The Society is looking for a skilled Human Resources Specialist II to support the Society's mission and strategy by supporting employee relations and human resources policies, programs, and practices. This position will be responsible for processing the bi-weekly payroll, as well as working in coordination with the Human Resources Director in the areas of compensation, payroll processing, time & leave management, staffing and recruitment, benefits administration, policy development, and organizational compliance.

The person in this role will have the opportunity to work with all levels of staff and is expected to have strong analytical and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to contribute to a fast paced environment as an individual and as part of a team. To perform the job successfully, this candidate must be highly attuned to professionally dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.

This is an exempt position.

Responsibilities

• Handles end-to-end payroll functions, including but not limited to calculating wages, processing employee time records, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation adjustments accurately and on time.
• Generate payroll reports as needed for leadership, finance, and auditing purposes. Prepare and submit statutory reports, such as tax filings and W-2 forms.
• Process benefit payments in a timely manner.
• Serves as a point of contact for employee inquiries, concerns, and grievances; Helping to resolve conflicts and fostering a positive work environment.
• Oversees the recruitment process, including job postings, and facilitating the onboarding process for new hires.
• Maintain HRIS records, update employee files, and assist in benefits administration, including enrollment and changes. Ensuring data accuracy and confidentiality.
• Stay up-to-date with labor laws, tax regulations, and other statutory requirements to ensure payroll processes align with legal standards. Implement changes in regulations to ensure compliance.
• Administer employee benefits programs and inform employees of benefits; review benefit needs and trends; recommend benefit programs; direct processing of benefit claims; and administer educational programs on benefit programs, including open enrollment.
• Supports performance appraisal processes, assists in performance review cycles, and aid in the development of performance improvement plans when necessary.
• Contributes to the creation, implementation, and communication of HR policies and procedures in compliance with legal requirements and best practices.
• Collaborate on HR-related projects such as diversity and inclusion initiatives, employee engagement programs, or process improvement endeavors.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Excellent written, analytical, numerical, problem-solving, and verbal communication skills
• Keen attention to detail and highly organized; possess a desire for quality
• Proficiency in payroll software (e.g., Paychex, Paylocity, Paycom, etc.) and MS Office, especially Excel
• Strong understanding of payroll principles, taxation, and labor legislation.
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities
• High level of professionalism and time management capacities
• Motivated, self-directed, results-oriented, and customer-focused
• Experience in working on distributed or remote teams
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment

Required qualifications for all Society positions

• Affinity for the mission of the Society for Science
• Exceptional communications skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to develop rapport with colleagues and external clients

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from a College or University or four years of related experience
• Proven experience (3 years) in payroll administration or a similar role
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. The Society is operating on a hybrid work schedule.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.

Position Type and Expected Hours

This is a full-time, exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during normal office hours of the Society. Light travel for some of the organization's events might be necessary in this position.

Additional Information

Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees coming into the office and attending Society events. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position please submit a professional resume and cover letter through ApplicantPro.

The Society values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

Society for Science

Founded in 1921, the Society for Science (Society), is a champion for science, dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education, and scientific research. Through its world-class competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its award-winning magazines, Science News and Science News Explores, the Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, is focused on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, education, and inspire.

EEO Statement

The Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Society for Science & the Public is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.