessibility
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Commonwealth of Virginia where the agency is headquartered, it is the absolute pleasure of AIHEC to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or candidate with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship for AIHEC. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of the hiring process.